What do people talk about during reflexology? Analysis of worries and concerns expressed during sessions for patients with multiple sclerosis
Moderate EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology, explained
Our previous study evaluated the use of reflexology compared to progressive muscular relaxation in improving the psychological and physical profile associated with multiple sclerosis. In this paper audiotapes from the reflexology sessions have been analysed to give a picture of the nature of interaction between patients and therapists during treatment. A crossover design with two groups was chosen. Each participant received six sessions of both interventions. All reflexology sessions were recorded and the tapes transcribed and analysed. Analysis of the available audiotapes (n=245) revealed that reflexology provided opportunities for 48 out of the 50 participants to share worries and concerns. Recurring disclosure themes related to physical symptoms and treatment, psychological concerns, home/family worries, and work/leisure issues. Explorative analysis revealed some differences in the amount of disclosure over the weeks, between for example the participant's type of MS and time living with the diagnosis. Reflexology appears to have created a space for patients to talk about their worries and concerns, and to receive advice and support from the nurse therapists. This work contributes to the debate about the role of the therapeutic relationship within reflexology practice.
Key Findings: what this qualitative study found
- ✓Reflexology sessions provided opportunities for 96% of participants (48 out of 50) with multiple sclerosis to share worries and concerns with their therapists.
- ✓Patient disclosures during reflexology sessions centered on four main themes: physical symptoms and treatment, psychological concerns, home and family worries, and work and leisure issues.
- ✓The amount and nature of patient disclosure varied over the course of treatment weeks, with differences observed based on participants' type of MS and duration of living with the condition.
What This Means for You
If you have MS and consider reflexology, know that it may provide a supportive environment to discuss your concerns with a trained therapist, though this study doesn't measure whether reflexology itself improves MS symptoms.
What This Means for Practitioners
Reflexology sessions can facilitate meaningful therapeutic conversations about patients' physical and emotional concerns, suggesting that the quality of the therapist-patient relationship is an important part of treatment.
Study Design: how this qualitative study was run
Common questions about this study
What does this study mean in practice?
If you have MS and consider reflexology, know that it may provide a supportive environment to discuss your concerns with a trained therapist, though this study doesn't measure whether reflexology itself improves MS symptoms.
What did this study find?
Reflexology sessions provided opportunities for 96% of participants (48 out of 50) with multiple sclerosis to share worries and concerns with their therapists. Patient disclosures during reflexology sessions centered on four main themes: physical symptoms and treatment, psychological concerns, home and family worries, and work and leisure issues. The amount and nature of patient disclosure varied over the course of treatment weeks, with differences observed based on participants' type of MS and duration of living with the condition.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a qualitative study and we rate its evidence moderate. It covers 50 participants. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
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