Contra-Indicators for Treatment

 

The difference between a contra-indicator and a caution is the following:

 

Contra-indicator:

 

Treatment is not allowed for any condition that is a contra-indicator.

 

Caution:

 

Is a warning to take care when treating a client so to avoid making the condition worse.  For example, if a client had a fractured toe, you would not work over the area because that may damage the bone.

 

The following information has been based on the association of reflexologists’ checklist.

 

Definite Contra-indicators

 

In all cases, treatment must not be given to the client if they have the following conditions.

 

[      Contagious/acute infectious diseases.  This is because there is a danger of cross-infection.  In the case of verucca’s though, they can be covered with a plaster and the area around the verucca worked on.

[      Gangrene.  This is because reflexology stimulates blood circulation and therefore, may spread the condition further into the body.

[      Internal bleeding.  This is because reflexology stimulates blood circulation and may make the bleeding worse.

[      Thrombosis.  The increased blood circulation from a reflexology treatment may dislodge a blood clot.

[      First 16 weeks of pregnancy/unstable pregnancies.  This is because the treatment may be abortifacient.

[      Cancer patients during Chemotherapy/Radiotherapy or on heavy doses of steroids. 

 

Caution Required

 

After Meals

 

If a client has had a light meal than there will be no adverse side effects, however, care must be taken if the client is a diabetic (see diabetes).

 

AIDS/HIV

 

At the discretion of the practitioner, gloves are used.

 

Atrophy (wasting away, e.g. multiple sclerosis, anorexia)

 

Reflexology is can be beneficial for these conditions.

 

Blood Pressure (unstable)

 

Reflexology is very balancing but it is advisable that the client’s doctor completes regular monitoring. 

 

Cancer

 

Do not treat unless prior approval of the clients’ doctor of Macmillan nurse.  Reflexology is helpful for the control of pain and to improve the quality of life of a person suffering from cancer.

 

Children

 

Light pressure should be used on children.

 

Damaged Areas (scars, bruises or cuts)

 

Reflexology treatments can be given as long as it is not over the painful area or over recent scar tissue.

 

Diabetes

 

Diabetics usually have quite thin skin so great care should be taken when treating them.  Even using a sensitive touch allows them to respond favourably to treatments.  Practitioners should be aware of hypoglycaemia and be alert to possible reactions and appropriate action.  It is advisable to ask the client to check their insulin levels after a reflexology treatment and to encourage them to eat.

 

Elderly Clients

 

Whilst elderly people enjoy the therapeutic touch of reflexology, it is advisable to complete a light and short treatment.

 

Heart Attacks and Chronic Heart Condition

 

Reflexology can help revive clients who suffer from the above.

 

Heavy Drug Medication/Alcohol or Drug Abuser

 

There may be a possibility of the client not responding to reflexology.  There is also a danger of expelling important medication.  Reflexology has been known to help abusers of alcohol and drugs.

 

IUD/Coil

 

During a reflexology treatment, the uterus must be avoided as it may dislodge it.

 

Mycotic Infections (extensive)

 

These conditions of the feet, for example, verucca’s and athlete’s foot must not be touched during a reflexology treatment.  The practitioner can either cover the areas with a plaster, use gloves or give hand reflexology for the areas that cannot be treated on the feet.

 

Osteoporosis/Decalcification/Malunion of Bone/Poor Healing of Fractures/Fractures

 

Do not treat over the area that is injured or has fragile bones.  For patients over the age of 60, the practioner needs to work lightly as there is a higher tendency to osteoporosis.  Great care must be taken at all times.

 

Psychosis/Manic Depression/Paranoia

 

The therapist should have professional counselling skills and experience to deal with these conditions.  Reflexology can be very helpful to clients suffering from these conditions.

 

Rare or Unusual Condition

 

Reflexology should not be given without prior consent from the clients’ doctor.  Reflexology is known to be safe for most conditions, however, caution is warranted.

 

Surgery

 

Conditions where surgery is indicated or after recent surgery must be treated with caution.  Reflexology can prepare a client for surgery and strengthen them after surgery.

 

Swollen Areas and Oedema

 

Reflexology will successfully treat the above conditions, however, care should be taken over inflamed or painful areas.

 

Undiagnosed Pain (especially if acute)

 

If, after 5 reflexology treatments, the pain does not lift, refer to client to their doctor as there may be a more serious, underlying condition. 

 

Very experienced professional practitioners prepared the above guidelines and the reflexology association recommends that all practitioners refer to these guidelines before dealing with any of the above conditions.