Reflexology is frequently being utilized as a tool for pain management, including for the customary aches and pains common to the sportsman and athlete. Athletic individuals are also seeking out the services of professional reflexologists to speed recovery after injuries and surgeries.
Runners and walkers especially benefit from the application of techniques applied to the feet but other types of sports enthusiasts are finding reflexology beneficial. Professional and amateur athletes can add a reflexologist to their team of healthcare professionals to aid recovery and keep them going strong.
Reflexology in Performance Sports
Baseball, soccer, football and other competitive sports require players to have contact with each other during warm ups and the game. Chances of injuries can be high in these types of sports simply because of the contact with other players on the field.
Bringing reflexology into some types of injuries can helpful to:
- decrease stress and pain levels
- accelerate the body’s own healing process
- reduce inflammation by improving circulation
Some foot injuries may require the reflexologist to switch to the reflex maps found on the hands or the ears until the foot has improved and can be worked on again.
In addition to muscle and soft tissue injuries, more serious injuries relating to the spine and brain can occur in contact sports. Anecdotally, reflexology may be a helpful tool to aid in the recovery from a spinal cord or brain injury.
Reflexology in Outdoor Hobbies
The "weekend warrior" is a common client type to turn up in a reflexology practice for gardening injuries, muscle strains from home improvement projects, or just physical fatigue from an unordinary amount of work. Some turn to a reflexologist or massage therapist first and may be referred on to their primary care physician if the injury is not showing signs of improvement.
A reflexologist can demonstrate self-help techniques to try at home to speed up the recovery process from strain or pain.
Outdoor Hobbies and Reflexology
Seasonal golfers, downhill skiers and runners may encounter repetitive use and other forms of injuries. Reflexology can be added to a bi-weekly or monthly routine to maintain endurance and flexibility as well as to cope from the body-strain.
Golfers and tennis players find hand reflexology to be very helpful in reducing tension in the hands and upper body. Skiers, runners and other athletic types that abuse their feet will find foot reflexology to be a favorite.
Reflexology is not a Substitute for Physical Therapy or Medical Treatment
While it can be a nice adjunct to a wellness plan, reflexology should not be misconstrued as a stand-alone therapy. Some athletes will require corrective surgeries or procedures to recover from an injury; and physical therapy can play a large role in the recovery process.
When visiting the reflexologist for the first time after an injury, be sure to take along scan reports to give the practitioner a full picture of what areas of the body are affected. Did the doctor say it was tendonitis? Which tendon had to be replaced or repaired? Is it a fracture or just inflammation? These will be some questions the therapist will ask – so go armed with information to help her do her job.
References:
- Gillanders, Ann, The Busy Person's Guide to Reflexology 2002 Barron's
- Dougans, Inge, The Art of Reflexology
- The Author’s six years experience as a Reflexologist
Amy Kreydin - Amy Kreydin, NBCRT, CCAP, BD is a Board Certified Reflexologist and Clinical Aromatherapist.
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