Reflexology and over-use of the thumb?

[Lord Zane Vorhis]

Dear Forum

I am currently doing a project on RSI/over-use injuries in massage therapists and while doing my case studies i realise that 3 of my case studies also do reflexology and suffer from over-use symptoms in the thumb and forearm muscles which help move the thumb [amongst other over-use symptoms in the forearms and hands].

I'd like to ask how common over-use symptoms in the thumbs in Reflexologists are? and, what strategies can be used to over-come these?

Thanks in advance
Melanie

 

[StoicCrying]

Hello Melanie

Use of other parts of the hand eg the heel of the palm, the fingers and the knuckles can relieve the thumb from overexertion, and there is a version of reflexology called Gentle Touch Reflexology which focuses on 'saving' the therapist's hands from overwork and strain while giving a lovely treatment (there are other threads on here that discuss it). It is important for us to look after our hands, because if you mess them up and end up with injuries you are potentially cutting your career short and will not be in a position to help anyone. Good luck with your project - will you come back to report some of your findings?

 

[Evilcharm]

I've been lucky as I've had no problems so far. When I was training a did 5 treatments in an evening in one big slot - no problems. I don't have too many reflexology treatments as a rule but find that my thumb strength isn't as much as I'd like when doing remedial. I have a thumb which bends right back so pressure is diverted, making the touch to the client a touch lighter - I do wonder if this is why my thumb is ok in reflex, cause I know in remedial it's bent right back if I put too much on there..

 

[njhrmovb]

Thanks for the replies. I'll certainly look into Gentle Touch Reflexology. My case studies all do deep pressure and remedial massage as well as reflexology and don't seem to factor in reflexology into why they have problems. They seem to think that you have to use pressure to create an injury - however, reading books on RSI and Cumulative Trauma Disorder I believe that small repetitive movements without pressure can cause injury too.

I've never had a reflexology treatment, so I can't talk from experience but my case studies report that they use their thumbs exclusively. Is this traditionally how reflexology is taught?

As the thumb joint is a saddle joint and the thumb is a unique and complex piece of our anatomy how would one go about doing any stretching of the thumb? and how could one strengthen the thumb muscles? The books I have have stretching and strengthening for the wrists and forearms and fingers but not for the thumb.

Thanks
Melanie

 

[Lemon L]

It's traditionally all thumbs.. you're right in asking about strengthening techniques, I tended to practice the gentle pressures for reflex to keep the thumb fluid and relaxed between treatments, varying depth and pressure of movements along with the angle at which you work also helps.The thumbs aren't traditionally talked about to be honest - just to vary what you do.

I've recently done No Hands Reflex - and whilst I agree it's a good reflex treatment, I personally don't find it to be a zero strain replacement for the actual reflex treatment, although I do get great results. It might be worth looking into this technique in your research as it's the only technique which aims to rid reflexologists of RSI. If you mail them they do have some research findings and stats which you might find interesting with regards RSI in general. You may also benefit from contacting the AOR as they do a lot of rsearch and may have looked into this, although nothing springs to mind just now.

 

[Young Old Soul]

Thanks Justine - that's a great help. I'll look into it. I didn't know that No Hands did a course aimed at reflexologists. I'm booked to do the massage therapist course in Mar '07 and really looking forward to it.

Have a lovely day
Melanie

 

[Zaylenn]

Well, it's not the same, for me anyway, but if you're on the Transforming Touch, all I can say is you're in for a treat.

I don't know when you're assignments due, but if you're booked in on the course, mail Gerry and Geraldine and tell them about it - they love this kinda thing.