Spinal Reflexology

Four out of five people experience back or neck pain at some time and it is the single biggest cause for time taken off work.

Most people only go to a Chiropractor or Osteopath after suffering for some time. It is more effective to take care of problems relating to the spine before they occur by taking gentle exercise and having a regular mobilisation performed.

Many people are afraid of having sudden and forceful manipulations and need to know that effective treatment can be very gentle and relaxing.

Spinal Reflexology is gentle and relaxing and very effective at treating most forms of back and neck pain. Sciatica or leg pain caused by the spine and pelvis is also very treatable. In fact it is one of the specialities of this therapy with most people feeling a great improvement after only a few sessions.

What the Treatment Involves

The application of the treatment is totally different from Chiropractic and Osteopathy, even though the benefits and results may be similar.

Firstly, all of the manipulations involved can be classed as mobilisations, with no joint taken to its full range of movement. The idea is not to put a bone back into its correct anatomical position, but to mobilise all areas, whether they are dysfunctional or not.

No particular diagnosis is given for any part of the spine before the treatment begins. All patients are treated in a similar way, using the same techniques, just as with massage.

If an area is dysfunctional, it will have a restriction of movement caused by the surrounding tissues contracting. The treatment involves releasing muscles from spasm or tension that is extremely gentle, yet incredibly effective, therefore allowing normal vertebral positioning and function to return naturally.

The rest of the treatment is semi specific in approach involving a series of gentle mobilisation techniques. The pelvis is also taken through a range of movements.

It is important to emphasise that no joint is ever taken to its full range of motion, as this is not considered to be necessary for the treatment to be effective. Also, the forces used are very small, comparing favourably with massage.

The treatment can be performed through clothing as long as it is loose enough to move the clients' legs without restriction. Jogging trousers and a t-shirt are ideal.

To sum up: the treatment can be considered to be a form of semi-specific spinal massage with great benefits to the overall functioning and well being of the individual.

Possible Conditions that may benefit

The list of conditions that may improve as a result of manipulation of the spine is a long one, involving every part of the body. The theory closely mirrors the claims made by Chiropractors and Osteopaths, the idea is not to treat specific illnesses but to improve the functioning and healing response throughout the body. The list may include the following:

It almost goes without saying that all kinds of back, neck, shoulder and sciatic pain can be relieved as well.

Testimonials

Here’s what one of my clients said about Spinal Reflexology:

“My name is Maureen I saw Kathy to see if she could help me with my back pain. Prior to the treatment there were several areas of difficulty. For example I couldn’t sit up in bed from a laying position I had to roll out holding the edge of the mattress. Now I can sit up and get out of bed without pain. When going to the bathroom I experienced pain bending down to raise the toilet lid. I had problems in the shower as I couldn't twist and bend my body without pain. It was difficult fastening shoes or boots. I also had lower back pain if I stood in one position for any length of time. Getting in and out of the car and driving was painful.

After the first treatment I noticed an improvement after the next one I was completely free of pain. At Christmas I was helping my sister get into a taxi & as she is severely disabled I was taking all her weight. My back went and I was in agony for the next week. When I had another treatment it got rid of the pain straight away. I am now free of all pain for the first time in years.”

Maureen (Southampton)