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Reflexology research news....... "its a wonderful, wonderful thing....."

6/1/2015

The RLD research ended in June 2014, and in July the preliminary data was presented to Tenovus, the Welsh Cancer Charity that funded the study. Their response was. "Wow, you've really got the grand slam there haven't you?"
We expect the results will be published for peer review in 2015. Here's a little taster of whats to come....

Quantitative data (objective arm measurements)
All 26 participants had reductions in swelling of the affected arm. The average difference between swollen and normal arms before RLD, was 348.8ml, and the average amount lost was 36.2% of this (126.3ml). All of the statistical tests run on the before

and after volumes showed that all effects were statistically significant (p<.001).

Quantitative data (subjective measurement of participants concerns and wellbeing using MYCaW)
We found that the changes on all three of the MYCaW scales were likely to be of clinical significance to the participants. Inferential analyses comparing before and after MYCaW scores for the 26 participants indicated significant differences at p<.01, for all three variables (concern1, concern2 and wellbeing)
The levels of the primary concern or problem rated by participants were significantly lower at follow-up than at baseline (p<.001)
Levels of the secondary concern or problem were also rated as significantly lower at follow-up compared to baseline,(p<.001)
Wellbeing increased significantly from baseline to follow-up, ( p<.01)
And to finish, our attrition rate was 0 during the study.– Nobody dropped out. Everyone who started, finished!

An example of quotes from the qualitative data
"....I found the whole thing was one of the top 10 highlights of my life."
"....I was really quite sceptical thinking, 'this isn't going to work, but I'll do it anyway' and I was amazed, really totally amazed to see the difference in my hand after the first session was just, .....I couldn't get over it."
"Its lighter, I haven't got the heaviness, I haven't got the aching in my arm, the swelling has gone down, I can stretch my arm, it just feels a lot better."
"I look at myself in the mirror now and I can see theres an actual shape to my arm whereas before it went straight down."
"I want to continue because I think its wonderful......I think its the best thing that's happened."
"It’s absolutely amazing because people do suffer with lymphoedema for years and it’s so painful, if something as pleasant as this can do something it’s wonderful. It’s a wonderful, wonderful thing.”

A huge thank you to Tenuous Welsh Cancer charity, and all those involved from Cardiff Met. University, including Judith Whatley, project co-ordinator and senior lecturer.

For more information and updates about RLD and reflexology research see Judith's Reflexscience blog

Exciting times for reflexology!

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RLD Case study ~ something to think about

7/8/2014

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The following extract has been taken from a case-study that I received yesterday, it is being shared with full permission of the reflexologist concerned.

"This as a case study is slightly unusual and personal.

The Amazing Shrinking Boob

During our training, we practiced the measuring techniques. This highlighted that although right hand dominated, measurements on my right side where smaller than the left. Not at this point did I put two and two together.

Brief Relevant History

Early menopause at 47, now 3 years post-menopausal, thankfully with no significant problems or associated symptoms, everything just ground to halt and that seemed to be that. However, since April/May 2014 I noticed a marked reduction in right breast size. Thinking this was and may still be due to oestrogen reduction, ignored it. Any reduction I thought was great but a bit odd to be lopsided. It had started to become noticeable in T-shirt tops.

Treatment

On attending your workshop, during the practical I did feel some tingling on the right side but this as per your information was to be expected. Once home, as I was not due to be working in the hospice until September, I decided to work on myself and role out the RLD in private practice with my own clients.

Rightly or wrongly I worked on my own feet, not easy but doable, following the manual and the training from the workshop. This was done am and pm every day for two weeks and I continue to do it once a day.

By day two or three if you count the workshop practical, changes were occurring. Significant discomfort was felt on the right side of the right breast at first, akin to pre period breast discomfort. This was followed the next day by a burning sensation that lodged under the right arm/axilla area. These symptoms both increased and continued.

Time to get the symptoms checked out and a visit to the GP. I was met with a locum. There have never been any lumps, just shrinking. The locum said oestrogen would not be responsible or both breasts would shrink evenly and suggested waiting 5 or 6 months to see if things improved or changed. Maybe, working in a hospice puts you on high alert but I was concerned at his advice, explained I was not happy with the speed of change and would like a referral to the breast clinic. I am now due to see the breast clinic.

However, with continued RLD treatments, symptoms have improved, the burning sensation has gone. There is no change in size. There is still right sided tenderness and occasional tingling but much improved.

Has RLD highlighted a pending problem or cleared lymph congestion? Was a duct blocked in anyway? The locum seemed to think this would cause the breast to increase in size rather than shrink. Once I attend the breast clinic, hopefully, a simple explanation will be given and all will be well.

I may be very grateful for RLD and attending the workshop!

Further treatments:

RLD has been tried to date on every client. In particular, those with RA, Irritable bowl and Lupus. Some clients know I am using it some do not. The most noticeable improvement so far has been with the Irritable Bowl symptoms settling quickly. The Lupus patient felt very nauseous for 4 days after treatment and then fine. Second treatment given today, so will see if the same occurs over the coming week.

I am delighted with RLD and will continue the process of practice and learning, seeing where and who it helps".

Many thanks.

XXXXXXXXX

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Reflexology and Hay fever

3/6/2014

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After a very interesting morning, when two clients presented with the usual unpleasant symptoms of Hay fever, acute rhinitis, nasal congestion, itchy watery eyes, etc.. and neither of them had taken anti-histamine.

Fairly certain that RLD would help to relieve some of these symptoms, we agreed it was worth trying. I've used RLD previously for Hay fever, but only as part of a reflexology treatment, working other reflex areas too.

This time I followed the original RLD protocol, to focus on causing an effect on the lymphatic system (as per the results of the research), and therefore the immune system too. Suggesting that stimulating the lymphatic system, is likely to cause an effect on the auto-immune inflammatory response to the allergen, in this case pollen.

Both clients felt the effects of the treatment, during and after as the symptoms gradually cleared. Interesting, because I would usually associate this kind of result with having worked the sinus reflexes, but only RLD protocol was used, no sinus reflexes!

If neither client had felt the effects of RLD, I would have added the sinus reflexes ay the end, but on this occasion there was no need, sinuses and nasal passageways cleared without direct stimulation of the sinus reflexes!

I have received some case studies about Hay fever, and it was great to be presented with the chance to use RLD with these clients, particularly as its Hay fever season.

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Reflexology Research in Europe

2/6/2014

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Last month I was honoured to be invited to speak about RLD at two reflexology conferences. The first, Reflexology in Europe RiEN, was held on the beautiful island of Madeira, and the second, was The Clinical Reflexology in Palliative care conference at The Christie Hospital. It was exciting to be able to share some interim data from the research. So far so good!
We have entered the final stages of the study, 20 of the participants have finished, a further 7 are currently receiving RLD treatments and we still have space for a further 3. There's still time, if you know anyone with secondary lymphoedema of the arm, as result of treatment for breast cancer, living near Cardiff, to take part.

Before (Top) & After (Middle) (Left Before - Right After)

While in Madeira, one of the delegates had a some lymphoedema, which was exacerbated by the flight and heat. Swelling was evident, (without measuring) particularly in the hand, as seen above. After 40 minute RLD, visible changes can be seen here, particularly to the appearance of the skin.

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Lasting effects of Reflexology Lymph Drainage

28/3/2014

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Something I often get asked is, how long do the effects of RLD last?
A consideration for the design of future RLD research.......... but until then I'm delighted to share this

27th March 2014 ~ Five weeks since receiving RLD ~ and 8 weeks since the photograph below

The photograph was taken when I met one of the participants who has already taken part in the current RLD research. She was excited to show me her hand (which had bothered her greatly, eleven weeks ago at the beginning of the study), it featured in the last Blog entry

It was five weeks since she finished her RLD treatments in the research and eight weeks since the other photograph was taken. She also rolled up her sleeve to show that the top of her arm was still looking good. This was where fluid had collected before taking part in the research, and (without a tape measure to prove it) there was no sign of visible swelling.

At the beginning of the study (9th January) she wore compression garments every day, a full sleeve and a glove. Since taking part, she has not worn either, and the swelling does not appear to have returned yet.

Although RLD is not a cure for secondary lymphoedema, early indications appear to suggest that it may well help to manage the condition.

We do not recommend that anyone stops wearing their sleeve.

30th January 2014

27th March 2014

Continuing with self-management, as recommended by the lymphoedema service is important, this may include, skin care, exercise and wearing compression garments, and could help to prolong the benefits of RLD treatment.

Anecdotal evidence seems to suggest that the benefits of RLD may last for months in some cases, but this does vary from person to person. Many things affect the accumulation of lymph, usually it gradually builds up slowly before becoming noticeable.

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Photographic evidence of Reflexology Lymph Drainage

31/1/2014

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These photographs were taken immediately before and after a Reflexology Lymph Drainage treatment, 40 minutes apart. Look closely at the difference in the skin, as well as the shape of the hand and fingers. Using a series of 4cm cylinder measurements we are able to calculate the excess fluid volume of the arm, which enables us to see the changes in swelling. This is not the case with the hand, because the arm measurements start 2cm above the wrist.

Some of the people that I meet, with swelling in the hand (as well as in the arm), say that its the hand that bothers them the most. A swollen hand is more visible and harder to disguise. The compression gloves, which must be worn to support and protect the hand also draw attention to it. Several women have talked about how people often ask, "what have you done to your hand?" Not wanting to discuss it, some choose to brush off the question with, "oh, I fell over last week". These situations can have a negative impact on self-confidence.

The top photograph clearly shows where the watch was tight on the wrist before receiving RLD. Below we can see how loose the watch strap was after.

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Reflexology Lymph Drainage success stories shared

22/1/2014

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In the last 7 days, several reflexologists have taken the time to contact me and share their RLD experiences. It is so encouraging to hear from everyone, thank you for sharing and keep up the great work!

Their experiences include clients with, post-surgery Liposuction, lymphoedema in the legs after a playground accident 20 years ago and swollen heavy legs due to obesity.

RLD and Liposuction

"I have been using your Lymphatic drainage method so much over the past 6 months and cant tell you how chuffed I am to know how to do it and how to adapt it according to the clients needs. The results are quite amazing, I am awestruck by it. I have done your lymphatic drainage treatment on a few ladies who have had Liposuction treatments on their tummies and it has worked so well with them.... Their doctors have all been amazed by their progress after two RLD treatments. They are amazed that bruising doesn't get disturbed, like with manual drainage."

RLD and Lymphoedema in the leg

"Love the treatment and using it with my long standing client who has lymphoedema in legs (and had one leg operated on in June) and seeing good results....she feels the same sensations as when she has MLD treatments... so she is pleased.

I have another client with problems after breast surgery that I am going to use as a case study in a few weeks. However, I have quite a number of clients who have lymphoedema in the feet and legs and wanted to see if RLD would help them also. I am working with one lady as a guinea pig (who I have had as a client for a number of years)....she is in her 30s and has had lymphoedema since she was 6 yrs old after a knock in the playground... not diagnosed until she was 13 !! but she suffers especially with her swollen feet. I have done 2 treatments and, although not massive changes in measurements in legs, the feet are taking on a normal shape and she had noticed an immediate result when putting on her shoes/boots....her family have noticed the change in appearance also, so she is thrilled as she says this is the most painful part especially towards the end of the day. She says her toes wiggle and her ankles feel light !!! The results lasted between the treatments which were 16 days apart."

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Successfully using Reflexology for lymphatic drainage

13/12/2013

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In the last couple of weeks I've travelled to Manchester, Brighton, Guildford and London for the final RLD courses of 2013 and what a remarkable year this has been! Thank you everyone who has been part of it.

Throughout the year there has been a steady flow of success stories from reflexologists who have attended the workshop. These included numerous examples of RLD being used to help people with secondary lymphoedema of the arm, which is fantastic! Being able to see the physical improvements is such a gift.

Interestingly I'm also hearing from reflexologists who are using RLD with clients and patients who are suffering lymphoedema swelling in other parts of the body. Yesterday I met a reflexologist who told me about a treatment she gave a patient with severe Ascites. Both the reflexologist and the patient were amazed by how much RLD seemed to help with the discomfort.

There has also been a very interesting case using RLD to help lipoedema, hopefully the reflexologist is going to write a blog entry for us to share and learn from.

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Does the fluid loss continue after RLD? and for how long?

24/10/2013

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Recently at an RLD course, one of the reflexologists who was there had been treated for breast cancer earlier in the year. Her treatment included a lumpectomy, full axillary lymph-node clearance, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Treatment had left her with a heaviness in the affected breast, with some oedema in the surrounding area and although she didn't think she had any in her arm, measuring suggested otherwise. She kindly volunteered for the RLD practical demonstration, and during this felt some of the temperature changes and tingling sensations which are ofter felt during RLD.

At home, later that evening she and her husband re-measured her arm, their measurements suggest that the fluid volume had

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Similarities between MLD and RLD

21/9/2013

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Two days ago I was a guest speaker at NACTHPC (National Association of Complementary Therapists in Hospice and Palliative Care) conference, and what a lovely audience they were! I spoke for an hour about RLD, from the thinking behind it, the process of conducting clinical research, the results, limitations of the study and plans for ongoing and future research.

The audience were practitioners of a range of complementary therapies and not all of them were reflexologists. Some of the delegates were MLD Lymphoedema specialists, one of whom made a very interesting observation about the RLD results. It seems that during a 3 week intensive course of MLD treatment, they would expect to see a similar patter of results. The initial treatment yields the greatest reduction, with subsequent treatments given to consolidate the results.

RLD is still very much in its infancy, and for those of you who are unfamiliar with the results from the initial research, please see the graph below.

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