Reflexology and RSI

[yneflunaimeiuqeje]

Hello everyone!

Hope everyone has had a good day so far.

Just after a bit of advice really, im currently studying level 3 VTCT Reflexology. Case studies and exams have started, on college nights we can do up to 3 treatments in a night. Now my thumb is really starting to ache. Im not sure if its just muscles that i havent really used or if im actually doing harm.

How do other people cope?

Thank you all in advance,

Claire Xxx

 

[psychicyardstick]

good question...i asked my tutor that question for that reason ,and because i was worried about effects on the health of the therapist......i think the reply will vary.

i never do more than 2 treatments in a day for my case studies...and i am doing ITEC course.....and at college we never do more than 2 treatments on course night probably because of time.
Apparently, after we qualify ,there are courses available with different techniques so that you can save all the work on the thumb. in the meantime it seems to be an individual thing.Hope that helps.

 

[CandM]

Hi,

I too am studying reflexology and I have tendonitis and the beginning of carpal tunnel syndrome. I have been advised by a fellow reflexologist who has the same problems too never do more than three reflexology treatments in a day preferably two and to rotate them with other therapies (I also do IHM, Hopi Ear Candles and am training in Aromatherapy). On saying that as my problems are mainly in my wrist, I don't seem to have had too many problems so far with my thumb although it can start to ache a little towards the end of doing two or more treatments.

 

[Leg Danger]

Hi everyone

This seems to be a really common problem and whilst my suggestion isn't of much use to those of you still in training, maybe others might like to know about it -there is a technique called the Gentle Touch technique taught by Sue Ricks which uses a very light pressure and seriously prolongs the working life of the reflexologist. I know that Sue often treats 6-8 clients a day and has done so for years now, without any thumb problems. I was trained in this method and love it, and although I don't treat anything like as many clients as Sue, I too have no problems.

There may be other suggestions out there with regard to those who use a firmer pressure - I do not have any experience other than GTR so cannot advise, but would highly recommend the conversion course Sue runs.

All the best and I hope that you find something which helps you.

Karen

 

[bobcat11eob]

I would love to do the GTR as I believe that you don't need deep pressure to be effective.

That said, I have inherited some clients from a girl who cannot work now do to RSI of both her hands and shoulders (she also did massage). She is "defunct" at the age of 29.

Her past clientsinvariably ask me for much, much more pressure (bearing in mind I do have a moderate amount of pressure) to the extent that I am not "wiggling" but more like "boring holes" in them. I cannot see howusing incredible pressure such as she has (and has done herself a mischief in the process) can be of any greater benefit than moderate to light pressure. I can feel more in the feet with a moderate pressure than being heavy.

S'pose it's horses for courses though.

 

[nicemadhura]

Hi Patchouli

I understand completely - I'm afraid that if I get a client who asks for a firmer pressure I re-emphasise to them that it is not a technique I personally do, and advise them of where they can go i.e. the AOR if they wish to look for another reflexologist. I love the technique I have been taught and value both my integrity, and my working life span, so would never do anything I did not feel was right for me personally. I know that there are those of the opinion 'no pain no gain' but being a bit of a woose myself it's not a philosophy for me! Like you said it's horses for courses.
Karen

 

[McPurple]

[Deleted by Admins]

 

[ohhaii]

Hi Everyone

I am a current student of Sue Ricks and studying Gentle Touch Reflexology. I have no problems with RSI because we use a very light touch and oil.I can complete all of my treatments for the case studies without any stress. Clients love it too and find it very soothing. With GTR the emphasis is on relaxation for the practitioner and the client.I do not have to tensemy shoulders, arms, wristsor thumbs which meansIsit relaxed and comfortable.

AsFeetfirst says, a conversion coursewill help those that are finding things difficult.

Chris

 

[Damon]

Hi all. Rainbow star do you do any warm up routines before treating eg flashing fingers, rotating shoulders and waist, loosening arms etc, breathing exercises? I try and do this now as I play piano as well (qualified musician) and it really works.

 

[cirmemedilt]

Hi all,

I personally prefer both giving and receiving a firmer touch !! In light of this I take collagencapsules daily and thus far haven't had any problems !! Collagen is found in all our connective tissues and depletes with age !! Taking collagen can help to prevent joint deterioration and i've found it definately helps me and many others i know who take it !! Just a thought !!!

Meridianmoon xx

 

[Mystery Girl 11]

CrissyB where did you do the gentle touch course?? How much did you pay and how long was the course for?

Thanks

Feet feet

 

[richardinunion]

I took Sue's Gentle Touch 3 day workshop for qualified reflexologists last year in Leicester, and really enjoyed it. It's a lovely treatment to give. I was surprised how much more I enjoyed giving Gentle Touch treatments compaired to my treatments before, and no discomfort. I was also surprised to find that I really preferred the lighter touch when receiving a treatment. I'd really recommend Sue's course. She's a lovely lady, and great teacher.