Reflexology and Foot
Mobilisation Technique (FMT) benefit all, including athletes and the elderly
Besides reducing stress and having all round physical and
mental benefits, Reflexology stimulates
nerves, blood flow, muscles and tendons in the feet. FMT creates space within joints in the feet, increases foot mobility
and flexibility, and improves weight bearing and posture.
The foot
Each foot has 26 bones, 33 joints (of which 20 are actively
articulated) and approximately 7,800 nerves. Tendons and muscles are attached
to the bones. It is said we take an average of 10,000 steps a day.
Physical activity
Human beings are meant to be active and the body copes very
well with pressures put on feet and joints. Exercise slows and/or prevents injuries
as it helps to maintain balance, strength and flexibility. In today’s world
however, many life styles are more sedentary resulting in poorer recovery from the
occasional exercise routine. Landing hard on their feet, athletes have bodies
that are conditioned to absorb this shock and the resulting vibrations working
themselves up the body. The elderly, due to loss of general flexibility, may be
restricted in their activity as gradual stiffening of the joints limits their
range of movement. Gait changes and increased joint stiffness often lead to
decreased confidence, which may cause injury.
Injury
When strained, a muscle may be contracted long enough to pull
on the bones within a joint. The body adjusts itself by contracting other
muscles to accommodate for the change in alignment. Nerves pass on information
that something is not quite right; for example, the pain in a sprained ankle
will prompt us to realign our body to avoid the pain. This puts undue tension
on muscles and tendons in the direct and wider area of the injury.
Reflexology and FMT
Reflexology and FMT combined in a treatment are great tools
to help the body function better and within its own limits. Nerves are
stimulated, and muscles are warmed and stretched.
Reflexology through specific techniques
- · Warms and loosens up muscles in the feet
- · Allows the body to deal with inflammation
- · Loosens up tight muscles in the body
- · Brings nutrients to all muscle tissue
FMT through painless and gentle mobilisation:
- · Breaks down fibres around stiff joints restoring range of movement
- · Creates space within joints effectively increasing mobility, flexibility and strength
- · Muscles and tendons realign
- · The body benefits giving:
- o Everyone better weight bearing and posture
- o Athletes a more effective use of energy for performance, working from a stronger base
- o The elderly higher confidence whilst in motion
Conclusion
Both techniques are very useful, Reflexology balances the body’s functioning and FMT creates space and improved mobility
within the 33 foot joints. The increased range of movement is very useful for anyone
as the foot is more agile, fluid and responsive. Athletes are able respond to
quick changes in direction and intensive loads on the feet are better tolerated,
overall performance is improved. The elderly are more confident on their feet
and thus can go for longer walks, which improves mental and physical health as
well as independence.
References
Jedynak, T. (2012). An introduction to the principles of
Foot Mobilisation Techniques. Podiatry Now
Jedynak, T. (2007). Foot mobilisation techniques (FMT) for
reflexologists. Course material
Johnson, L. Learn orthopractics. ANZ College of Orthopractics. Course material.
