how to write a case study for reflexology

Reflexology Case Study

Reflexology Case study example

How to Write a Massage Case Study: A Comprehensive Guide

Why do some massage treatments achieve remarkable results while others have minimal impact? It’s not just about technique, but also the understanding and application of that technique to the client’s individual needs. Case studies can help us to understand the results of treatments for different individuals and scenarios, and can offer valuable insights to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

What is a case study in massage therapy? A case study is a detailed account of a massage therapist’s work with a particular client over a period of time. It documents the client’s initial condition, the therapist’s assessment, the treatments provided, and the outcomes. These studies bridge the gap between anecdotal and empirical evidence, and offer insights into the efficacy of different techniques and approaches.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll lay out a step-by-step formula to help you craft a massage case study. You’ll discover the importance of case studies in shedding light on varying massage outcomes in different situations, the components of a thorough case study, practical advice for documentation, and tips and resources for creating your own case study. We’ve also included a case study example and answers to common questions about case studies.

The Purpose of Massage Case Studies

Why exactly do we invest time in writing massage case studies? At its core, a massage case study is more than just a clinical narration; it’s a beacon of information, a testament to therapeutic transformation, and a tool for better practice.

A massage case study, also called a case report , is a deep dive into a specific client’s journey, serving both as a chronicle of treatment sessions and as a tangible piece of massage research. Its intricate details, right from the presenting problems to the massage therapy treatment outcomes, provide invaluable data for fellow massage therapists. This detailed exploration helps demystify complex cases, shedding light on specific massage techniques or modalities that yielded positive effects or highlighting the nuances that required a shift in approach.

Beyond its educational merit, a well-documented massage case study can be a potent marketing tool. Think about it: prospective clients reading these success stories might see themselves in the narrative, becoming more inclined to seek the same therapeutic relief. Moreover, these case studies affirm the credibility of a therapist’s approach, validating the benefits of massage therapy through real-life examples. These can be useful marketing tools when promoting your massage services to other health providers in your community.

In essence, when you write a case study, you’re not just documenting a series of events; you’re contributing to a growing body of evidence, sharing feedback, and offering a glimpse into the real-world impact of massage therapy. It’s about painting a vivid picture that resonates, informs, and inspires.

*It’s important to understand that not every case study shows a win. Sometimes, results are minimal or even point to the need for a referral to another provider (e.g., chiropractor, physical therapist, doctor, acupuncturist). Sometimes massage therapy isn’t the best treatment option. However, every case, whether a success or a lesson, is valuable. The key is to document each experience honestly and objectively.

Different Types of Research in Massage Therapy

Research is often ranked or ordered based on the strength of evidence it provides. At the top of this hierarchy are randomized controlled trials (RCTs), which are considered the gold standard due to their rigorous design and ability to ascertain cause-and-effect relationships. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, which compile and analyze multiple RCTs, further strengthen the evidence base. 

Other types of research like observational studies, cohort studies, and case-control studies offer valuable insights but carry a higher potential for  bias . Case studies and expert opinions provide anecdotal evidence and individual perspectives, and are at the lower end of the hierarchy. While they are less robust in terms of how widely the results can be applied, they play a pivotal role in identifying novel hypotheses, offering in-depth insights on individual experiences, and providing preliminary data that can pave the way for more extensive research in the future. You may even see a questions or two about case studies of massage research on the MBLEx exam .

Components of a Well-Written Massage Case Study

So, you’re ready to write an engaging case study, but where do you start? Let’s dive into the anatomy of a massage case study to understand its core components.

• Title : Crafting the right title is essential. It should be more than just a label; it should be an inviting gateway. Consider incorporating the specific condition being addressed and a hint about the outcome or a unique aspect. This draws readers in and gives a snapshot of what to expect.
• Abstract : A concise snapshot! This section is your elevator pitch. Summarize the critical points, including the challenges, treatments, and key learnings. Mirroring the larger report in a compressed form can give your fellow therapists or potential clients an immediate understanding of the case’s essence.
• Introduction : Here’s where you set the stage. Start with a background that provides context and any notable or unique aspects of the case. Clarify the objective, emphasizing its relevance to massage therapy. What questions does this case study seek to address?
• Client Details : Anonymity is crucial! But while protecting identity, lay out the client’s demographics, such as age and occupation. Dive into the presenting problem, detailing the reasons they sought out massage therapy. Maybe it was chronic low back pain or persistent muscle tension that disrupted daily living. 
• Assessment : Every therapist has their method, but it’s essential to share how you gauged the client’s needs. Whether you relied on palpation, observed posture, or employed the visual analogue scale to measure discomfort, this section chronicles your initial investigative process. Objective measurements, like the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), come handy here.
• Treatment Plan : Now, map out the journey ahead. Detail the proposed massage techniques, frequency of sessions, and any self-massage or exercises recommended. Clearly outline both short-term and long-term treatment goals, ensuring they’re tangible and realistic.
• Treatment Sessions : This section is the heart of your case study. It offers a chronological overview of each session, focusing on types of massage , techniques applied, the client’s feedback, any adjustments made, and post-treatment observations. If the client reported a dip in their pain level, this is where you note it. *A case study can cover a single treatment session, or it can range over a longer period and include multiple treatment sessions.
• Results and Observations : All your hard work culminates here. Highlight the number of sessions, side effects (adverse reactions), and any adjustments to the initial treatment plan. Contrast the client’s experience from their first appointment to their last, emphasizing tangible changes.
• Conclusion : Reflect and wrap up. Highlight the significance of the case, the lessons learned, and potential recommendations for similar future scenarios. For example, was neuromuscular therapy more effective than Swedish massage for this particular client? Was cold more effective than heat? Share those insights!
• References : The backbone of any case study. List down articles, books, or bodywork publications you referenced, ensuring readers can explore further if they choose.

In the world of massage therapy, every case study brings something special. By carefully understanding and using these parts, you’re not just sharing what you know, but you’re also making the whole field stronger and deeper in knowledge.

Best Practices in Writing a Case Study

Diving into the world of massage research and case studies can be intriguing, but to ensure your work resonates and informs effectively, you need a blueprint of best practices. So, how do you go about crafting a case study that’s both compelling, educational and accurate?

Genuine Client Stories : Your case study will resonate more if it’s rooted in a real client’s story. Draw from the client’s experience, noting their initial apprehensions, their journey through the treatment sessions, and their feedback. This offers a holistic view, turning data into a relatable narrative.

Consistency is Key : From the format you choose to the tone of your writing, ensure consistency. Whether you’re detailing massage techniques or documenting pain levels, a consistent format helps readers follow along effortlessly.

Use Objective Measurements : While personal experiences and client feedback are vital, integrating objective measurements like the Oswestry Disability Index or the Numeric Pain Rating Scale lends your study scientific credibility. It bridges the gap between anecdotal experiences and quantifiable data.

Include Visuals : A picture speaks a thousand words. Consider incorporating relevant images, whether it’s the client’s posture variations over weeks or graphical representations of their pain scale assessments. Visuals break up the text and offer readers a quick snapshot of progress. Remember to protect the client’s anonymity or get the client’s written consent.

Feedback Loop : Always encourage the client to share feedback after each session. Their perspectives on the therapeutic massage effectiveness, any discomfort they felt, or the positive effects they experienced, provide valuable insights. This gives your study a dynamic angle, showcasing real-time reactions and adjustments.

Protect Client Confidentiality:  An essential part of the selection process is ensuring you have the client’s permission to share their story, albeit anonymously. Respect their privacy by avoiding any details that might reveal their identity.

Stay Updated with Care Guidelines : The world of massage therapy is ever-evolving. To ensure your case study stands the test of time, make sure you’re adhering to the latest care guidelines. This not only ensures best practices but also demonstrates to your readers that you’re at the forefront of industry standards.

Proofread and Peer Review : Before hitting the publish button or sending off to bodywork publications, have a colleague review your work. A fresh pair of eyes can catch overlooked errors or offer insights on areas that might need more detail.

Cite Your Sources : Whether you’re referencing another case study example or pulling from international journals, proper citation is a non-negotiable. It lends credibility to your work and provides readers with a resource pool for further exploration.

Remember, a massage case study is more than just a clinical record; it’s a blend of science and personal journey, and your documentation should reflect that. With these best practices in hand, you’re well on your way to contributing valuable insights to the massage community.

Practical Tips for Consistent Documentation

Documentation. It’s the bridge between your client sessions and the written case study. But how do you keep things crisp, clear, and consistent? Here’s some hands-on advice.

Start with a Template : While every massage case differs, a standardized massage case study template keeps you on track. It ensures you capture every essential part, from the client’s story to their pain level progression.

Digital Tools are Your Friend : Modern apps and platforms offer smart features that massage therapists can utilize. Voice-recording apps can be handy when jotting down immediate post-session observations. But remember to always prioritize client confidentiality.

Consistency in Terms : When describing massage techniques or specific symptoms like muscle tension, keep your terminology consistent. It helps in painting a clear picture for your readers. Also use standard and consistent massage abbreviations .

Date Everything : Whether it’s a quick observation after a treatment session or a client’s feedback, always record the date. Over a week period, it aids in tracking progression and ensuring your case study remains chronological.

Keep Personal Notes : Often, it’s the little remarks a client makes or the subtle changes in their posture that provide a comprehensive guide to their improvement. Maintain a side-notes section for these valuable nuggets of insight.

Ensure Clarity : Aim for clarity over complexity. It might sound obvious, but if you’re ever in doubt about your documentation’s readability, share it with a colleague or even a friend outside the massage therapy world. If they get it, you’re golden.

Stay Updated on Guidelines : Case study guidelines evolve. Regularly brush up on the latest recommendations from bodywork publications and international journals. This ensures you’re not only consistent but also relevant.

In essence, consistent documentation is more than just a routine. It’s the backbone of a well-crafted massage case study. And when done right, it’s what turns your day-to-day sessions into valuable content that educates and inspires.

Massage Therapy Case Study Example: Relief from Upper Back and Neck Pain through Targeted Therapy

This case study examines the therapeutic journey of a client experiencing posterior neck and upper back pain attributed to muscle tension. Over a span of three weeks, the client underwent three massage therapy sessions at a massage school’s student clinic. Each session entailed a blend of Swedish massage, neuromuscular therapy, and during the third session, the incorporation of cupping therapy techniques. The emphasis of this study revolves around the efficacy of the combined modalities, with a focus on tracking pain reduction, muscle flexibility, and overall functional improvement. The study showcases the client’s positive outcomes, emphasizing the importance of consistent documentation, informed consent , and client education in the context of a student therapeutic environment.

Client Information and History

• Gender : Female
• Occupation : Desk job, frequent computer usage.
• Presenting Issue:  Chronic posterior neck and upper back pain attributed to muscle tension, exacerbated by prolonged periods of sitting and poor ergonomics.
• Previous Treatment : Over-the-counter pain relievers, topical analgesic.

Initial Assessment

Visual Assessment : The client presented with an elevated right shoulder and a forward head posture. The imbalances could be indicative of muscle overuse on one side, possibly due to repetitive strain or a habitual posture, especially given her occupation.

Pain Scale : The client reported a pain level of 6 out of 10 at the initial consultation, with 10 being the most painful. This pain was described as a constant dull ache with intermittent sharp sensations upon unspecified movements.

Range of Motion : Cervical rotation and lateral flexion were notably restricted. During a passive range of motion test, the client experienced pain and tightness, specifically when attempting to rotate her head to the left or tilt it to the side.

Palpation : Upon palpation, several tender points were identified in the right trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, indicating potential trigger points. These areas were hypertonic and hypersensitive to touch and appeared to be the primary sources of her discomfort.

Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) : The client rated her pain using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale, a tool that gauges pain intensity from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain). She marked her initial pain at a level 6, indicating significant pain and aligning with her reported limitations in daily activities due to neck and upper back discomfort.

Contraindications : Screened client for massage contraindications at initial client assessment and before initiating each subsequent session. No contraindications were present.

Treatment Plan

To offer relief from muscle tension in the posterior neck and upper back, improve the client’s cervical range of motion, and provide self-care strategies to maintain benefits achieved during therapy.

Client Goals

• Alleviate pain in the posterior neck and upper back.
• Improve range of motion in the neck.
• Reduce muscle tension in the affected areas.

Treatment Strategy

• Deep tissue massage targeting the hypertonic muscles in the neck and upper back.
• Myofascial release to address fascial adhesions and restrictions.
• Trigger point therapy to alleviate specific points of tension in the trapezius and levator scapulae.
• Incorporation of cupping therapy techniques, with particular attention to the trapezius and upper back region, to enhance blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and address adhesions.
• Provide client education on self-care strategies .

Frequency & Duration

Three sessions over a span of three weeks, each treatment session lasting 60 minutes.

Treatment Sessions

Session 1 (day 1).

Duration : 60 minutes (excluding time for completing intake forms and initial client assessment)

Pain Level at Start : 6/10

Techniques Applied :

• Swedish Massage: Initiated with Swedish massage techniques to warm up the soft tissue and prepare the posterior neck and upper back for deeper work.
• Myofascial Release: Addressed the fascial restrictions around the trapezius and levator scapulae areas. This technique helped in elongating the fascia and reducing adhesions.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Targeted several trigger points identified in the trapezius and levator scapulae during the initial assessment. The client reported referral pain patterns typical of these trigger points, reinforcing their contribution to her discomfort.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Applied to address hypertonicity in the muscles . Sustained deep pressure was used on areas of tension, ensuring the client’s comfort was maintained throughout.
• Stretching: Introduced gentle stretching exercises for the cervical and upper thoracic regions to increase range of motion and alleviate muscle tightness.

Feedback During Session : The client reported a significant decrease in pain when the trigger points were addressed, especially in the levator scapulae area. However, she did express some discomfort when addressing adhesions deep within the trapezius muscle, indicating chronic muscle tension. This feedback was taken into consideration, and pressure was adjusted accordingly.

Pain Level at End : 3/10

Self-Care Recommendations :

• Cold Compress: Advised to apply a cold compress to the treated areas for 10 minutes if she experienced any soreness after the session.
• Gentle Neck Movements: Recommended slow, controlled neck rotations and side bending exercises to be done twice daily to promote flexibility and decrease muscle stiffness.

Notes for Next Session : Consider incorporating neuromuscular techniques in subsequent sessions and possibly introducing more extensive stretching exercises based on the client’s progress and comfort.

Session 2 (Day 8)

Duration : 60 minutes

Pain Level at Start : 5/10 (improved from the previous session)

• Hot Pack: Applied cervical hot pack for 15 minutes at upper back and posterior cervical region prior to beginning manual therapy treatment. Monitored client comfort and skin condition for safety.
• Swedish Massage: Began with Swedish massage strokes to relax the soft tissues, focusing on warming up the posterior neck and upper back.
• Trigger Point Therapy: A thorough assessment revealed persistent trigger points in the upper trapezius and rhomboids. Using ischemic compression, these areas were directly addressed, and the client was guided through deep breathing to assist in their release.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Diving deeper into the layers of the musculature, emphasis was placed on breaking up adhesions particularly present around the scapula and along the spine. This helped reduce the hypertonicity observed in certain muscle groups.
• Myofascial Release: Further focus was on the fascial network surrounding the neck and upper back muscles, aiming to ease restrictions and facilitate soft tissue mobility.
• Stretching: Building on the previous session, more advanced stretching techniques were introduced. Passive stretching of the levator scapulae and scalene muscles was initiated to address the muscle tightness contributing to the client’s pain.

Feedback During Session : The client expressed that while the trigger points in the trapezius were still palpable, their intensity and the referral pain had reduced from the previous week. She noted a slight discomfort during the deep tissue application but also commented on the relief it brought shortly after.

Pain Level at End : 2/10

• Heat Application: Suggested applying a warm towel or heating pad to the neck and upper back region for 15 minutes, once daily, to aid in relaxation and further reduce muscle tension.
• Postural Awareness: Advised the client to be mindful of her posture, especially during work hours. Emphasized the importance of taking regular breaks and performing gentle neck and upper back stretches. Also recommended using headset for work phone.
• Hydration: Reminded the client of the importance of drinking plenty of water post-session to keep hydrated.

Notes for Next Session : With the noted improvements, consider integrating more neuromuscular techniques and possibly some advanced stretching techniques to enhance range of motion. The response to the increased stretching regimen will also be evaluated.

Session 3 (Day 15)

Pain Level at Start : 3/10 (consistent improvement observed since the initial session)

• Swedish Massage: Initiated the session by gently warming the posterior neck and upper back with rhythmic Swedish massage strokes, preparing the tissues for deeper interventions.
• Trigger Point Therapy: Further attention was given to the lingering trigger points in the upper trapezius and rhomboids. The student therapist employed precise ischemic compressions, guiding the client through deep breathing techniques to facilitate trigger point release.
• Deep Tissue Massage: Continuing the work from the previous sessions, focused strokes aimed at the persistent adhesions, especially around the scapula and spinal erectors. The observed hypertonicity was addressed, paving the way for increased pliability in the tissue.
• Cupping Therapy: Under the watchful eyes of her clinical instructor, the massage therapy student introduced silicone-based cupping techniques. She applied static and gliding cups over the upper trapezius and rhomboids. The suction facilitated increased blood flow to the area and lifted the fascial layers, aiding in the release of deep-seated tension and promoting lymphatic drainage. Post cupping, the client’s skin displayed the typical erythema, indicating a positive therapeutic response.
• Myofascial Release: The session extended the focus on the fascia network. Gentle, sustained pressure was applied to release any remaining myofascial restrictions and promote optimal tissue health.

Feedback During Session : The client expressed intrigue and slight apprehension about cupping but reported feeling a unique yet pleasant pulling sensation during the technique. She was advised that the erythema from the cups might linger for a few days but would dissipate without intervention.

Pain Level at End : 1/10 (“Barely noticeable” according to the client)

• Cold Compress: Given the incorporation of cupping, advised the client to apply a cold compress if she experienced any discomfort in the cupped areas.
• Gentle Stretches: The client was encouraged to continue the stretching routine and was introduced to a couple more stretches to maintain flexibility in the neck and upper back.
• Hydration: The importance of ample water intake was reiterated, emphasizing its role in aiding tissue recovery and overall well-being.

Future Recommendations : The student therapist suggested that the client consider integrating regular massage sessions into her routine to manage her symptoms. Given the benefits observed from the cupping therapy, it was also recommended as an intermittent treatment option.

Outcomes and Client Reported Benefits

After three comprehensive sessions spanning three weeks, the outcomes of the treatments were as follows:

Pain Scale Progress : The client began her journey with a pain level of 6/10. With consistent therapy and adherence to home care advice, this was effectively reduced to 1/10 by the end of the third session. Such a marked reduction in pain levels signified not just the alleviation of discomfort but a restoration in the functional mobility of the affected area.

Range of Motion (ROM) : Objective assessments showed a notable improvement in cervical and thoracic mobility. Initial assessments showed a restricted ROM, particularly in cervical extension and lateral flexion. Post-treatment, the client demonstrated an approximate 20% increase in all planes of motion.

Trigger Point Resolution : Initial palpation had identified multiple active trigger points, especially within the upper trapezius and rhomboids. By the third session, most of these trigger points had been deactivated. This was indicative of reduced muscular hypertonicity and an overall decline in neuromuscular irritability.

Skin and Fascial Changes : The application of cupping during the third session, combined with consistent deep tissue manipulations and myofascial release, contributed to a more pliable and supple fascial network. The erythema post-cupping, which is often a mixture of petechiae and ecchymosis, was indicative of the drawing out of stagnation and the infusion of fresh blood to the treated areas.

Client Feedback : Beyond the objective measures, the client reported a series of qualitative benefits. She felt lighter, with the weight on her shoulders (both metaphorically and physically) noticeably reduced. The chronic tension that once felt like a “vice grip” around her neck and upper back had loosened substantially. The client also noted improved sleep patterns and an increased ability to manage stress.

Follow-up : Seven days after the third session, a follow-up with the client revealed that she maintained the benefits of the treatment, experiencing only occasional mild discomfort. At the 30-day mark post-treatment, she reported sustained relief, with her pain levels remaining consistently low and the gains in mobility and overall well-being persisting.

Daily Activities : The initial discomfort which had hampered daily activities, such as driving and computer work, had greatly diminished. The client reported being able to perform these tasks with minimal discomfort and increased endurance.

Client Education Impact : The strategies and routines imparted for self-treatment were acknowledged by the client as being instrumental. She expressed gratitude for the newfound knowledge, mentioning how the routines were seamlessly integrated into her daily life.

In summary, the therapeutic interventions, supplemented by diligent home care routines and client education, collectively contributed to a significant improvement in the client’s musculoskeletal health and overall well-being.

Additional Notes:

• Written informed consent was obtained prior to initiating the plan of treatment. Verbal client consent was obtained before each session, ensuring the client was aware of the techniques used and their potential effects.
• The client was encouraged to share feedback and any discomfort during sessions.
• All sessions were documented meticulously for future reference and to track progress.

In this case study, the client experienced significant relief from her symptoms over three sessions. The combination of massage therapy techniques, coupled with client education, showcased the efficacy and holistic approach of massage therapy in managing musculoskeletal issues.

Crafting an impactful massage case study isn’t just a nod to academic rigor; it’s a way to share success stories and lessons learned in the ever-evolving field of massage therapy. By thoroughly documenting each client’s journey, from their initial pain scale readings to their eventual return to daily living without chronic pain, we provide evidence that therapeutic massage has tangible benefits. 

These case studies don’t just resonate with our peers. They serve as authentic testimonials for prospective clients and referral partners, showing them the positive effects of massage on conditions like chronic low back pain or muscle tension. Moreover, they set a precedent for new therapists, illustrating the importance of consistency, adaptability, and continuous learning.

But remember, at the heart of every case study is the client’s experience. It’s their story of healing, enhanced by the skills and care of dedicated massage therapists. As we wrap up this comprehensive guide, let’s stay committed to sharing these narratives. Not only for the growth of our practice but for the advancement of massage as a respected therapeutic modality.

Additional Resources

While this guide has aimed to be a comprehensive starting point, the journey of mastering the art of writing a massage case study doesn’t end here. There are several other resources that can help deepen your understanding and hone your skills:

• Bodywork Publications : Several professional massage associations publish case studies. Magazines like ABMP’s Massage & Bodywork often feature exemplary massage case studies. These can serve as templates or inspiration for your own work. Analyzing real-world examples is a proven way to understand the nuances of crafting an engaging case study.
• Massage Research Journals : There’s an increasing number of research papers dedicated to therapeutic massage. Exploring articles in these journals can offer insights into the latest methodologies and data collection strategies, invaluable for those keen on producing case studies backed by solid evidence.
• Online Massage Forums : Provide a platform for massage therapists to share their experiences, ask questions, and offer feedback. If you’re ever stuck or need a second opinion on your massage case study template, these communities can be a goldmine of support.
• Case Study Examples : Websites like the NCBTMB or platforms like the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork ( IJTMB ) occasionally feature massage case study examples. These can offer a clearer understanding of the structure and content that makes a study effective and relatable.
• Online Tools : Online resources such as Google Scholar can help you find relevant articles, case studies, and research papers. Platforms like Grammarly can assist in ensuring your case study is written without errors, adding to its credibility.

Remember, the goal isn’t just to write a case study; it’s to communicate the transformative potential of massage therapy in a way that resonates with both peers and potential clients. So, immerse yourself in these resources, keep learning, and let every case study you write be a testament to your dedication and skill.

FAQs About Massage Case Studies

What is the purpose of a massage case study.

A massage case study is designed to provide a detailed account of a therapist’s clinical practice, showcasing the process, techniques, and outcomes, which can be useful for educational purposes and advancing the field.

How long does it take to write a case study?

The duration can vary based on the complexity of the case, the depth of information provided, and the writer’s experience. Typically, it takes several hours spread over days or weeks. A case study can cover a single treatment session, or it can span over multiple sessions delivered over several weeks or months.

Can anyone write a massage case study?

While anyone can document their observations and experiences, it’s essential that the individual has a deep understanding of massage therapy and follows established case study guidelines for the report to be credible. Student massage therapists and licensed practitioners can both document their experiences in the form of a case study. A student’s case study might occur under the supervision of an instructor or within a learning environment, potentially adding another layer of review and guidance.

What’s the difference between a massage case report and a case study?

They’re often used interchangeably. However, a case report typically focuses on a single client session, while a case study might delve deeper, exploring multiple sessions and offering a broader perspective on treatment.

How do peer reviews enhance the value of a case study?

Peer reviews ensure that the case study adheres to professional standards, verifies the accuracy of information, and offers feedback for improvement, bolstering the study’s credibility.

Are there standardized assessment tools for massage therapy case studies?

Yes, there are several standardized assessment tools specifically designed for objective measures in massage therapy case studies. The choice of tool often depends on the specific conditions being treated and the objectives of the study. It’s crucial to select the right tool based on the therapeutic goals and the type of data required to ensure accurate and meaningful results. Here is a list of some common tools:

• Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) : Asks patients to rate their pain on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst possible pain).
• Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) : A tool often used to measure pain intensity. Clients mark their pain level on a 10 cm line ranging from “no pain” to “worst pain imaginable.”
• Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) : A questionnaire specific to measuring a patient’s disability due to low back pain.
• Neck Disability Index (NDI) : Measures disability in individuals with neck pain.
• Range of Motion (ROM) Measurements : Using a goniometer, inclinometer, tape measure or other measuring techniques, therapists can measure joint mobility and flexibility in specific areas.
• Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) : Provides information about pain severity and the impact of pain on daily functions.
• Patient-Specific Functional Scale (PSFS) : Allows patients to identify specific activities that have become difficult due to their condition and grade their ability to perform them.
• Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ) : Evaluates beliefs about how physical activity and work affect a patient’s back pain.
• Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) : Using an algometer, this measures the minimum force applied which induces pain at a specific location, often used to identify trigger points or areas of hypersensitivity.
• Brief Pain Inventory (BPI) : Measures both the intensity of pain and the interference of pain in a patient’s daily life.
• McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) : A comprehensive tool that evaluates the quality of pain (e.g., throbbing, shooting), its intensity, and its location. There’s also a Short Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) for quicker assessments.
• Pain Disability Index (PDI) : Evaluates the degree to which chronic pain interferes with daily activities.
• Functional Pain Scale (FPS) : Assesses pain in terms of its impact on function, from “pain with no interference” to “unable to move due to pain.”

What can readers typically learn from a massage case study?

Readers can gain insights into specific techniques and applications, treatment plans, client interactions, outcomes, and the overall therapeutic process, benefiting both practicing therapists and students.

What’s the difference between anecdotal and empirical evidence?

Anecdotal evidence comes from personal stories or experiences, while empirical evidence is based on systematic data collection and analysis, often through experiments or research studies. A case study provides detailed insights based on specific instances or individuals, landing somewhere between anecdotal and empirical: it’s more structured than mere personal accounts but not as generalized as broad studies. Overall, empirical evidence is considered more scientifically rigorous, but both anecdotal accounts and case studies offer valuable context and depth.

Need a MBLEx

Study Plan?

Start preparing for the MBLEx the easy way with this comprehensive and organized study plan. It's a great way to get started, and it's free ! 

Get Your MBLEx

Download our free  MBLEx Study Plan (PDF) to help organize and guide your study sessions.

Your Study Plan Is On The Way!

Please check your email for your study plan.

Authentic Reflexology

• Restoring Balance
• Better Sleep
• Special Needs
• Relief During Illness

Testimonials

40 case studies.

Before I became a qualified reflexology therapist, I was a fan. It was my treatment of choice for specific purposes. In a metaphorical sense, our feet are instrumental in moving us forward, I was committed to moving forward in a healthier way.

During my training as a therapist, I was thrilled to discover, that as soon as I began to apply reflexology therapy myself, I began to witness immediate benefits for my clients.

I was fortunate to have had a great variety of clients for my 40 case studies which were a requirement of my diploma qualification. I was presented with a wide range of feet of all ages , shapes,

colours, textures and sizes. Each pair told their own unique story. As time went on I began to notice patterns and traits that corresponded with the individual themselves.

The results were noticeable and varied. Relaxation was the benefit most reported by my 10 clients. In fact one person told me it was the first time that they ever managed to feel so relaxed.

As relaxation provides optimum conditions for the body to heal itself and carry out all its functions with ease and efficiency, I considered this to be a very important benefit for my clients. Along with the invitation to relax, another client reported that the opportunity to do 'nothing' for one whole hour was rare. At the end of the course of treatments, this client had made a life decision which would improve his career opportunities.

"Reflexology provides many benefits for wellbeing. These benefits cannot be guaranteed or predicted at the outset but with the client and the therapist working together there are usually good results."

I noted in my case studies that many clients enhanced their treatment by implementing some of the suggestions recommended to them as part of the agreed treatment plan. These ranged from taking in some extra walking, fresh air, water and self-treating the reflexes on the hands.

Perhaps as a result of their resolve, some of the results were quite impressive, such as, the absence of sciatica pain (for as long as 2 months after treatment), improved breathing for a client who had high blood pressure, and a client who started a walking routine and then decided that jogging was more fun.

My overall conclusion of my 40 case studies? Reflexology provides many benefits for wellbeing. These benefits cannot be guaranteed or predicted at the outset but with the client and the therapist working together there are usually good results.

A person's body and mind has a wonderful ability to heal and maintain wellbeing but peoples lives are often busy and stressful. Sometimes a change in the routine is needed, a slowing down to allow for mindful listening and the development of a more self-caring attitude in order to get back on track and achieve balance once more.

Reflexology is an effective holistic treatment, performed mainly on the feet but also on the hands/ears/face. It takes into account the whole person in their environment to provide an opportunity for positive change.

The therapist applies specific and varied pressure to areas of the feet (or hands) known as reflexes, which correspond to specific organs or systems of the body. In doing so, circulatory systems (blood, lymph) are stimulated, along with the nervous, excretory and endocrine systems. The whole person (mind and body) can benefit as a result.

While reflexology is  a highly respected complementary therapy and some doctors may even recommend it to their patients, it is not a replacement for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Caroline Cunningham

I love reflexology, it has served me well in my path of transformation to becoming much healthier and happier. I specialise in helping clients who want to succeed with their personal and business goals. I do this by providing reflexology therapy and personalised support and strategies for managing stress and achieving balance. My therapy services are available in Carlow and Dublin and nearby counties in Ireland. Through my blogs I hope more people will be inspired to take steps to improve their wellbeing. Read more about  my educational background and expertise here.

Calming & Super Knowledgeable

Katie dunne, tullow, co. carlow, incredibly relaxing home treatment cancer care, claire, dublin,         motivation & focus        , maria muffat, dublin, energised & fewer headaches, s. lynch, dublin, helpful physically & emotionally, hazel, dublin,             feeling at ease            , melanie, dublin,           stress-free zone           , colette coughlan, dublin.

            Walking on Air            

Read more..., anna scheller u.s.a, tummies settled & sleeping better, a. o’shea, carlow, motivation & focus, feeling at ease, stress-free zone, walking on air.

Caroline Cunningham is a reflexology specialist providing treatments in Carlow, Dublin and areas such as Bunclody, Castledermot and Baltinglass.

"Visitor & Inhabitants alike all speak of the special energy of Ollantaytambo in Peru's Sacred Valley." Nowadays, I provide a bespoke reflexology wellness service for clients in Carlow, Dublin and some parts of the south-east of Ireland. You can find out more about reflexology and my treatment plans in our Frequently Asked Questions.

Reflexology home treatment allows you to experience personalised therapy in the comfort of your own home. Home treatments not only allow for convenience but can be essential in situations where travel by the client is not conducive to their health and well-being. Clients with special needs (includes autism) Clients with mobility issues Pregnant clients with […]

Academy of Ancient Reflexology

Professional Therapeutic Reflexology

Grad case studies

Case study reports.

As part of their final training, some of the students in the Academy’s Therapeutic Hand and Foot Reflexology Professional Certification choose to devote a significant amount of time to developing and implementing a case study with an individual suffering from a chronic health condition.

I am very proud to publish those reports on this website. May all reflexologists use the valuable results indicated in these reports to reach out and help more and more people living with these debilitating and often life-threatening diseases.

• The Effect of Reflexology on Chronic Back Pain by Rebecca Tate, LMT ( 89 KB PDF)

Sign up NOW for Karen’s new newsletter Nourishing a Healthy Life!

Schedule A Reflexology Session For Yourself!

The Stone Institute, LLC

Therapeutic reflexology book – case studies.

Therapeutic Reflexology: A Step-by-Step Guide to Professional Competence contains case studies that show how reflexology practiced alone or with an allied therapy helped someone meet a health challenge.

Chapter 5: Reflexology, Massage, and Allied Practices

· Reflexology and Massage Assist Runner · Aromatherapy Enhances Relaxation During Reflexology · Reflexology and Acupuncture Help Retiree · Engineer’s Legs Improve with Reflexology and Lymphatic Drainage

Chapter 6: Wellness Models

· Lifestyle Changes Improve Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chapter 7: Session Fundamentals and Charting

· A Question of Frequency

Chapter 15: Integumentary System

· Reflexology and Poor Circulation

Chapter 19: Cardiovascular System

· Scar Tissue and the Heart Reflex

Chapter 20: Sensory System

· Reflexology and Cochlear Degeneration · Reflexology and Taste

Chapter 21: Respiratory System

· Reflexology and Costochondritis

Chapter 22: Endocrine System

· Reflexology and Hyperthyroidism

Chapter 23: Lymphatic System and Immunity

Chapter 25: urinary system.

· Reflexology and Kidney Stones · Reflexology, Kidney Function, and Nerve Flow

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings

Preview improvements coming to the PMC website in October 2024. Learn More or Try it out now .

• Advanced Search
• Journal List
• J Tradit Complement Med
• v.7(3); 2017 Jul

Perspectives on reflexology: A qualitative approach

Nurul haswani embong.

a Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Yee Chang Soh

b School of Pharmacy, Taylor's University (Lakeside Campus), Subang Jaya, Malaysia

Long Chiau Ming

c Vector-borne Diseases Research Group (VERDI), Pharmaceutical and Life Sciences CoRe, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Tin Wui Wong

d Non-Destructive Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research Centre, iPROMISE, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Puncak Alam, Selangor, Malaysia

Introduction

Reflexology is the systematic practice of applying some pressure to particular points on the feet and hands to impact on health of related parts of the body.

To explore the practitioners' perspectives of reflexology in Malaysia.

Data was collected using face-to-face semi-structured interviews with practitioners in Malaysia. The interviews were conducted in the Malay language and recorded. Interview conversations were translated and transcribed verbatim. Responses relating to different themes were identified in each of the interviews and a coding frame was developed. For each theme, the relevant data enabled a description of the range of views and experiences. Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently and recruitment was stopped when saturation had been reached. All respondents gave written consent for their participation.

The findings show that reflexology treatment nowadays has been accepted as one of the ways to maintain general health. Practitioners believe that reflexology is able to detect some problems in to the body, which can make patients aware of a health condition and seek further treatment. However, if reflexology is not performed correctly, it may cause negative effects such as pain and bruises. Some practitioners voiced concern that illegal activities are taking place in unethical reflexology centers.

Conclusions

Empowering the practitioner as a professional would help gain the public's trust and confidence in their treatment. Strict enforcement of regulation related to illegal conduct in reflexology centers will improve people's perception of the practice.

Graphical abstract

1. Introduction

Reflexology is the systematic practice of applying some pressure to particular points on the feet and hands to impact the health of related parts of the body. 1 Each pressure point acts as a sensor on the feet and hands and is linked with specific parts of the body. 2 , 3 These sensors will be stimulated by applying the reflexology technique in order to improve the blood and energy circulation, giving a sense of relaxation and maintaining homeostasis. 4 , 5 Reflexology sessions can be improved with other elements such as aromatherapy, peaceful music, and good environment settings. 6 There is a term in reflexology called reflex zone therapy. Reflex zone therapy is where the body is divided into ten longitudinal zones, from the top of the head down to the feet. In reflex zone therapy, there are five zones on each side of the body. Each zone diverges off down the arm and circumscribes one digit on the hand, and also continuing straight down the body and down the leg to line up with a toe on the respective foot. Practitioners choose a suitable technique to be applied to reflex zone therapy to gain optimized efficiency and impact.

Instead of an alternative therapy, reflexology is a complementary therapy, linked to other treatments that a patient has already had based on reflexology maps. 4 , 5 Complementary therapies are nowadays widely used in palliative care or to alleviate a problem without dealing with the underlying cause in order to improve a patient's emotional, physiological and spiritual health and increase the value of their life. 7

Two methods of reflexology that are accepted internationally are the Ingham method and Rwo Shur method. The first method does not use any tools in its practice whereas the second method utilizes tools such as wooden sticks. 4 , 5

There are five theories that explain how reflexology actually has impacts on health. 8 The first and second basic theories are related to energy. Energy theory advocates that body parts can communicate using electromagnetic fields, 9 and the communication can be blocked based on the surrounding fields. 10 The third theory indicates that energy flow can be restored, and the fourth is about a blocked pathway which can be opened. 9 The last theory proposes that reflexology can break up the lactic acid crystals that are usually deposited in the feet and allow energy to flow efficiently. 8

Modern reflexology techniques have been used for the last 60 years and now more scientific and clinical research has been conducted because of its positive effects in reducing and alleviating symptoms, especially those associated with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and muscular diseases. Reflexology generally does not cause any harmful effects as long as necessary precautions are taken with patients with special medical conditions such as blood clot disorder, cancer and heart failure.

Each person has a different body system so results from reflexology treatment could vary from one person to another. 11 , 12 Based on the latest research conducted, reflexology seems to be effective in helping body systems return to their natural state. 1 One of the most significant current discussions in reflexology is its effectiveness in helping to tackle several symptoms of disease. 1 Level of disease conditions and pain are reduced as the patients receive reflexology. It has been suggested by a Swiss study that patients having reflexology sessions show significant decrease in the amount of medication they require. 1 As a complementary therapy, reflexology seems to work better together with conventional treatment to treat chronic diseases that alter the normal physiological functions of the body. 11 , 12

One of the most significant current discussions in reflexology practice is around aspects of health, safety and hygiene. Other than that, the principles and practice of reflexology as a complementary therapy is important to ensure the application of this therapy is reliable.

Until now, no study has been conducted to understand practitioners' perception of reflexology. This study serves to provide insight from reflexology practitioners on the development and regulation of reflexology practice in Malaysia.

The outcome of this study will reveal the perspective of practitioners on reflexology and its treatment in Malaysia for the first time. We can understand socio-cultural influences on help-seeking behavior and reasons for delaying seeking help among symptomatic patients with reflexology. The findings of this novel study will provide the healthcare authorities with an overview on the extent, barriers to and facilitators of reflexology among healthcare professionals in Malaysia. Research in this area is very important so that policymakers can formulate strategies and implement activities that can monitor the development of reflexology.

2. Methodology

Data was collected in face-to-face semi-structured interviews with practitioners in Malaysia. There is no comprehensive list of practitioners in Malaysia that could serve as a sampling frame to obtain a sample including different specialization and position. The interview focused on development of reflexology, perceptions of effectiveness of reflexology, experiences and use of health services (modern and traditional practices) and respondents' perception.

Interviews were conducted at a time and location convenient for the respondents. The interviews were conducted in the Malay language and audiotaped. Voice recording were translated, transcribed verbatim and anonymized to ensure confidentiality. In order to ensure consistency, one researcher (NHE) conducted the whole interviews and then the transcripts were analyzed individually by all four researchers. The themes and the corresponding codes were then presented by each researcher. Discussions and reconciliation of the ideas were done before the final concepts and themes were confirmed.

Responses relating to different themes were located in each of the interviews and a coding frame was developed. For each theme, the relevant data enabled a description of the range of views and experiences.

Data collection and analysis were conducted concurrently and recruitment was stopped when saturation was reached. All respondents provided written consent to participation.

Data was coded and analyzed to identify common descriptive themes, which were grouped into clusters. Thematic analysis was used to identify themes and subthemes. Ethical approval was obtained from the Universiti Teknologi MARA Research Ethics Committee [600-RMI(5/1/6) 19-12-2014].

The interview session was stopped at five practitioners, as it had already reached the saturation point where all practitioners gave quite similar answers. The mean age for all respondents involved was 34. The demographic summary for all respondents is shown in Table 1 .

Table 1

Demographic summary for all respondents.

The outcomes identified were categorized under specific themes.

3.1. Credentials and training received

All of the practitioners had good qualifications in reflexology treatment and have certification from various institutions. None of them are practicing reflexology because of inherited knowledge from their family but one of them learnt it from senior staff at her spa. The following answers are typical from the interview session:

I was trained in the arts of reflexology at a local massage parlor for the blind located in Brickfields. I studied for 2½ years . (Practitioner 1)

I studied for a diploma in complementary medicine at Aimst. I was the first batch for this course. I learnt the origins of foot massage, Malay massage, and general healthcare management. And then I pursued reflexology at a community college . (Practitioner 3)

Some people conduct classes so we have to attend the class for 18 months. For the whole period of studying, they will teach the theories and the practice. We will receive a certificate but before that we must undergo a test to see whether we pass or fail . (Practitioner 4)

In addition, the practitioners also have great experience in practicing reflexology. They have already practiced reflexology for many years:

It was a long time ago when I started to work in this premises and conducting my own reflexology session when I have extra time . (Practitioner 3)

I have been practicing reflexology for 7 years . (Practitioner 4)

I've been practicing this for many years. Last year I was asked to teach reflexology to the inmates in prisons, organized by the prison administration of Malaysia . (Practitioner 5)

Their knowledge is not limited to theory and practice about reflexology, as they also understand about human anatomy:

I studied a lot including anatomy and physiology of the human body . (Practitioner 1)

The feet have multiple pressure points and the same goes to our body . (Practitioner 2)

There I met a lecturer who specialized in this field; a specialist who was an expert about nerves and taught me about body systems . (Practitioner 3)

What is clear from all the data is that most reflexology practitioners are qualified to practice on their clients due to their knowledge and already gained qualifications.

3.2. Keeping clients well

Practicing reflexology treatment in our life is one of the ways for us to maintain a good level of health. With all the experiences that the practitioners had in this field, they agreed that reflexology treatment is a part of body health care. Here are some of the statements from the interview session:

[Reflexology] helps our body relax after we over-use it. It also helps to reduce stress and as we know stress may lead to many other health problems . (Practitioner 1)

[I wholly agree that foot massage] can act as a healthcare practice because for example the veins of our heart and liver have their own specific pressure points on the feet. So putting some pressure on the heart vein's pressure point, with the correct techniques, helps the blood to flow efficiently in the vein. When there is no problem with our blood flow, many diseases related to our body can be avoided, or at least can be reduced . (Practitioner 2)

[Reflexology is a complementary treatment but] it helps a lot in the management and cure of many diseases. [In my opinion,] reflexology is a way of maintaining general health and wellbeing, and should] be practiced routinely . (Practitioner 3)

Based on their experiences and knowledge, they stated that reflexology treatment is helpful to a patient's condition instead of detrimental:

As long as I've been in this line of work, I've never had a patient return to complain they are suffering more pain; all of them feel better after treatment . (Practitioner 1)

[This treatment is] not detrimental to a patient's condition. But maybe it also depends on customer's condition itself . (Practitioner 3)

If a patient sometimes gets worse after a massage, it is usually nothing serious. But it normally does not happen. Usually patients feel better after a session. They feel lighter and more comfortable . (Practitioner 4)

3.3. Diagnostic purpose

When the practitioners discussed how they would know if there any problem in the body system, most of them stated that they are able to diagnose a client's health problems, though two said they did not:

Usually I can detect a patient's problem due to the pain suffered when suitable pressure is applied to a specific point (Practitioner 1)

When I massaged [a client], I found out there were problems with his body system. (Practitioner 3)

We can detect if a patient has any abnormalities while doing this reflexology. Sometimes, we do not have to touch the affected area but we can detect the abnormalities just by looking at the expression of the patient. This is called the knowledge of diagnostic. (Practitioner 5)

We only massage specific points but we cannot predict accurately where the affected area of the body system is . (Practitioner 2)

If there are problems, those are just theories. We can't predict if a patient has a headache or heart problems. Some people were coincidentally predicted correctly. (Practitioner 4)

The practitioners suggest clients with chronic disease to seek further treatment with a doctor but do not recommend modern medicine:

Once I detect the problems I will advise for the patient to consult a doctor. (Practitioner 1)

Usually if patients have problems, we will recommend for treatment to be done, but if the condition is too serious, we will definitely recommend they seek treatment from a specialist . (Practitioner 4)

I'll suggested them to see the doctor if their disease is chronic. We as masseuses have no right to condemn any other practitioners. (Practitioner 5)

Different clients have different body health conditions and the practitioners must know how to handle such conditions. Based on the interview session conducted, most of practitioners know how to handle special conditions:

[I personally think that] if you have fever, you should try massage first but if it still does not heal overnight then it would be advisable to consult a doctor the following day . (Practitioner 4)

There are certain patients for which we can't perform reflexology, for example those with heart problems. Because when we do reflexology, the heart will beat faster. It may cause a more serious problem. This also occurs in patients whose blood sugar level is too high and pregnant women under 5 months gestation. (Practitioner 4)

For hypertensive patients we can't massage upwards. This will make the blood pressure shoot up and exacerbate the condition. (Practitioner 5)

3.4. Regulation and enforcement

Many premises misuse the title 'reflexology center' as a cover for their immoral activities. Practitioners have their own opinion regarding this matter and mostly agree that stricter regulation is required and higher authorities should be involved to stop the problem getting worse. Certifications and licenses are the most important factors:

I admit that there are parties who misuse this license. I think that the higher authorities need to be stricter in handling this issue . (Practitioner 1)

[I work for this premise as a reflexology practitioner but the] owner of this premises also has certification for reflexology treatment and [runs another premise in the Kuala Lumpur area.] But both of these premises have their own licenses. It is important because many people or premises misuse the title of reflexology center . (Practitioner 3)

Here, every practitioner has their own certificate [but the techniques might be different. Before initiating a massage we must first ask them about their conditions]. So if the practitioners don't have a qualification, they might not know about this and put the customer at risk. (Practitioner 4)

I have negative views on individuals who use reflexology as means of conducting immoral acts. I find that it is very inappropriate and it gives a bad image to certified reflexology practitioners like me. It took a long time to get this certificate. I asked an officer at the Klang municipalities if I can get a license for my reflexology and hijama (cupping therapy) business. A local council officer and another local council committee member were involved to endorse the license. Both officer and committee member said that they will not endorse or give approval because too many reflexology centers have been involved in illegal businesses. Due to that, all the application has been put on hold. (Practitioner 5)

Practitioners seem to agree with the implementation of a form about a client's background, existing diseases and much more. But they found it difficult and did not have enough time to do it.

As for this form, I admit that it will be difficult for us to fill in the forms since we're blind. (Practitioner 1)

Previously, I filled in the forms and put them a proper file, but I do not have enough assistance to do this any more. So I have stopped doing it, but personally I really agree that it would be a good approach to improve reflexology treatment. (Practitioner 3)

I agree that the authorities should implement the form-filling procedure to ease our job and so that we can take extra measures. Sometimes we need to rush, and there is no time to fill in any forms, but it is nevertheless a good implementation. (Practitioner 4)

Creating a reflexology association in Malaysia may help reflexology therapy to become acknowledged, so that people are aware of it and will take the opportunity to take charge of their health. It also the safest way to manage any problems that happen related to reflexology as it easier for customers or enforcement can trace the practitioner. This is reflected in the dialogue from several practitioners:

Maybe it can help us to be recognized as professional practitioners. (Practitioner 2)

It is actually necessary because in case anything happens related to reflexology treatment, we can refer to the responsible person. Don't forget that the government needs to make sure all practitioners register under this association before treating customers, so if anything goes wrong, it is easier for customers or enforcement to trace the practitioner. (Practitioner 1)

3.5. Professionalism

Regarding professionalism, practitioners stated they are professional. When asked about it, they gave different personal opinions about why:

I believe that reflexology is a professional line of work because we follow all the steps and procedures. (Practitioner 1)

Yes [we are professional] because we does not practice anything against the regulation, and we having the certificates and a license to run this type of practice. All the practitioners that offer this treatment in our premises have this qualification and this treatment has become more important in health care nowadays. (Practitioner 3)

Reflexology is actually a professional line of work because we are not just any masseuse; we are trained reflexologists and we focus on massage . (Practitioner 4)

Yes [we are professional] because many studies have shown that reflexology can actually give many benefits to our health. (Practitioner 5)

4. Discussion

An exploratory qualitative approach was used because no previous study had been conducted in this area. A qualitative content analysis elicited beliefs and values from the respondent that not normally conveyed in quantitative survey study.

Based on all the data gathered from the interview sessions, reflexologists generally consider that reflexology treatment nowadays has been accepted as one of the ways to maintain general health.

4.1. Credentials and training received

All practitioners have qualified certification, great knowledge and experience regarding reflexology, human anatomy, physiology and related problems. This enables people to put trust and confidence in their treatment. However, reflexology is not recognized by law and so does not require formal training. Practitioners who took part in the interview were not only proficient in massaging techniques on points of reflex but also knowledgeable in term of human physiology and anatomy. There are many education courses available related to reflexology and practiced by many massage therapists. Such courses do not teach any medical practice, and nor do they replace existing treatment. 13 Practitioners have qualified certification from various institutions and many years' experiences practicing reflexology. They also have expertise in doing reflexology treatment using various types of apparatus such as stone, horn and wooden sticks, based on the patients' conditions.

4.2. Diagnostic purpose

Reflexology involves differential diagnosis where practitioners are able to diagnose a patient's body condition. It is impossible to name the medical condition in simple words, but it is actually the condition where the practitioners manage to identify any imbalances in the body system. 14 They are able to explain and relate causes why some problems could happen with our body. This helps clients be aware of health conditions and so they can seek further treatment if necessary. Detection of patient's medical conditions in reflexology involves observation, asking, listening and palpation. Practitioners observe each patient's eyes, skin, hair and facial expressions, which indirectly shows their physical discomfort and level of stress. 15 Practitioners can ask about and listen to clients' general health level, which can be affected by various factors such as psychological and emotional aspects. It is crucial to build empathy so that patients can put more trust in the reflexologists, leading to meaningful therapeutic relationships. 15 , 16

4.3. Keeping clients well

The practitioners also believed that reflexology will reduce risk and help to handle some diseases if synergized with modern treatment methods.

The collaboration between this complementary therapy, with correct techniques and procedures, and modern medicine seems the best way to maintain general health. As reflexology is a complement to existing modern medicines, it is a good way to improve the well-being of patients. 17 , 18 Based on practitioners' experience, most clients believed that having routine reflexology treatment (with the correct technique) will enhance their body health and indirectly increase their quality of life. Routine reflexology could help reduce stress levels, and as we know stress may trigger many diseases. 19 , 20 The reflexologists did not have any clients complaining that their general health had become worse. They also think that good practitioners can help the client, based on their level of body health.

4.4. Regulation and enforcement

Implementation of patients' assessment forms before reflexology sessions can help practitioners monitor customers' health condition after each session. Some people such as pregnant women in their first trimester cannot have this treatment. Moreover, if reflexology is not performed correctly it may have adverse effects.

Setting up an association for reflexology treatment in Malaysia, to which all practitioners should register if they want to practice reflexology professionally, would help patients or responsible authorities trace practitioners if they are not practicing correctly according to right techniques and procedures. Some practitioners voiced concern that some irresponsible reflexology centers are being used for illegal conduct. This can affect other practitioners' business and make a bad impression about reflexology. Responsible authorities should be stricter, with more frequent monitoring of the premises that offer reflexology treatment. Involvement from responsible authorities to set up more regulation is crucial to prevent these problems from getting worse.

4.5. Professionalism

Practicing reflexology and doing diagnoses would be illegal for someone that claims they are a practitioner but does not have any license related. So it is compulsory for each practitioner to have their own license.

Professional are actually the people who are qualified in the position. In our study, the practitioners, all of whom have qualified certification and licenses, considered themselves as professional since they focus on reflexology treatment and practicing it professionally with correct techniques and procedures. With worldwide recognition of Malaysian reflexologists, reflexology treatment could increase in scale concomitant with modern medical development. 21 , 22

4.6. Limitations of the study

This study was conducted in a small group. For more meaningful interpretations of practitioners' subjective perceptions, future studies should be conducted with larger samples and involve more beneficial themes. Furthermore, the interviews should be conducted in a more relaxed environment so that practitioners can express their opinions more freely. The gap that exists between facilitator and practitioners can affect each opinion. Spontaneous interview sessions would facilitate an exploration of practitioners' perception of their superiors in term of problem diagnosis, the way they handling customers with different health conditions and the involvement of responsible authorities in order to focus on their efforts to maintain people's quality of life.

5. Conclusion and implications for further research

The collaboration between this complementary therapy, with correct techniques and procedures, and modern medicine seems the best way to maintain general body health. Involvement of responsible authorities and strict regulation related to illegal conduct in reflexology centers, which can give a bad name to practitioners, will improve people's perception of reflexology. Empowering practitioners as professionals can help to improve people's perception of and confidence in reflexology treatment.

Conflict of interest

Acknowledgement.

This work was supported by Synergised Industry-Experimenter Research Grant Initiative (SInERGI) (COMM-34/1/SInERGI). The authors would like to express their gratitude to Ministry of Higher Education, Malaysia and Research Innovation Business Unit, Institute of Research Management & Innovation (RIBU, IRMI) Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia for financial support for this research.

Peer review under responsibility of The Center for Food and Biomolecules, National Taiwan University.

An official website of the United States government

The .gov means it’s official. Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

The site is secure. The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

• Publications
• Account settings
• My Bibliography
• Collections
• Citation manager

Save citation to file

Email citation, add to collections.

• Create a new collection
• Add to an existing collection

Add to My Bibliography

Your saved search, create a file for external citation management software, your rss feed.

• Search in PubMed
• Search in NLM Catalog
• Add to Search

Effects of reflexology on fibromyalgia symptoms: a multiple case study

Affiliations.

• 1 Faculty of Nursing, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland. Electronic address: [email protected].
• 2 University of Minnesota, School of Nursing, MN, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].
• PMID: 20621279
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.01.006

Purpose: To explore the effects of reflexology on pain and other symptoms in women with fibromyalgia syndrome [FM].

Methods: Multiple case study method as developed by Stake was used to investigate the effects of reflexology on six cases of women with FM which were given ten sessions of weekly reflexology. Data were collected with observation, interviews and diary and then analyzed within cases and across cases.

Results: Reflexology affected the symptom of pain in multiple areas such as head, neck and arms. Pain started to isolate and decrease.

Conclusion: Reflexology may be helpful to decrease fibromyalgia symptoms. Qualitative research methods and individually tailored interventions are important when researching complementary and alternative therapies.

Copyright 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

• Healing crisis in reflexology: becoming worse before becoming better. Gunnarsdottir TJ, Jonsdottir H. Gunnarsdottir TJ, et al. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010 Nov;16(4):239-43. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2010.01.005. Epub 2010 Feb 11. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2010. PMID: 20920811
• Effects of Reflexology on Pain in Patients With Fibromyalgia. Akin Korhan E, Uyar M, Eyigör C, Yönt GH, Khorshid L. Akin Korhan E, et al. Holist Nurs Pract. 2016 Nov/Dec;30(6):351-359. doi: 10.1097/HNP.0000000000000178. Holist Nurs Pract. 2016. PMID: 27763930
• The Effects of Aromatherapy Massage and Reflexology on Pain and Fatigue in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Gok Metin Z, Ozdemir L. Gok Metin Z, et al. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016 Apr;17(2):140-9. doi: 10.1016/j.pmn.2016.01.004. Epub 2016 Apr 16. Pain Manag Nurs. 2016. PMID: 27091583 Clinical Trial.
• Massage therapy for fibromyalgia symptoms. Kalichman L. Kalichman L. Rheumatol Int. 2010 Jul;30(9):1151-7. doi: 10.1007/s00296-010-1409-2. Epub 2010 Mar 20. Rheumatol Int. 2010. PMID: 20306046 Review.
• Exercise in fibromyalgia and related inflammatory disorders: known effects and unknown chances. Ortega E, García JJ, Bote ME, Martín-Cordero L, Escalante Y, Saavedra JM, Northoff H, Giraldo E. Ortega E, et al. Exerc Immunol Rev. 2009;15:42-65. Exerc Immunol Rev. 2009. PMID: 19957871 Review.
• Oxidative stress involves phenotype modulation of morbid soreness symptoms in fibromyalgia. Hung CH, Tsai MH, Wang PS, Liang FW, Hsu CY, Lee KW, Fong YO, Han DS, Lee CH, Lai CL, Chen CC. Hung CH, et al. RMD Open. 2023 Mar;9(1):e002741. doi: 10.1136/rmdopen-2022-002741. RMD Open. 2023. PMID: 36918228 Free PMC article.
• Comparing the Effects of Reflexology and Footbath on Sleep Quality in the Elderly: A Controlled Clinical Trial. Valizadeh L, Seyyedrasooli A, Zamanazadeh V, Nasiri K. Valizadeh L, et al. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015 Nov 1;17(11):e20111. doi: 10.5812/ircmj.20111. eCollection 2015 Nov. Iran Red Crescent Med J. 2015. PMID: 26734475 Free PMC article.
• Fibromyalgia with severe forms of progression in a multidisciplinary therapy setting with emphasis on hyperthermia therapy--a prospective controlled study. Romeyke T, Scheuer HC, Stummer H. Romeyke T, et al. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Dec 19;10:69-79. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S74949. eCollection 2015. Clin Interv Aging. 2014. PMID: 25565789 Free PMC article.
• Optical, spectroscopic, and Doppler evaluation of "normal" and "abnormal" reflexology areas in lumbar vertebral pathology: a case study. Dalal K, Elanchezhiyan D, Maran VB, Das RK, Kumar P, Singh SP, Murali Krishna C, Chatterjee J. Dalal K, et al. Case Rep Med. 2012;2012:904729. doi: 10.1155/2012/904729. Epub 2012 Dec 17. Case Rep Med. 2012. PMID: 23365581 Free PMC article.

Publication types

• Search in MeSH

Related information

Linkout - more resources, full text sources.

• Elsevier Science
• MedlinePlus Health Information
• Citation Manager

NCBI Literature Resources

MeSH PMC Bookshelf Disclaimer

The PubMed wordmark and PubMed logo are registered trademarks of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Unauthorized use of these marks is strictly prohibited.

Reflexology Case Studies

by Sue Ricks | Jul 28, 2007 | Reflexology

Over the last few days I have had some great feedback from students on the results of having completed some (or all!) of their case studies.   This is now mean feat!   The case studies require dedication, however the rewards are wonderful.     I have heard some great comments during the week.

“This has been one of the best weeks I have had. I cannot believe how much I have grown in my understanding. All of a sudden it is all making sense.   When I started learning about Gentle Touch™ Reflexology, I thought that there was going to be too much to learn but now that I am writing the case studies up, I am finding out that I know so much more than I thought. I am loving it and cannot wait to get onto the next one!”

Some of you may be doing your case studies at the moment, in which case hopefully you are already beginning to get the benefit for doing them!   I f you have not got to that point, or have not started yet,   let me share some more recent comments!

“This has been such a great experience.   I never thought I would actually enjoy writing the case and client studies.   I normally hate big writing jobs but once I got started ; I could not stop!   It was like I had only just seen this client for the first time. Everything started to come together and I reallly understood what was going on.   All the information had been there before and I had got some of their issues during the treatment, but it is only since the writing up that I get a whole new picture.   I cannot tell you how much I have enjoyed this. Everything we have learnt on the course has come together. I am thrilled.   I am not rushing this as I am enjoying writing them up!”

“I am loving this, I wish I had started earlier!   Now I know why these are so important!   They have really helped me get the real brilliance of what Gentle Touch™ Reflexology is all about. My clients have done so well with their treatments and I cannot believe that I have had so many great results with these clients. Some are my family and some friends and everyone had had an improvement and some were amazing.   I thought that was enough, but now I am writing them up I am getting a totally new perspective and get that I know more then ever.”

All good stuff!

The presentation of case studies is the final culmination of all the hard work done. It is your chance to show how far you have come.   Initially the first case studies will be a little sparse but as time continues the results and information gleaned will grow. It is a lovely and evolving process.   I am so delighted that the students who have been in touch this week have found it such an enriching process.   These case and client study files will be something to be so proud of.

All I have got to do is get them marked now!  

I have to say that I am always amazed at the standard produced by the students. The files themselves look amazing and that is before anyone looks inside!   Thank you to all previous students who are now successful graduates who have taken the time out to bring all their files in for the current students to see.   That makes it all seem so much more real when you can actually see what you need to produce. Thank you also for your generous support and encouragement of current students.

I am sure the current group of students who are taking their exams in September will be fine. They are all working hard and revising and getting their case study files in.  

I am also looking forward to welcoming the new group of students who also start in September   They are a lovely group and I am sure some more lovely friendships will be formed.

Happy Feet!

Recent Posts

• Teach the Teacher
• 10 top tips for Foot Reading
• Navigating the Sue Ricks Academy.
• Using Reflexology to support infants.
• Live Course – Fresh Start, Achieving Dreams.
• February 2024
• January 2024
• December 2023
• November 2023
• September 2023
• August 2023
• February 2023
• January 2023
• December 2022
• October 2022
• September 2022
• August 2022
• January 2022
• October 2021
• September 2021
• December 2020
• October 2020
• February 2019
• January 2019
• November 2018
• October 2018
• August 2018
• February 2017
• November 2016
• October 2016
• October 2015
• September 2015
• August 2015
• September 2014
• August 2014
• November 2013
• October 2012
• August 2012
• February 2012
• December 2011
• September 2011
• January 2011
• October 2010
• September 2010
• August 2010
• February 2010
• January 2010
• October 2009
• February 2008
• December 2007
• November 2007
• October 2007
• Book Writing
• Books Recommended By Sue Ricks
• Coaching and Development
• CPD/CEU points
• Current Affairs
• E-motions: Energy in Motion – Messages of the Body
• Electro Crystal Therapy
• Emotional Freedom Technique
• Energy Follows Thought
• Energy Freedom Technique
• Energy Healing
• Fantastic Feet
• Food and Drink
• Foot & Hand Reading
• Foot Reading
• Gentle Touch Reflexology
• Gentle Touch Reflexology for Babies and Children
• Hand Reading
• Hand Reflexology
• Health Information
• Hot Stone Reflexology
• Life Skills & Observations
• Lipedema/Lipodema
• Live Courses
• Live Discussions
• Mind and Energy
• One-to-Ones
• Online Courses
• Personal Development
• Reflexology
• Reflexology Courses
• Reflexology for Babies and Children
• Reflexology Training
• Social Media
• Special Offers
• Sue Ricks Academy
• Three Steps to Enjoying Life
• Uncategorised
• Uncategorized
• World Reflexology Week
• Young Adults
• Entries RSS
• Comments RSS
• WordPress.org

• Luna Holistics Accredited Healing & Spiritual Training Courses

Reflexology Case Study

Published on 4 June, 2014 | Case Studies

Reflexology Treatment/Case Study

I welcomed Client & explained to Client as to how long the treatment would take and that I would speak to her after treatment in regards to any reflexes that are out of balance. I took her hand and showed her several techniques such as snaking, the mole technique. She elected to have a   reflexology foot treatment and I reassured her that I would ease up if any area feels sensitive and there are no worries if she falls asleep during treatment. 

Time started:  11am                               Time finished: 12.10pm

Details of treatment

(I prepared for the session by cutting my finger nails short, tying my hair back and wearing a fresh shirt and trousers with open toe sandals as it is spring. I was clean and jewellery free except for small earrings. (I had read the treatment plan but kept a copy on a table nearby in case I needed to refresh my memory).

I took Client’s medical history which indicated PMS and past urinary tract infection. And eczema on her right elbow and childhood asthma. And trouble falling asleep at night.  She smoked some cigarettes, drank 4 cups of coffee per day, a social drinker and was sensitive to gluten and dairy though didn’t always exclude these from her daily diet. She said that she did not tolerate alcohol well and it gave her headaches. I checked the contraindications sheet.

To avoid a healing crisis I decided it would be best to do quite a light treatment as Client had not had reflexology before nor had she been to a holistic practitioner and had done no self-cleansing program before. I thought to take special note of her kidney reflex, lung and thought other areas would be sensitive as she was consuming allergens on a daily basis. I did not use scent due to her asthma, lighting was natural as it was daytime.

Client sat on a chair and put her feet into a warm foot bath that contained stones and several clear quartz crystals, spring water containing several drops of rose quartz gem essence. She found this relaxing as her job as a waitress meant a lot of time on her feet.  While Client relaxed and closed her eyes I placed the towels on the massage table and pillows and prepared my energies for the treatment, sending positive energy through my limbs to the tips of feet and hands. I took away the bath and dried her feet and asked her to lay on the table, arranging pillows under knees, head and feet and covered her feet with a towel  and a blanket across her body to keep her warm. She sat up and drank a small glass of water as thirsty (prepared Clear Quartz water) √  I put on some classical music softly (“The Most Relaxing Classical Music In The World Ever”) Satisfied that Client was comfortable, I pulled up a stool and began a reflexology treatment as she chatted about “life” . I focused my attention on Client and avoided talking about myself unless asked and willing and explained to her that I expect to find certain reflexes out of balance given the medical history and for her to let me know if they are painful, that’s if she hasn’t fallen asleep.

Client’s feet were not dry and I employed some cornflour (Rose petal scented) I began with her right foot while keeping the towel on her left foot.

The treatment began with the relaxation techniques- Inner Energy breathing and progressed through Angel’s touch, Apollo’s breath, Atlas’s orb, Poseidon’s pull, Healing Tornado, Toe rotation, Hermes stretch and Phoenix rising.

No point was so sore that Client asked me to stop or change pressure.

Client said that she enjoyed the treatment and when she sat up she drank a large glass of Clear Crystal Quartz water and went to the toilet. We discussed her sensitive reflex points.

I suggested she might consult a naturopath or someone qualified in holistic nutrition in order to help clear up allergens in her diet and we arranged for a second visit within the week as it may be better to have frequent visits using gentle treatments for the first few weeks and see how she feels. I mentioned the possibility of experiencing a healing crisis but that it should clear up within 24 hours and remember to drink pure water. I asked her to drink plenty of water the day before the next treatment. Client said that drinking 2 litres of water sounded too much for her so I recommended she drink an amount she was comfortable with.

I did refer to the treatment plan on numerous occasions, as a reflexology newcomer, but kept it brief as possible so as not to interrupt the flow of treatment.

I practised the hand strengthening exercises for practitioners several hours after Client’s treatment.

Latest Entries

• Colour Treatment Case Study Feb 1, 2023
• Reiki Treatments Jan 15, 2023

• Learning Colour Therapy Jan 3, 2023
• Accreditation
• Alternative Therapies
• Aromatherapy
• Colour Therapy
• Future predictions
• Rune stones
• Animal Healing
• beauty at home
• Book Reviews
• Case Studies
• Counselling
• Crystal Healing
• Ebooks with resale rights
• first aid manual
• Free courses
• Healthy diets
• Healthy Living
• Herbs and Remedies
• Holistic Insurance
• Holistic Library
• Holistic Package Offer
• Holistic Therapy
• hopi ear candling
• Hot Stone Massage
• indian head massage
• Latest News
• Life Coaching & NLP
• Monthly Offers
• Whats it all about
• Psychic & Spiritual
• Reflexology
• Reiki & Energy Healing
• Simply Tarot
• Uncategorized
• Understaning Auras
• Working as Holistic Therapist
• Working with Crystals

Subscribe to our mailing list

© 2024 All rights reserved

Practitioner's Diploma in Reflexology

New term september 2024.

This is a Practitioner' s Diploma course affiliated with the NRRI, and is run over 14 months with 2 months off for case studies and practical work. 

The training we provide in traditional Reflexology enables students to build their own successful practice or add to their existing health care practice. Helping others to heal is our mission and the priority in everything that we teach. We aim to offer our students a fulfilling learning experience and build confidence in their ability to help others. Our overall mission is to promote healing through the benefits of Reflexology.

We place a strong focus on the practical side of Reflexology. We teach approaches to treatment including the pressure, the location of the points and relevant techniques for appropriate conditions. Our objective is to empower our students to assist their own clients in addressing their health problems successfully.

We only work with small groups [max. 20 students] and give one-to-one guidance under the supervision of trainers with years of clinical and teaching experience in the industry of complementary healing.  

Our Diploma is a completely comprehensive course with two months study time before the examinations. As such there is no requirement for a student to have experience of reflexology prior to enrolling. The course is accredited by the National Register of Reflexologists, Ireland.

During the course there will always be a balance between learning the theory side of reflexology and the practical work. Students must complete all modules in order to graduate in the Diploma Course. However if a student is unable to attend a module, efforts will be made to accommodate and re-arrange the class missed at a date suitable for both parties. Facilitating this is at the discretion of the school principal.

COURSE BOOKS

Stories the Feet can tell through Reflexology – the original works of Eunice D. Ingham ISBN 978-0-9611804-3-0. 

Reflexology Handouts supplied by the Irish School of Reflexology 

An Introductory Guide to Anatomy and Physiology by Louise Tucker ( Revised Edition) General Editor: Jane Foulston  ISBN 1-903348-04-8. 

Reflexology Harmony and Health - Sr Brega Whelan (Optional)

The Reflexology Handbook: A Complete Guide  by Laura Norman with Thomas Cowan ISBN 978-0-7499-2738-7

COURSE COMMITMENT

The diploma course in Reflexology runs one weekend per month, over twelve months. Students have a choice of two locations: Dublin and Donegal. 

COURSE DATES

Dublin School: Next term September 2024

Donegal School: Next term September 2024

LOCATION NOTES

Dublin: St Patricks College, Drumcondra, Dublin 9 (To be confirmed)

Donegal: Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey, Co. Donegal 

The ISRW is affiliated with and accredited by the NRRI. The NRRI is one of the main professional bodies and associations in Ireland. Reflexologists and students must join the NRRI after graduation if they want to practice Reflexology in a professional capacity. NRRI Diplomas are internationally recognized. ITEC is an examination body that provides international qualifications, specializing in Beauty & Spa Therapy, Hairdressing, Complementary Therapies, Sports & Fitness Training, and Customer Service, with centers worldwide. The main difference between NRRI and ITEC accreditation arises if students want to pursue another ITEC course (such as beauty therapy) after completing their Reflexology Diploma. In that case, the NRRI’s A&P is not recognized by ITEC because it is not a separate module. However, the NRRI’s A&P is specific to Reflexology, rather than a generic A&P, making it more beneficial for our training.

DIPLOMA COURSE II, 2024/2025

AUTUMN TERM DATES 

Dublin School dates 

Week 1: 14/15th September 2024

Week 2: 12/13th October 2024

Week 3: 09/10th November 2024

Week 4: 07/08th December 2024

Week 5: 11/12th January 2025

Week 6: 08/09th February 2025

Week 7: 22/23rd March 2025

Week 8: 12/13th April 2025

Week 9: 17/18th May 2025

Week 10: 14/15th June 2025

Week 11: 12/13th July 2025

Week 12: 23/24th August 2025

Donegal School dates

Week 1: 07/08th September 2024

Week 2: 05/06th October 2024

Week 3: 02/03rd November 2024

Week 4: 30th Nov/ 01st December 2024

Week 5: 04/05th January 2025

Week 6: 01/02nd February 2025

Week 7: 08/09th March 2025

Week 8: 05/06th April 2025

Week 9: 10/11th May 2025

Week 10: 07/08th June 2025

Week 11: 05/06th July 2025

Week 12: 16/17th August 2025

• Essay Editor

Writing a Psychology Case Study: Mastering the Skill

Creating case studies is an exciting and challenging assignment, isn't it? You are to combine theoretical data and practical skills when writing this paper. Analytical thinking is also a great help in this field. The project is quite useful in psychological, medical, educational, and social spheres.

Why are case studies important in psychology? They give a wonderful chance

• to understand personal behavior and manners,
• to investigate symptoms and offer effective treatment,
• to interpret group or individual identity. 

Today we'll discuss the meaning of psychological case studies – the definition, types, and benefits – and offer a few useful tips on how to write these papers. So let's start the exploration.

Case Studies in Psychology: Making an Overview

Generally, a case study means an extensive analysis of a person, group, or episode. It may concern any aspect of the target's life. This method appears to be effective when it is impossible to carry out an experiment. 

Well, what is a case study in psychology? A psychology case study implies a focused information gathering in terms of life reality – behavior, manners, habits, and whatnot. Mostly, it touches on the practical state of affairs, not theoretical matters. You may collect data by psychometric testing, observing, interviewing, and looking through archival materials. The process may resemble looking at the target object through a magnifier.

Due to psychology case studies nature, they play a crucial role in human mind investigation:

• give a meticulous description of personal or collective behavior;
• help to examine the specificity of every unique case;
• provide practical evidence for theoretical hypotheses;
• bring a complete understanding of the investigated phenomenon;
• produce a wide range of practical applications.

Case Studies in Psychology: Types and Features

The case study method in psychology is a complicated issue. There are different types of studies, and each of them assists in a separate field.

Besides, they may be:

• individual or collective (according to the number of target persons);
• cross-sectional or longitudinal (marking a situation in a distinct time point or a long period correspondingly).

Benefits of Case Studies in Psychology

Psychological Case Studies have a few advantages if comparing this method with other investigation issues in this sphere:

• It provides a bright picture of the phenomenon, showing its nuances and specificity.
• It is quite easy to be carried out, especially in practical and ethical terms.
• It gives a true-to-life, rather objective context.
• It is a good educational tool.
• It presents a possibility of flexible investigating, adaptable to current circumstances.

8 Hints on How to Write a Case Study in Psychology

If you come across creating a psychological case study, be attentive, observant, and patient. It is perfect if you have both analytical and storytelling skills. They occur rather helpful when writing this kind of paper. To simplify the situation we offer a few recommendations concerning the composing process.

• Make up a subject profile. It should be specified enough, containing the target's name, age, status, and other necessary personal information.
• single-subject or collective,
• cross-sectional or longitudinal,
• exploratory, explanatory, illustrative, instrumental, or others.
• personal history,
• various psychological factors (traits of character, emotional manifestations, and other similar matters),
• social aspects (environmental impacts on the person)
• events, having influenced the target greatly, etc.
• Make a meticulous description of the target issue that is the focus of the investigation. As a rule, it is to comprise symptoms, problems, and behavior specificity. It is also advisable to record the exact time and duration of issue expressions if there are any.
• Analyze all the gathered data.
• Produce the diagnosis and offer a treatment strategy (therapy, medicines, changes in lifestyle, etc).
• Comment on the process of treatment and its aims.
• Make up a discussion section, interpreting all the results of the study and offering an area for further work.

Having explored the case study definition in psychology in detail, you are certain to realize what data to gather and how to perform a successful result without trouble. Moreover, at any moment you may turn to Aithor – an AI-powered generator – to get an example of a topical study case project.

7 General Tips for Writing a Psychology Case Study

There are a few additional tips on how to produce a fine case study in psychology.

• Be sure that you may communicate with the target and operate with necessary information freely.
• Prepare an elaborate study case outline.
• Record every matter you get in the course of the investigation.
• Respect the ethical norms.
• Discuss the case with colleagues and professionals.
• Analyze everything thoroughly.
• Be precise, patient, and persistent.

To cap it all, case studies definition in psychology underlines the practical importance of carrying out such investigations. Learning the episode in detail helps in producing the adequate diagnoses and treatments. So, try to carry out the exploration in the most consistent and clear way possible. We hope that the presented recommendations will assist you in creating fine projects. Good luck!

Related articles

Can plagiarism be detected on pdf.

Plagiarism has been a challenge for a long time in writing. It's easy to find information online, which might make some people use it without saying where it came from. But plagiarism isn't just taking someone else's words. Sometimes, we might do it by accident or even use our own old work without mentioning it. When people plagiarize, they can get into serious trouble. They might lose others' trust or even face legal problems. Luckily, we now have tools to detect plagiarism. But what about PDF ...

How To Write Essays Faster Using AI?

Creating various topical texts is an obligatory assignment during studies. For a majority of students, it seems like a real headache. It is quite difficult to write a smooth and complex work, meeting all the professors' requirements. However, thanks to modern technologies there appeared a good way of getting a decent project – using AI to write essays. We'd like to acquaint you with Aithor, an effective tool of this kind, able to perform fine and elaborated texts, and, of course, inspiration, i ...

Paraphrasing vs Plagiarism: Do They Really Differ?

Academic assignments require much knowledge and skill. One of the most important points is rendering and interpreting material one has ever studied. A person should avoid presenting word-for-word plagiarism but express his or her thoughts and ideas as much as possible. However, every fine research is certain to be based on the previous issues, data given, or concepts suggested. And here it's high time to differentiate plagiarism and paraphrasing, to realize its peculiarities and cases of usage. ...

Top 10 Use Cases for AI Writers

Writing is changing a lot because of AI. But don't worry — AI won't take human writers' jobs. It's a tool that can make our work easier and help us write better. When we use AI along with our own skills, we can create good content faster and better. AI can help with many parts of writing, from coming up with ideas to fixing the final version. Let's look at the top 10 ways how to use AI for content creation and how it can make your writing better. What Is AI Content Writing? AI content writin ...

How to Write a Dialogue in an Essay: Useful Tips

A correct usage of dialogues in essays may seem quite difficult at first sight. Still there are special issues, for instance, narrative or descriptive papers, where this literary technique will be a good helper in depicting anyone's character. How to add dialogues to the work? How to format them correctly? Let's discuss all relevant matters to master putting conversation episodes into academic essays. Essay Dialogue: Definition & Purpose A dialogue is a literary technique for presenting a con ...

What Is Self-Plagiarism & How To Avoid It

Have you ever thought about whether using your own work again could be seen as copying? It might seem strange, but self-plagiarism is a real issue in school and work writing. Let's look at what this means and learn how to avoid self-plagiarism so your work stays original and ethical. What is self-plagiarism? Self-plagiarism, also called auto-plagiarism or duplicate plagiarism, happens when a writer uses parts of their old work without saying where it came from. This isn't just about copying w ...

What is Citation and Why Should You Cite the Sources When Writing Content

When we write something for school, work, or just for fun, we often use ideas and facts from other places. This makes us ask: what is a citation in writing? Let's find out what this means and why it's really important when we write. What is Citation? Citation in research refers to the practice of telling your readers where you got your information, ideas, or exact words from. It's like showing them the path to the original information you used in your writing. When you cite something, you us ...

Plagiarism: 7 Types in Detail

Your professor says that it is necessary to avoid plagiarism when writing a research paper, essay, or any project based on the works of other people, so to say, any reference source. But what does plagiarism mean? What types of it exist? And how to formulate the material to get rid of potential bad consequences while rendering original texts? Today we try to answer these very questions. Plagiarism: Aspect in Brief Plagiarism is considered to be a serious breach, able to spoil your successful ...

Sprinklr Service

Sprinklr Social

Works Best With

Sprinklr Insights

Sprinklr Marketing

Marketing Teams

Customer Service Teams

• Unified-CXM
• Customers Customer Stories Sprinklr Champions Sprinklr Community
• Company Our Story Leadership Newsroom Partners Careers Investor Relations Security & Data Privacy Sustainability
• Resources Learn Services Support Sprinklr Social ROI Estimator AI Maturity Assessment CX-WISE Analyst Reports Product Demo Days eBooks & Reports Events & Webinars Blog Unified-CXM Guide Forbes Influential CMO 2024 Our Services Training For Agencies Help Center Release Notes Contact Us

The undisputed leader in social media management

For over a decade, the world’s largest enterprises have trusted Sprinklr Social for its in-depth listening, unmatched channel coverage, enterprise-grade configurability and industry-defining AI.

Top Social Media Case Studies and Lessons to Learn

Social media case studies provide practical, actionable insights for your online marketing campaigns. They can highlight what works and what doesn’t. By learning from the experiences of others, you can refine your strategies to boost engagement and increase social media conversion rates for your business. 

As of 2024, the average internet user spends 143 minutes daily on social media. This high level of engagement presents a significant opportunity for brands to connect with potential customers. And adopting the best practices and strategies demonstrated in successful social media case studies can help you achieve this. 

In this blog, we’ll be exploring examples of social media case studies and their valuable lessons. So be sure to glean insights from them to ramp up your social media marketing game. 

Social media case studies of best social media brands

Using the right social media strategy can be a game changer for your brand as it will help you reach your audience effectively. Let’s look at a few success stories: 

#1: Spotify

In 2013, Spotify introduced its "Year in Review" feature. The company realized it had a treasure trove of streaming data. While the graphics were on-brand and less quirky than today’s versions, they still captured the audience’s attention.  

Fast-forward to 2016, Spotify rebranded these data stories as " Wrapped ." Each year, Spotify Wrapped introduces new and fun features based on users’ listening habits — from identifying your unique “audio aura” to categorizing you into one of 16 “listening personality types.”  

Why this campaign?    The campaign taps into users' love for content personalization and nostalgia, allowing them to reflect on their past year in music and share their unique listening habits with their friends and followers. This annual tradition has become a highly anticipated event. It generates buzz and drives customer retention and new sign-ups.  

What did they do?    Spotify collates vast amounts of listening data and presents it with eye-catching graphics that are instantly shareable on Facebook, Instagram and X. This enhances shareability and personalization, contributing to the viral success of Spotify Wrapped. 

How did it help?    Spotify Wrapped's social media metrics highlight its viral success. The campaign generated significant engagement, with more than 156 million users interacting with their personalized Wrapped summaries in 2022. What’s more, the first three days after its 2022 launch, Spotify Wrapped generated over 400 million tweets/X posts, highlighting its strong shareability and user engagement on social media platforms. 

What to take away?  

• Embed shareability for virality: Spotify Wrapped is highly shareable. The content is perfectly optimized for social media. The app even encourages you to share your Wrapped summary. Crafting personalized content that people are excited to share is a successful social media strategy , as active participation naturally follows when you engage your audience. 
• Create rituals: While Spotify Wrapped's format remains consistent, it gains more traction on social media each year. Annual campaigns, particularly those towards the year's end, establish a sense of ritual, and consumers are conditioned to anticipate them. Ritualized content gives your audience something to look forward to, year after year. 
• Jump on that bandwagon: Making brand-specific versions of popular content is a fantastic way to participate in the conversation. For instance, SEMRush used the Wrapped format to create unique content tailored to its audience. 

Deep Dive: How to adopt trends and broaden your channel coverage mix (while staying on brand)  

#2: The Barbie Movie 

The 2023 film Barbie brought the beloved Mattel doll to life in a dazzling, contemporary adventure. Starring Ryan Gosling and Margot Robbie, the movie seamlessly blends fantasy and reality as Barbie embarks on a transformative journey from her idyllic, pink-hued world to the real one. 

Why this campaign?  The Barbie marketing campaign was a masterclass in leveraging nostalgia, contemporary pop culture and innovative social media promotion strategies. It generated a massive buzz and captured the imagination of audiences worldwide. 

What did they do?    Warner Brothers and Mattel collaborated to create a multifaceted campaign. This included vibrant teasers, interactive social media content and high-profile brand partnerships. Here are the specifics:  

• Shared behind-the-scenes content, trailers and other promotional materials on all social media platforms 
• Engaged influencers and celebrities to create inspired memes and generate excitement 
• Created a sense of community by reflecting the diversity of its audience   
• Barbie-themed Malibu DreamHouse listed by Airbnb 
• Barbie-styled clothing line launched by Forever21 
• Barbie-themed meals offered by Burger King in Brazil 

• Utilized innovative tactics like a selfie generator to keep fans engaged 
• Benefitted from the unplanned "Barbenheimer" phenomenon 

The simultaneous release of Oppenheimer and Barbie really captured the public’s imagination. It sparked an unexpected cultural phenomenon known as "Barbenheimer." Christopher Nolan's intense biographical drama "Oppenheimer" explored the life of J. Robert Oppenheimer and the creation of the atomic bomb, while Greta Gerwig's "Barbie" was inspired by the iconic doll. The stark contrast between the two films captivated both audiences and the media.  

The phenomenon was fueled by social media buzz, memes and fans' enthusiasm for the unique cinematic experience of watching two drastically different films back-to-back. This boosted box office numbers for both movies and created a shared cultural moment transcending typical movie-going experiences. The playful rivalry and the combined marketing efforts led to unprecedented social media engagement , making "Barbenheimer" a standout event in 2023. 

How did it help?    The movie had grossed $1.45 billion worldwide , including $636 million in North America. Barbie was the top-grossing film of 2023, largely due to its strong social media engagement. In fact, in a Statista survey, more than half of the respondents claimed that they primarily learned about the movie through social media. 

• Generate buzz: The Barbie social media marketing campaign is a true masterclass in creating viral content. It clearly demonstrates that, when utilized effectively, social media can be an incredibly powerful tool for bringing a brand, product or film into the spotlight. Your marketing message becomes more powerful when it consistently appears in the feeds of your target audience .   

🤔 Are you looking to be in the public eye consistently?   

To be the talk of the “global town,” you need to be steady with your posting and ensure that your content is delivered at the ideal times. However, keeping track of all your social media posts and activities can often seem like a Herculean task. Though, there is a quick way to simplify all that manual heavy lifting.  

Sprinklr's Social Media Publishing & Engagement tool helps you streamline the organization, planning and execution of your social media content. With it, you can:

👁️ Get a complete overview of your posts, events and campaigns  

📚 Publish across 30+ channels at the same time 

🖼️ View comments, mentions and messages across channels in a single space 

🔎 Monitor the performance of your paid, owned and earned media in one single dashboard 

Pro Tip💡: Ensure your top content receives the exposure it merits. Influencers offer a distinctive viewpoint that authentically resonates with customers and potentially influences purchasing decisions. As such, using a tool like Sprinklr's AI-led Influencer Marketing Platform can help you find the right influencers across multiple demographics. It identifies the best-suited influencers to maximize the reach, authenticity and impact of your marketing message, and it also gives deeper insights into their performance. 

• Innovate to resonate: Barbie's marketing campaign showcased various inventive strategies to captivate fans. Due to the interactive experiences offered through the film's promotion, audiences remained eagerly anticipating its release. For instance, typing "Barbie," "Margot Robbie," "Ryan Gosling" or "Greta Gerwig" into Google search triggered a magical makeover and turned the screen pink with sparkles, thrilling fans worldwide. 
• Be inclusive: The Barbie campaign embraced inclusivity by appealing to various audiences. By featuring diverse characters and themes in its marketing materials, Barbie made audiences feel represented and included in the brand's narrative. The propagation of social media accessibility and inclusivity strengthened Barbie's connection with its fan base and drew new audiences.

Related Read: 10+ Ideas for Social Media Posts That Move the Needle  

#3: Shiseido Japan 

Shiseido Japan is a renowned global beauty and cosmetics company with a rich heritage of combining Eastern aesthetics and Western science. The company has established itself as a leader in the beauty industry and is known for its innovative skincare, makeup and fragrance products.  

Why this campaign?    Historically, Shiseido Japan's makeup marketing teams collaborated with agencies to monitor social media performance. They relied on agency-provided reports or manually checked each social account, which prevented them from responding quickly to any issues. In 2021, Shiseido Japan decided to overhaul the marketing strategies for makeup brands like MAQuillAGE, Snow Beauty, INTEGRATE and MAJOLICA MAJORCA. 

What did they do?    Shiseido adopted Sprinklr's Unified-CXM platform to transform its marketing teams. It helped them collaborate effortlessly by combining tools and data on a single platform.

Pro Tip💡: Automate and manage workflows , such as campaign deployment and reporting, to free up time for teams to focus on strategic initiatives. Look for platforms or software solutions that offer features such as campaign scheduling, account addition via emails and customizable dashboards. Modern platforms like Sprinklr Social and Sprinklr Insights are purpose-built for this task, with all the aforementioned offerings and more. They unify channels, tools and data, providing a comprehensive view of the customer.

How did it help?    Sprinklr significantly enhanced Shiseido's social media management by centralizing all media accounts on a single platform. It allowed the marketing teams to access real-time data through customized dashboards and generate automated, shareable reports, enabling better social media measurement. This resulted in a 244% increase in overall owned media account performance in 2022.  

The shift to Sprinklr also facilitated a new data-driven culture for social campaigns, moving away from guesswork. Teams could validate ideas, check for viral potential using past trends and analyze campaign performance against social media KPIs (key performance indicators), making the necessary adjustments for future campaigns. This structured approach resulted in better campaign outcomes. Mentions of Shiseido's makeup brands on social media through user-generated content (UGC) increased by 406% in 2022, when compared to 2021. 

• Facilitate data-driven decision-making: Like Shiseido, consider investing in technologies like Sprinklr's Unified-CXM platform . It will transform your decision-making processes by providing real-time actionable insights by analyzing data collected across multiple channels.  
• Prioritize social listening : Make sure you prioritize social listening to analyze audience sentiment, track trends and identify opportunities for brand engagement. By actively monitoring social media conversations, engaging with your audience and leveraging UGC, you can foster authentic connections with your customers. 
• Customize your dashboards: Tailor your social media analytics tools to your unique needs, just like Shiseido did with Sprinklr's dashboards. By customizing metrics and dashboards to track social media KPIs relevant to your business goals, you'll gain deeper insights into your social performance. 

Read More : Sprinklr’s Social Media Case Study on Shiseido Japan

How do you write a social media growth case study?  

Now that we’ve examined some great social media case studies, let's explore how you can create one. Here’s how you can structure and populate one on your own:  

1. Introduction 

• Introduce the brand: Start by briefly introducing the brand whose social media growth you are examining. 
• State the purpose: Explain the purpose of the case study and what you aim to demonstrate. 

2. Background

• Ground zero: Describe the initial state of the brand's social media presence. Include metrics like follower count, engagement rates and notable challenges. 
• Objectives: Clearly outline the brand's goals for social media growth. These could be increasing followers, boosting engagement or enhancing brand awareness . 

3. Strategy 

• Target audience: Define the target audience for social media efforts. 
• Platform selection: Explain which social media platforms were chosen and why. 
• Content strategy: Explain what types of content were created and their messaging. 
• Campaigns: Describe the brand’s advertising campaigns, apart from influencer partnerships, paid advertising or user-generated content campaigns. 

4. Implementation 

• Timeline: Provide a timeline of key activities and milestones. 
• Resources: Discuss the resources used, including team members, tools and budget. 

5. Metrics 

• Growth metrics: Present metrics that indicate growth, such as changes in follower count, engagement rates, reach and impressions . 
• Additional metrics: Include other relevant metrics like click-through rates, conversion rates and social media ROI . 

6. Results 

• Compare and contrast: Compare the initial metrics with the final results to show the growth. 
• Achievements: Highlight major achievements and milestones reached during the campaign. 

7. Solutions 

• Obstacles: Discuss any challenges faced during the campaign. 
• Fixes: Explain how these challenges were addressed and what solutions were implemented. 

8. Takeaways 

• Successful strategies: Summarize the social media growth strategies that worked well and contributed to success. 
• Lessons learned: Reflect on what could have been done differently and any lessons learned for future campaigns. 

9. Conclusion 

• Summary: Recap the main points and results of the case study. 
• The future: Briefly mention any next steps for the brand’s social media strategy. 

10. Visual elements  

• Charts and graphs: Use reporting charts and graphs to visually represent the data and growth metrics. 
• Screenshots: Include screenshots of successful posts, campaign highlights and other visual elements.  

Final thoughts  

These social media case studies showcase innovative strategies for capturing audience attention and driving significant engagement. However, this is easier said than done. The challenge for large brands in social media marketing lies in effectively leveraging data insights and managing multiple channels. 

Sprinklr Social can help you with this. It offers real-time actionable data insights, streamlines social media management and enables personalized engagement with audiences. The platform is trusted by global companies for its in-depth listening, unmatched channel coverage of 30+ digital channels and enterprise-grade configurability. This is so you’re always in the know of every customer interaction. The best part? It automates your end-to-end social media management with the industry-leading Sprinklr AI and accelerates content creation with top-tier generative AI capabilities. 

Keen to find out how this software can elevate your social media marketing efforts?  

Frequently Asked Questions

Get the social management tool that does it all

Easily create and schedule posts, publish at the best times, and maximize your social engagement across 10+ channels.

• Find a Therapist
• Recent Posts

Itec Reflexology Case Studies

Hi all! I am hoping you can help me. I am trying to complete my case studies for my Itec Reflexology course. My question is....Do you have to emotionally read the feet for the itec case studies? I am doing it but time wise its killing me... I have the tick sheet for the case studies printed from the itec website and it doesn't mention emotion readings but our tutor says we have to. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

That's a big demand from your tutor. The nearest thing I can see on the ITEC website is:

2.5.1 Review the reflexology treatment/programme and draw conclusions from findings for further treatment recommendations. At the end of each treatment the client’s psychological and physical reactions should be recorded and any reactions noted on the foot chart(s) and consultation form

♦ The following areas should be monitored: • Outcomes achieved • Effectiveness of the treatment • Reassessing choice of treatment media used and treatment techniques • Any change in demands e.g. physiological or physical changes • Whether the treatment met the needs of the client – client expectations • Longer term needs of the client (e.g. when working in a care environment, with those clients dealing with bereavement and loss) • Therapist self-reflection in relation to client and treatment performed • Client treatment progression • Review of ongoing treatment plan • Recommendations for further treatment sessions • The importance of reflective practice to the reflexologist - practical application and effects ▪ Records must be stored in a confidential and secure manner complying with current legislation and professional codes of practice 2.6.1 Interpret client feedback and record on consultation form, • At the end of each treatment the client’s feedback should be recorded on the consultation form and any reactions noted on the foot chart together with the reflexologist’s observations and recommendations for ongoing treatment and client self-treatment. These should be documented fully ▪ Record and store in line with current legislation and professional codes of practice

Very debatable. Sometimes clients may have an emotional reaction while you are working on their feet. By all means record this (as suggested by ITEC), but you can't force a client to be emotional just for a case study or indeed in professional practice. And like you said it isn't on the consultation or assessment forms. Sounds to me that your tutor is playing god.

Best wishes

Actually rereading your OP, it seems that the tutor wants you to "emotionally read the feet". So please tell me what the tutor has taught you to be able to do this?

Hi RP...thanks for your replies. Our tutor gave us an A4 hand out on what different physical finding when reading the feet could mean emotionally...basically its taste of Jane Sheehans book on reading the feet emotionally....and he told us to buy Louise Hay Heal your body....that is all. The rest has been left up to us. To be honest the people I am using as case study clients want to read what I have written on them and I don't think they would appreciate me sumising their emotional state past, present and future which is what our tutor says we have to do.I just feel its taking over my time and I'm not sure its needed....its adding pages to the case studies and it all heresay really...in my opinion anyway. Thanks again...A

I see where you are coming from now.

Looking at the psychosomatic can give the therapist and the client good insight, but the problem is that is doesn't always correlate nicely to a text book. As one of my students once said, "If I won the lotto, I would buy every copy of You can Heal your Life by Louise Hays and burn the f****** lot of them!" He was making a point that too many therapists read such material like it's gospel instead of using it as a tool to investigate.

A light weight discussion with the client can be useful, and it's always good to say that "We are exploring possibilities". Unfortunately in the therapy world many practitioners take on the role of being some enlightened guru. Many people are put off by this attitude and gives therapies a bad name. At the end of the day in-depth mind-body connections isn't in the realm of reflexology (especially at college level), and the reflexologist is wishing to be a mind therapist should get extra training in that.

May be it would be nicer for you to talk to the client respectfully in terms of "exploring possibilites" and if they are willing then you have some material to write up and if not you can't force them. If your tutor doesn't like that then remind him/her that people have the right to "pass" and it's not necessary to go into it that deeply for an ITEC case study. Ultimately, you can contact ITEC to clarify to actual criteria for case studies.

Hi, I recently qualified on an ITEC Reflex course and I agree with the latest post. For the sake of training and the exam just keep things simple and follow what ITEC ask you to know and what has been taught by your teacher. On the foot chart you can add your own interpretation of what you find in each reflex point but I wouldn't go to far with complicate assumption about someone's health's state. I try to give my own guessing and interpretation even though not requested specifically from ITEC and was useful to develop my own intuition and usually I was asking my case studies to back what I found, going through some medical history and most of the time find some interesting relations. However, is a different world once qualified as you are not allowed to diagnose or put ideas into potential client as this goes beyond you position as complementary therapist. I bet your teacher warn you already about it. My advice is don't bother with going crazy finding an explanation for everything you find. just follow your intuition and know you are doing something good for the client and surely benefits from your treatment. Keep to what ITEC tell you to do and you'll be more than fine. Good luck! L.

Thanks for your replies! Sorry about the late reply! I had my exams on the 10th March...the practical was terrifying but we had a very nice ITEC examiner. I was so nervous and I really hope it didn't cost me the exam!!! We were all asked 9 question throughout the exam...she stopped by us all 3 times and each time asked 3 questions...I was asked about my clients presenting problem, my treatment plan, a few different reflex points, and what corns indicated and what yellow or blue colours on the feet meant. The reflexology paper was fair enough...I had studies a lot of past papers had just finished the anatomy and physiology diploma earlier this year so I thin I did ok...(I hope I did!!). With regards to my case studies I followed exactly what ITEC looked for and no more. I got very good feedback from my tutor but to be honest I would take that with a pinch of salt....we have been teaching ourselves the course since last Oct. He usually teaches VTCT and we were offered the chance to change from that to ITEC and we took it because of the lesser amount of case studies...THEN a few weeks later he informed us that he never thought ITEC. Every question we asked him the answer was 'I'll find out by next week'....We had no proper support just printed out the course criteria and learned everything it outlined on that. Sorry about the rant....still mad over paying to be thought and not getting that...:-)

Currently viewing this topic 1 guest.