A few months ago I was very fortunate to get a gift card to Maison Esthetique from 31 families that I am close with. Maison Esthetique is a local spa that offers many services, but what has been most helpful to me for pain management has been the Oncology Massage and Reflexology.

Reflexology is an alternative medicine in which the masseuse applies pressure through hand techniques to certain areas of the foot which are linked to certain areas of your body to relieve pain in those areas. The first time I went for reflexology it was just after I had gotten my first back surgery.

Despite being on pain medication, my back pain was still pretty bad then. I remember laying on the massage table with my back throbbing thinking “this better help me.” As Fiona, my masseuse, began the treatment on my feet I could no longer feel any pain in my back and it felt like I was floating in a cloud. I was amazed.

I also get a massage as well to help with the muscle aches throughout my body. Since they are experienced in giving massages to cancer patients there I feel very comfortable and have been able to discuss with Fiona about where I am experiencing pain which she is able to relieve through gentle pressure due to the fragility of my bones.

Fiona is the nicest lady who went to China to study reflexology. Each time I come in she is so excited to see me and gives me extra time for my massage. She told me she believes we met for a reason and she is working to heal me.

After reflexology and the massage, the pain relief lasts for several weeks and for me it has led to much less pain in my back which has allowed me to be more active. I have now gone to see Fiona three times and just had a second surgery on my back to hopefully eliminate my pain.