Finding Hope and Healing Through Reflexology

A Case Study of Living with Transverse Myelitis

At Inner Calm Reflexology in Prebbleton, I have the privilege of supporting many clients on their journey toward greater comfort and well-being. One of my clients has kindly allowed me to share her story so that it may give hope to others living with chronic conditions — showing that, even when faced with challenging diagnoses, there are holistic ways to improve quality of life and regain a sense of empowerment.

Understanding Transverse Myelitis

Transverse Myelitis (TM) is a rare autoimmune condition that causes inflammation across both sides of one section of the spinal cord. This inflammation damages the protective covering (myelin) of nerve fibers, disrupting communication between the nerves in the spinal cord and the rest of the body.

Depending on the area affected, TM can lead to a range of symptoms — including weakness or paralysis in the legs, pain, sensory changes such as numbness or tingling, bladder and bowel dysfunction, and changes in blood pressure. It is often described as a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary functions such as circulation, digestion, and temperature regulation.

There is no single known cause of Transverse Myelitis, and recovery or not can vary widely. While conventional medicine focuses on managing inflammation, pain, and complications, many people explore complementary therapies like reflexology to support relaxation, circulation, and the body’s natural healing processes. 

My Client’s Story

My client was diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis in 2016 at the age of 54, while still working as a registered nurse. About a year after her diagnosis, following further medical tests, she was told by her neurologist that “nothing will change — you have this condition, and this will not get better.” 

Despite this discouraging prognosis, she has continued to seek ways to support her health and well-being. Earlier this year, she decided to begin regular reflexology treatments with me, starting in February.

When she first arrived, her legs and feet were very swollen — tight, uncomfortable, and increasingly painful. She experienced significant numbness and tingling, describing her legs as feeling “like wading through a river” and when tired “like wading through concrete.” She also suffered from persistent lower back pain, high blood pressure, and incontinence related to autonomic nervous system dysfunction.

Our Reflexology Approach

I have completed postgraduate study focusing on Autoimmune conditions with reflexology, and to me a holistic approach is important. Understanding not only the physical symptoms but the emotional response the body and mind are having when sometimes the future seems uncertain. With this in mind, we began a course of gentle, targeted foot reflexology treatments aimed at stimulating nerve pathways, improving circulation, and calming the nervous system, once a fortnight. Treatments focused on:

• The central nervous system: supporting the brain and spinal reflexes to encourage communication throughout the body
• The urinary system: including kidney, urethra, and bladder reflexes to help with incontinence
• The lymphatic system: to reduce fluid retention
• The digestive system: to support immune and autoimmune balance
• Lower limb reflexes: to enhance circulation and mobility
• The solar plexus and adrenal reflexes: to bring the body out of the stress response and promote relaxation

Positive Changes Over Time

The first session was deeply relaxing for her, though I noticed involuntary twitching and movement in her legs — a sign that nerve stimulation was occurring. She was given hand reflex points to work on between treatments, focusing on the spinal reflex.

After the first treatment, the results were remarkable. She reported:
“The next day I had no back pain at all — and it lasted for a whole week! My ankles and feet were less swollen, and even my husband noticed the difference.” 

As well as fortnightly treatments initially, self-care reflex points on the hands were provided in between visits. These included spine, lymphatics, sciatic nerve, pelvic area, pituitary, shoulder girdle and kidneys.
Over the following sessions, we continued to observe encouraging progress: 

• Swelling in her feet and ankles reduced significantly and remained low
• Back pain decreased — initially returning after a week, but over time only appearing in the mornings or before her next treatment
• Mobility improved — she described feeling lighter and no longer “wading through concrete.”
• Sleep and relaxation improved as she regularly drifted off during sessions.

By the fifth treatment, her mobility was greatly improved, and the swelling had not returned. The back pain that once dominated her daily life was now limited to brief periods.

A Renewed Sense of Empowerment

My client has now been able to add daily hydrotherapy walks to her wellness routine, completing 250 widths in a supportive pool environment. The combination of movement, water therapy, and regular reflexology has brought noticeable improvements in her mobility, energy, and overall outlook. She shared:
“It has made such a difference — not only physically, but it’s changed how I feel. Knowing that I can do something myself that helps is empowering. I was once told ‘nothing will change,’ but that’s not true. I still may have it, but in a different way.”

Perhaps most touching of all, she reflected on the encouragement that led her here:
“A friend said to me, ‘You should see a reflexologist.’ That was the best sentence I’ve ever heard.”

Final Thoughts

Reflexology does not claim to cure or diagnose any condition, and I always encourage clients to seek and follow medical advice from their healthcare professionals. However, as this story beautifully illustrates, reflexology can play a powerful complementary role — helping to relieve symptoms of pain and swelling, improve circulation, calm the nervous system, and restore a sense of hope and control.

Every person’s healing journey is unique, and sometimes the smallest shift — physical or emotional — can open the door to a new sense of possibility.

At Inner Calm Reflexology, my goal is to help each person reconnect with their body’s innate wisdom and find greater ease in daily life. If you or someone you love is living with a chronic condition and would like to explore how reflexology may support well-being, please feel free to reach out for a conversation or book a session.

🌿 Each session is a reminder that your body is always working toward balance — and with the right support, that natural wisdom can shine through.