What’s New?
The good news is that the contraindications themselves haven’t changed – we know consistency is important for your practice. However, we’ve made some significant improvements to help make your decision-making process smoother:
- Refreshed format – including a version that’s perfect for printing
- Enhanced guidance – more detailed information to help you make informed decisions about whether to treat or not
- Useful resources – additional links to AoR Information Sheets, NHS webpages, and other helpful materials
Above all else, please remember that if you don’t feel comfortable treating a client for any reason, it’s absolutely appropriate to postpone the treatment or politely decline. Your comfort and confidence in your role as a reflexologist is essential.
Access the NEW AoR Reflexology Contraindications List here
Contraindications ListUnderstanding Contraindications
Contraindications serve an important purpose – they keep you safe as a therapist and protect your clients when they’re experiencing certain conditions or symptoms. Simply put, a reflexology contraindication indicates when treatment should be avoided or postponed.
It’s worth understanding the distinction between contraindications and cautions:
Contraindication: Treatment should not proceed
Caution: Further consideration is needed, but treatment may be possible with appropriate adaptations or modifications
This distinction is really valuable as it helps guide your decision-making process more effectively.
Your Professional Responsibilities
As an AoR member, you’re committed to following our Code of Practice. This includes the requirement to:
“Always ascertain at the consultation stage whether the client has any medical conditions or is undergoing medical treatment. In the event of a current contraindication, you should not carry out any treatment.”
To meet this professional standard, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the updated list and knowing where to find it when you need support during your practice.
Need Additional Support?
We understand that even with comprehensive resources, you might occasionally encounter situations where you’re unsure about the best course of action. That’s completely normal, and we’re here to help.
If you’ve consulted the documents and still feel uncertain about whether to proceed with treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact the AoR advice line on 01823 351010 between 9:30am and 3:30pm. Our team is ready to provide the support and guidance you need.Thank you for your continued commitment to safe, professional reflexology practice. We hope you find these updated resources helpful in your work.
