Effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females with migraine: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of feet reflexology versus segmental massage in reducing pain and its intensity, frequency and duration of the attacks in females suffering from migraine.

METHODS: Forty eight females aged 33-58, suffering from migraine for 2 to 10 years were included in this study from November 2013 to November 2015. The study protocol was carried out in Department of Chronic Diseases at the Regional Hospital in Zywiec. In the reflexology group (RG) the patients received a series of 10 treatments 2 times per week; in the segmental massage group (SMG) the patients received a series of 15 treatments 3 times per week. Pain during migraine attacks was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), and headache features such as intensity (IA), frequency (FA) and duration (DA) of attacks were assessed before the treatment, just after the treatment, 3 months after the treatment.

RESULTS: All variables (VAS, IA, FA and DA) decreased within RG and SMG 3 months after the treatment in compare with the baseline values, and the differences were statistically significant. The differences between groups were also statistically significant.

CONCLUSION: Feet reflexology and segmental massage provide a safe alternative for the pharmacological treatment of migraine. The patients with migraine obtain significant health benefits with feet reflexology.