How to treat disabled people

Reflexology is an excellent treatment and, rather than being denied to disabled people, it should be encouraged as it can be of great assistance. However there are some important rules to remember.

Firstly, moving people in or out of wheelchairs, in or out of hospital beds or moving them around to give access to their feet is subject to one important rule.

Don't do it unless you know how (and if you're not sure if you know then you don't)!

You can find out how to do it properly by doing a course in manual handling which usually lasts just one day.

Aside from laying yourself open to prosecution if you cause an injury, moving people in wheelchairs or in hospital beds is for experts. If you are at a hospital or hospice, then get the staff to do any handling necessary even if the disabled person says it's OK. If you can't get anyone to help you then keep the disabled person where they are and bring the treatment to them.

If you have to adjust more than their legs or feet to perform your treatment then tell them what you are going to do before you do it and get their approval first. Don't assume that you can move their limbs in the same way that you might move your own limbs or that of a member of your own family. Also, be aware that it can take longer for disabled people to re-adjust themselves so move them slowly and with care.

That said, however, I have treated several disabled people and patients in hospital and care homes and it has been a very satisfactory and helpful experience for them and also a treatment I have enjoyed giving.