30/07/2026
At first glance a "simple" foot massage may not seem like it would do a lot but it's one of my most popular treatments along with reflexology. This small study below highlights some of the benefits for patients undergoing haemodialysis.
In practice I've also seen benefits for people with peripheral neuropathy, plantar fasciitis (combined with calf massage) and for those who simply spend a lot of time on their feet!
If your toes are needing some TLC and your feet are feeling frazzled, drop me a PM. , 👣
Haemodialysis patients
🦶 Foot massage and haemodialysis, what does the research say?
Research title: Effects of Foot Massage on Severity of Fatigue and Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial, Habibzadeh et al., 2020
This randomised controlled trial found that foot massage appeared to reduce fatigue in people undergoing haemodialysis. Quality of life scores improved, although the findings should be interpreted with care.
The limitations matter. This was a specific clinical population, with a defined intervention and study setting. Results from haemodialysis patients cannot simply be transferred to all fatigue related presentations.
The practical message is that simple touch based interventions may support comfort and fatigue management in some clinical settings, but therapists must understand medical context, vascular access, skin integrity, infection control and contraindications.
🔗 Research link:
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7153426/
