For many people, shingles ends when the rash heals. For others, the pain continues long afterwards.
This persistent nerve pain is known as post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN). It can last for months and occasionally longer, affecting sleep, everyday activities and quality of life even though the visible signs of shingles have disappeared.
Reflexology cannot treat the virus responsible for shingles or repair nerve damage caused by the condition. Once the acute infection has passed, however, some people living with ongoing discomfort choose reflexology simply for relaxation, gentle touch and time to rest.
What Is Shingles?
Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox.
After somebody has had chickenpox, the virus remains inactive within the nervous system. Years or even decades later, it can reactivate and cause shingles.
The condition usually produces a painful rash affecting an area on one side of the body. Before or alongside the rash, people may experience burning, tingling, itching or considerable sensitivity.
Some people also feel generally unwell or experience headache, tiredness or fever.
Getting Medical Treatment Quickly
If you think you may have shingles, seek medical advice promptly.
Antiviral medicines may be prescribed for some people and are most effective when started early. Shingles affecting the eye or face, or occurring in somebody with a weakened immune system, requires particular medical attention.
Reflexology is not an alternative to medical treatment for active shingles.
During the acute stage, particularly where there are active blisters or the person feels unwell, the sensible priority is medical care and recovery rather than arranging a reflexology session.
Is Shingles Contagious?
You cannot catch shingles itself from somebody who has shingles.
However, the fluid from active shingles blisters contains the varicella-zoster virus. Somebody who has never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine could potentially develop chickenpox following exposure.
This is another reason why I would not provide reflexology over an area affected by an active shingles rash.
When the Rash Goes but the Pain Doesn’t
Post-herpetic neuralgia is nerve pain that continues in an area previously affected by shingles after the rash has healed.
People describe it in different ways. It may feel burning, stabbing or aching, and the skin can become extremely sensitive.
Sometimes even very light contact from clothing or bedding can be uncomfortable.
PHN is more common in older people and can understandably become exhausting when discomfort continues for a long period.
Medical treatments are available for neuropathic pain, so persistent pain after shingles should be discussed with a GP or appropriate healthcare professional.
Where Reflexology May Fit After Shingles
Once the acute shingles infection has resolved, somebody living with PHN may decide that they would like to try reflexology as a complementary therapy.
The aim isn’t to treat the damaged nerve or eliminate neuropathic pain.
Instead, the session provides time away from constantly thinking about discomfort.
I work across the feet using pressure adapted to the individual. If the feet themselves have been affected by shingles, or remain unusually sensitive afterwards, that needs to be discussed before treatment and reflexology may not be appropriate until the area has fully recovered.
When Touch Has Become Uncomfortable
Persistent nerve pain can make somebody understandably cautious about being touched.
That makes communication particularly important.
Before beginning, we can establish what feels comfortable. Pressure can be lightened or changed at any point, and if something doesn’t feel right you can simply tell me.
There is no advantage in enduring uncomfortable pressure during a reflexology session.
The purpose is relaxation — not testing somebody’s tolerance.
Mobile Reflexology After Shingles in London
Long-lasting nerve pain can make unnecessary journeys feel particularly unappealing.
I provide mobile reflexology throughout London, which means I travel to your home rather than asking you to travel to a clinic.
You can have the treatment somewhere familiar, choose the position that feels most comfortable and remain at home afterwards.
For somebody who has already spent weeks or months dealing with discomfort, sometimes not having to go anywhere is a benefit in itself.
If your shingles rash has healed but you’re still experiencing post-herpetic neuralgia, your GP or healthcare professional should remain your first point of contact for managing the pain. If you’d also like some dedicated time for relaxation, you can contact me to discuss whether reflexology would be appropriate for you.
