What is Chiropody/Podiatry?
Chiropody/Podiatry is the professional care of the feet and lower limbs. This care includes diabetic care, management of problematic nails, foot wounds and lesions and advice for those with conditions effecting the feet.
What is Reflexology?
Reflexology is a non-invasive, natural holistic therapy based on zone therapy – from the historic discovery that pressure points on the feet and hands that correspond to organs, systems and structures of the whole body. A reflexologist uses their thumbs and fingers to apply pressure techniques to stimulate reflex points to locate imbalances and will work on these areas to release tension, to enhance health, and promote healing and a relaxation response throughout the body.
Reflexology is a marvellous therapy for: lymphatic drainage, headaches, symptoms of fibromyalgia and auto-immune disorders. Also, enhancing sleep, aiding relaxation, releasing tension/stress, improving mood and helps balance the body, helping with general wellbeing. Can help support people undergoing cancer therapy or bring comfort to those receiving end-of-life care.
TREATMENT
Initial Consultation
What happens at my first appointment?
An initial reflexology or podiatry appointment lasts about an hour. You will be asked to provide information regarding your current health and have your temperature checked in accordance to Covid 19 prevention management guidelines. Angela will discuss with you what you are hoping to gain from your visit, your personal contact details including an emergency contact, your medical history including recent illnesses and operations, and asked to provide a list of your current medication and allergies so these can be documented. You will be asked to read and sign a short paragraph regarding your informed consent on how I store and use your information and can be rest assured that all information you supply, will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Reflexology Therapy
Reflexology: Based on the information you provide regarding your health, the reflexologist will formulate a treatment plan especially for your needs and briefly explain how reflexology works. You will be asked to remove your shoes and socks and lie on a couch to allow access to examine and cleanse your feet, and provide your treatment using your preferred choice a softening reflexology wax pre-blended with essential oils from 5 available, including unscented. The treatment will consist of massage and varied pressure applied to your feet by the reflexologist using her thumbs and fingers. You should find this relaxing, but if any sensitive or tender spots are found, these will be given extra attention by the reflexologist, to relieve congestion in that area and to bring it back into balance.
Following your reflexology treatment: You will be encouraged to drink plenty of water to help remove any toxins to help cleanse your system. People experience various symptoms post treatment, usually feeling more relaxed. However, it is normal to feel sleepy, feel energised, cold/shivery, hot/sweating, feel emotional, need empty your bowels or bladder more often.
Podiatry
Podiatry: Following discussion of your symptoms, the podiatrist will need you to sign a mutually agreed careplan of proposed treatment, including the risks and benefits, and the expected outcome. The podiatrist will explain the purpose of conducting and recording the result of a painless neuro-vascular assessment of your feet using a hand-held ultrasound doppler, 10g monofilament and 128mhz tuning fork, and inform you of her findings. Treatment will follow according to your agreed podiatric needs and consent, and you are free to inform the podiatrist or stop the treatment at any time should you feel discomfort. Please note, if your presenting foot conditions requires more care or extended time, you will be advised if you need to extend or rebook an appointment at extra cost.
Following your podiatry treatment: You may or may not wish the podiatrist to inform your GP of her findings from the neurovascular test, and/or your received treatment in order to update your medical records or highlight a condition to your GP. Your podiatrist will advise you of verbal footcare and wear and how to seek SOS attention should any concerns arise. You will also be advised of the recommended return time to manage your condition/s and any interim care needed between appointments.
Combined treatments are also available by appointment
ABOUT
Angela Andrew
BSc (Hons) Podiatry, HCPC registered, MAR
About Angela
Born in Cornwall, I moved to Plymouth in 1999 and worked within both domiciliary care and women’s rehabilitation settings as a Nursing Assistant, where I witnessed the effects of stress, physical and mental illness had on the body. I decided to train as a reflexologist with The Devon School of Reflexology in 2007 to enable me to work alongside occupational therapists within an NHS setting to help promote patient relaxation and wellbeing in patient’s coping with mental health conditions such as complex personality disorders, eating disorders, anxiety and depression and schizophrenia.
Working with patients who also had systemic diseases such as diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, reduced mobility and mental health issues; I became inspired to help patients with painful and often debilitating foot problems requiring professional podiatric intervention by undertaking a 3 year, Batchelor of Science degree in Podiatry in 2012.
I now have the exciting opportunity to use my professionally qualified skills and experience to follow my dream of working independently, providing caring podiatry and reflexology treatments at Fort Stamford Health and Fitness Club, as well as Care homes and domiciliary settings within Plymouth and Devon.
Training and Qualifications
Podiatry: Following graduation from Plymouth University, Angela continues her professional development through attending courses, weekend workshops and attending branch meetings. Angela abides by the strict professional codes and is affiliated to the Healthcare Professions Council and is an insured, full member of The Royal College of Podiatry. Angela has previously worked and trained within Whiston and St Helen’s NHS and Plymouth Livewell Southwest Community podiatry clinics and domiciliary settings with patients with foot problems arising from systemic diseases, high risk diabetic foot and circulatory problems, including wounds and complex needs,
Reflexology: Angela has recently extended her AoR recognised Level 3 Reflexology MAR qualification skills by completing a Reflexology Lymphatic Drainage course with Award-winning reflexologist, author and researcher, Sally Kay. Sally has worked extensively to help with patients suffering from painful lymphodema, fibromyalgia and auto-immune disease symptoms.
Angela has also completed a Kids Reflexologist Instructor training programme with Susan Quayle, an award-winning complementary therapist and author of 3 children’s reflexology books and creator of Kids Reflex. Angela holds 1-2-1 workshops designed to empower parents and carers of babies and children by teaching them some simple reflexology techniques to help with sleep, anxiety, allergy, digestion and teething problems etc.
Angela is a fully insured member of the Association of Reflexologists.
Contact me
Location:
In the comfort of your own home
in Plymouth and Devon up to 50 mile radius
WhatsApp/text/email me to make an appointment
mobile: 07895209097
email footfix2018@gmail.com