FOOT "CRUNCHIES"...

[Horseluver]

I have been a massage therapist for 4 years and I am STILL trying to understand what we all refer to as "foot crunchies" are. Also found in the palm, I come across these on the majority of my clients, along with myself. I can't remember ever going over this in school, as we do not learn in full detail reflexology. Whenever my clients ask what these are I say they are crystal deposits from toxins, usually calcium deposits and uric acid. But this is why I ask--I typically only spend at most 5 minutes on each foot during a session unless they request more so I will work on these "toxin deposits" but usually get so frustrated I don't have enough time to spend to get their "crunchies" out. Recently my feet have been bothering me so I worked on them the other night and could NOT get rid of them. I literally spent an hour on one and no budge while I was almost in tears. lol.. so now I wonder if these are calcifications from being on our feet so much and they are unable to ever release or get rid of?? Because I realized when I work on my own palms I can NEVER get rid of them either. Any suggestions or anyone able to shed some light on this subject??? My biggest pet peeve is not getting a TP or any adhesion to loosen up or release so this foot/palm thing is bugging me!!!! t013
Thanks Brandi

 

[Calmdelirium]

FOOT "CRUNCHIES"...

It is unlikely that the "crunchies" you describe have anything to do with calcium or uric acid crystal deposits. Alternative explanations vary, but I don't know of any biopsy studies that provide a satisfactory explanation. The idea of "releasing toxins" with massage is a myth, however... science has worked out that much, at least.

One hypothesis I have considered postulates that long-term stress applied to soft tissues may result in a gradual buildup of collagen fibers. While working on the fibrotic tissue, the "crunchies" may be collagen fibers and/or adhesions responding to the mechanical stresses of manipulation. It would be interesting to know for certain, but right now all we have are conjectures. t017

For now, you might tell curious clients, "We don't know for certain what they are, but don't worry. They are very common. However, let me spend a little more time in those areas to improve local circulation and range of motion so everything feels and works better." :grin:

 

[Mailman Bob]

FOOT "CRUNCHIES"...

The original poster may be interested in following along some of Jesus Manzanares, M.D.'s work as discussed over here on the Reflexology Education thread. He's the first doctor that I am aware of that has run biopsies of the reflex areas of the feet.