CIPN: Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
For many people, finishing a chemotherapy session, or even completing treatment altogether, doesn’t necessarily mean the side effects disappear. One of the challenges that can continue during and after cancer treatment is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN).
Numbness, tingling, burning sensations, sensitivity and discomfort in the hands and feet can make everyday activities more difficult. Walking, sleeping, getting dressed or simply relaxing can become a little more challenging than before.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, you may be looking for gentle, supportive ways for relief, and to improve your comfort and quality of life.
One therapy you may wish to explore is Reflexology, either through treatments or wearing Revs® Reflexology massage footwear.
What is chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)?
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or stop functioning as they should. Certain chemotherapy drugs can affect these nerves, particularly those supplying the hands and feet.
Symptoms vary from person to person and may include:
- Tingling or pins and needles in the fingers and toes.
- Numbness or reduced sensation.
- Burning, shooting or aching discomfort.
- Increased sensitivity to touch.
- Difficulty with balance, coordination or walking.
- Problems with everyday tasks requiring fine hand movements.
Symptoms can develop during chemotherapy and may persist for months or longer after treatment has finished. Neuropathy can also affect confidence and independence. When your feet don’t feel quite right beneath you, or your hands are less sensitive than they used to be, even familiar activities can feel unfamiliar.
How might Reflexology and Revs® Footwear help with CIPN?
There have been positive studies and research into reflexology for chemotherapy-induced neuropathy. It is not a proven treatment for nerve damage, and we cannot promise that it will relieve your symptoms, however, there is evidence that it may offer benefits for certain people.
Here are ways foot reflexology and massage by wearing Revs® may have a supportive role:
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Boosts Blood Flow:
The massage nodules stimulate local circulation, dilates blood vessels in the feet and lower legs, reducing muscle and tissue pressure on nerves and stimulating sensory receptors. kneading and rubbing dilates blood vessels in the feet and lower legs. This brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to oxygen-starved nerve tissues. -
Releases Endorphins:
Massage stimulation triggers the central nervous system to release endorphins, which act as natural pain relievers to ease burning and deep aches. -
Calms or Desensitise Overactive Nerve Signals:
According to gate control theory, gentle pressure send competing signals to the brain that can temporarily block or override sharp, tingling, or vibrating neuropathic signals. CIPN often causes allodynia—where an ordinary stimulus like the brush of a bedsheet or clothing causes pain. Gentle, consistent touch during a foot massage acts as a desensitisation technique, helping to retrain the nervous system and calm hyper-reactive sensory feedback. -
Loosens Tight Muscles:
Massaging the feet relieves muscle stiffness that may otherwise compress surrounding peripheral nerves. - Improves Sensory Feedback, Movement Confidence and Balance:
- A 2018 pilot randomised controlled trial involving 60 people with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy found an improvement in sensory function in the group receiving reflexology. Regularly stimulating the nerve endings in the feet can help retrain and awaken underactive sensory pathways, aiding balance and walking. Damaged sensory nerves leave many oncology patients feeling disconnected from the floor, heavily increasing the risk of falls. Massaging the feet and loosening tight calf muscles releases compensatory muscle tension, improves proprioception (your brain's awareness of where your feet are), and supports safer walking.
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Reduces Swelling and symptoms of Lymphedema:
The massaging effects encourage lymphatic drainage, which helps flush out fluid retention and metabolic waste that can worsen nerve pain -
Reduces Stress and promotes relaxation:
Living with persistent neuropathy symptoms can be tiring, both physically and emotionally. Worry about pain, disrupted sleep and uncertainty about recovery can add another layer of strain. Although relaxation does not repair damaged nerves, feeling calmer and more supported may help you cope with the wider experience of treatment and recovery.
Living with chemotherapy-induced neuropathy can be frustrating, uncomfortable and sometimes isolating. It can change how you move through the world and how confident you feel in your own body. You deserve support with these experiences, even when treatment has finished and other people expect life to return to normal. Over and above the benefits of Revs® Reflexology Footwear or treatments for Neuropathy, reflexology therapy in any form may offer benefits of relaxation, comfort and overall wellbeing.
Reduced sensation can make it difficult to recognise excessive pressure, pain or minor injuries. The feet may also be more vulnerable to skin damage than you realise. If you are in any doubt, please speak to your oncologist or specialist. For example, low platelet counts, an increased risk of infection, blood clots or significant swelling may affect whether reflexology massage, whether with Revs footwear or a treatment, is appropriate. Broken skin, sores, infection, unusual swelling or other foot problems may mean wearing Revs should be reduced until your feet heal.
