Giving negative feedback to a therapist after a bad experience

[70Lcapacity]

Not complaining but being honest - would you ? I dont know what to do as had a terrible experience 3 weeks ago and still suffering.

I had reflexology and it was honestly horrendously painful. I hadn’t been in a few months as I’d moved house so had to find a new therapist. I had always found it relaxing and never painful previously. I researched and the new therapist is qualified etc .

It was awful I had to ask her to reduce pressure at first after about 10 minutes - she said I had so many crystal deposits that needed to be worked on. She continued but I said I’m sorry it’s really too much pressure. It was ok for a few minutes then hurt again so she said she would go to the other foot. Same issue. She said again it was me and that as I hadn’t been in a long time that it would feel painful at first. I lasted another 10 mins and had to say to stop. So in total I lasted about 30 mins of a 90 min session. I paid and left as felt a bit shocked if I’m honest.
The next morning I couldn’t walk. At all. My feet were swollen and bruised !!! 3 days later I had to go to minor injuries where they advised to use ice packs. I was in huge pain the first week. 3 weeks on and I still have very tender spots. Minor injuries said it was soft tissue damage and will get better.

Should I say something? Not to complain but just to let her know I’ve had a bad reaction? Or do I just not book again ?

Definitely complain! She didn't listen when you told her repeatedly that you were in pain. Horrible

Is there any form of registration?

Sounds appalling. You can definitely complain but they could just be a charlatan so may dismiss.

It was really awful it probably sounds silly but honestly I felt quite faint after it was that painful! I’m sure it’ll be obvious when I don’t book again there was an issue but I keep thinking should I say something? It was that bad that just before I said to just stop completely it went through my mind that it really felt like I was having foot surgery with no anaesthetic. Initially no marks at all on my feet but the next day the swelling and bruising were horrendous

I would send a factual letter/email to her with pics of the swelling and brusing. It gives her an opportunity to apologise, reply, provide a free voucher, re-think how much pressure she used etc.

Other than being firmer, was there anything different in her technique compared to your previous person?

Apparently you can be more sensitive to pain at certain types in the cycle. That doesnt account for swelling etc, but were you pre-menstrual or on your period?

That's not normal, she should have listened to you. She sounds dangerous

Technically it seemed the same as in the same areas being worked on in the same order etc but it felt like she was using immense pressure (and actually felt totally disproportionate to her size of that makes sense ?) so I though at first maybe it is me ? Maybe as I haven’t had this done in a while ? But it was then just too bad to carry on so I had to stop. It also felt extremely sharp ? Just terribly painful

Definitely complain. Your feedback will hopefully prevent anything like this happening to others too.

It doesn't matter. You told her, you told her multiple times and she was arrogant thinking she knew best and she hurt you, it sounds an awful experience

I think I’ll put something together just so she knows as I’d hate for anyone else to experience the same. 3 weeks later and I still have some pain which is worrying me

You had soft tissue damage.

Stop minimising it, the physical damage is irrefutable.

Yes you’re absolutely right I think I’ve just been a bit shocked by it all and now I’m feeling a lot better but still noticing some pain it’s made me think today that it really wasn’t right at all !

Is she a member of the Association of Reflexologists? If so, you need to let them know exactly what happened and send them any evidence. Also make a formal complaint to her and find out who her insurers are if you can. Complain to them too. She shouldn’t be practising.
In future always check that the person is a member of the Association of Reflexologists as they have to meet certain standards. She could have taken some short bogus course which is not anything like of a high enough standard.

I will check I will also check with the place she practised from as they offered various treatments and she was one of 3 reflexolgists there

You definitely need to tell whoever owns the practice of your experience.

I have had massages in the past where it's taken weeks to settle down afterwards but she doesn't sound like she was listening to you when you said it hurt which is worrying!

I hope you photographed the injuries from the assault. And yeah, IMO that was assault. She kept applying painful levels of pressure despite your requests and caused physical damage that's lasted weeks. If you feel up to it you should report her to any relevant organisations or bodies. Bloody hell.

Definitely. You shouldn’t be damaged by a therapist.
And soft tissue damage to your foot is incredibly painful, can take 6-12 weeks to heal completely.

Please say something

Even if you hadn't suffered an injury, you asked her to stop. At that point she did not have consent to continue you treatment.

Treatment in the absence of consent can be considered assault in some circumstances, even without an injury.

So yes, please complain. To the practice and the professional body if there is one.