How Reflexology Can Support Runners
- Paula Bancroft
- Jul 18
- 2 min read
Whether you're training for a marathon, lacing up for your local park-run, or just enjoying a jog around the block, your body deserves support – reflexology might be just the thing to help you find better balance, recovery, and wellbeing.
Many runners put their feet (and the rest of their bodies) under regular pressure. With this in mind, reflexology offers a gentle, non-invasive way to encourage relaxation and support your body’s own healing responses. While I can’t promise to fix injuries or improve your PB, reflexology can help ease tension, support improved sleep, and reduce stress — all of which are essential if you’re trying to stay active and injury-free and might just move toward improving your PB.
So, what does reflexology actually do?
Reflexology works by applying pressure to specific points on the feet (and sometimes hands or ears) that are believed to correspond to different areas of the body. It is not a foot massage — it's much more focused, often deeply relaxing, and can leave people feeling more grounded, rested, and clear-headed.
For runners, this can be especially useful in the days following a training session or event, when the body is in recovery mode. Do you get that post-run muscle fatigue and tightness? Supporting your body’s ability to relax and unwind can be key to preventing niggles from becoming long-term issues.
Muscular Reflexology – one step further
As one of a small number of UK practitioners trained in Muscular Reflexology (developed by Christian Slot), I also offer this more targeted approach. Muscular Reflexology is designed to work with the muscular skeletal system specifically — helping to release tension, improve range of motion, and encourage ease in areas that might be under strain from repetitive movement like running.
This approach may be helpful in supporting posture and movement patterns, especially if you notice recurring areas of tightness or imbalance. It’s also a great complement to other forms of self-care like stretching, hydration, and rest.
And let’s not forget lymphatic support
If you’re struggling with swelling, heavy legs, or fluid retention (perhaps during the warmer weather or after long runs), Reflexology Lymph Drainage (RLD) may also be an option. This gentle technique focuses on stimulating the lymphatic reflexes to support your body's natural drainage and detox pathways — ideal after long-distance efforts or travel to races.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned runner, reflexology can be a valuable addition to your toolkit. If you'd like to find out how it could support your routine, why not book a session or get in touch for a chat?
You can also read more about Muscular Reflexology and RLD in my earlier blog posts
Let’s help you run well — and feel well — one step at a time
PB x
👣
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