Effect of Foot Reflexology on Post Operative Pain and Sleep Among Post Caesarean Mothers

Caesarean section is one of the common surgeries performed in obstetrics to save the life of mother and her baby. A woman with caesarean section has more problems like longer duration of hospital stay, post-operative pain and insomnia etc. Reflexology is a powerful healiung practice based on the premises that our entire body is mirrored on the feet through a system of reflexes. Foot reflexology is a complementary therapy that has great potential, safe, simple to learn and non-invasive method of management of pain and sleep. Methodology: A Quantitative Quasi experimental non randomized control group research design and approach had been adopted. The study was conducted in Guru Go bind Singh Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Civil Hospital, Faridkot and District Hospital, Bathinda. Purposive sampling was used to select 60 samples, 30 in experimental and 30 in control group. Structured interview had been adopted to assess level of pain by numerical rating scale and level of sleep by structured sleep scale of post caesarean mothers. Foot reflexology had been provided to experimental group once a day for 3 consecutive days from 1st post operative day for 15 minutes and control group received routine post operative care. Post interventional assessment had been done on 4th post operative day. Results: Post interventional level of pain was found to be significantly lower in the experimental group (p<0.001) than in the control group. The post interventional level of sleep of an experimental group was found to be improved (p<0.001) compared with pre-intervention. Also, there was a significant difference between groups in terms of the level of pain and sleep (p<0.001).The research hypothesis were accepted which indicates that after receiving foot reflexology therapy, the subjects showed significant pain relief and improved sleep. Conclusion: The findings of the study support the need of implementing foot reflexology to reduce post operative pain and improve sleep among post caesarean mothers. Foot reflexology is a non pharmacological, cost effective and simple intervention without any adverse effects. The results proved that the foot reflexology was effective in reducing the level of post operative pain and improving sleep.