RLD was developed through clinical practice while working in cancer care outpatient clinics, using reflexology for patients diagnosed with different cancers, at all stages of the disease. Many of the patients had been treated for breast cancer and consequently suffered secondary lymphoedema. Related complaints included a swollen arm, painful shoulder, uncomfortable underarm swelling, weakness and problems with everyday living activities.

Patients who received RLD experienced less discomfort and swelling and an increase in strength and arm mobility. As a pattern began to emerge, so did the prospect of measuring the effect of reflexology and in 2010 the RLD protocol was formalised. A research proposal was submitted, and NHS ethical approval was granted.

In 2013, on the strength of the initial findings, a Welsh Cancer Charity, Tenovus, awarded funding for further RLD research to be conducted in partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University. The summary of preliminary results, quantitative data (2014), found that all 26 participants had reduction in swelling of the affected arm. The statistical tests run on the data comparing the before and after volumes showed that all effects were highly significant at p<0.001

Overall, the success of the study was measured in terms of meaningful changes in the volumes of the swollen arms and in the views of the participants about their experiences and the helpfulness of the reflexology treatments.

The research could have significant benefits for those suffering from lymphoedema after surgery for breast cancer. Lymphoedema services can offer limited access to MLD (Manual Lymphatic Drainage) for women with lymphoedema of the arm. The reflexology technique could offer an additional type of treatment which might allow patients to seek out an RLD trained reflexologist in their own area. This may help to reduce pressure on the lymphoedema service and would go some way to indicate that further research using clinical trials is warranted.