Massage Therapy and PTSD: Supporting Relaxation and Well-Being

According to the Fall 2024 Massage Therapy Journal, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. However, experiencing trauma does not necessarily mean someone will develop PTSD. The Journal also explored the role massage therapy may play as part of a broader approach to supporting people living with PTSD and trauma.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD can affect people from all walks of life. Veterans may face an increased risk, particularly those who have experienced combat or other traumatic events during their service.

Creating a Sense of Comfort and Control

In my years as a massage therapist, I've learned that making a client feel comfortable begins well before the massage itself. It starts with the first hello.

For someone who has experienced trauma, communication, personal boundaries and a sense of control can be especially important. A massage therapist should explain what to expect, respect the client's preferences and make it clear that the client can request changes or stop the session at any time.

Massage therapy is often associated with relaxation and activation of the parasympathetic, or "rest and digest," response. For someone experiencing persistent stress or hyperarousal, providing an environment where the body has an opportunity to relax may be valuable.

Massage therapy does not treat or cure PTSD, but it may serve as complementary care alongside appropriate medical and mental-health treatment.

Massage Therapy and Veterans

Veterans use complementary and integrative health approaches for a variety of reasons, including:

• Chronic musculoskeletal pain

• Stress and anxiety

• Sleep difficulties

• Physical tension

• General relaxation and well-being

For someone living with PTSD, massage therapy may help promote relaxation, reduce muscular tension and provide an opportunity to feel more comfortable physically.

Importantly, every person experiences trauma differently. What feels relaxing and reassuring to one person may not feel that way to another. Communication between the therapist and client is therefore particularly important.

My Experience Working With Veterans

Over the years, I have had the privilege of providing massage therapy to veterans who served during conflicts ranging from Vietnam through Afghanistan.

Not everyone I've worked with has disclosed whether they have PTSD, and they don't need to. My responsibility isn't to diagnose PTSD or provide mental-health treatment. It is to listen, respect boundaries and provide massage therapy appropriate to the person in front of me.

That philosophy really applies to every client who enters my massage room.

Sometimes therapeutic work is appropriate. Sometimes a client simply needs an opportunity to relax. Either way, the session should be built around the client's comfort, goals and consent.

Massage Therapy as Part of a Larger Care Plan

PTSD is a mental-health condition that deserves appropriate professional care. Massage therapy should not replace counseling, medical treatment or other evidence-based PTSD treatments.

What massage can potentially offer is another form of supportive care—particularly for physical tension, stress and relaxation.

At Massage Refresh in Decatur, Texas, my goal is to provide a comfortable, respectful environment where every client remains in control of their massage experience.

Veterans also receive a discounted rate at Massage Refresh as a small expression of gratitude for their service.

–