Massage Therapy for Veterans!

May 26

Massage therapy supporting our troops and helping the best we can! Massage Therapists meet many people with a vast variety of reasons why they are coming to them and we have to spread the knowledge to others that we are here to help. It has been increasingly recognized as a beneficial complementary treatment for veterans (VETs) suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If you know someone who has served our country and you feel that they may benefit from massage therapy, Here’s how massage therapy can help:

1. Reducing Stress

Massage helps lower cortisol levels (the stress hormone) and increases serotonin and dopamine, which are linked to improved mood and relaxation. Veterans with PTSD often experience chronic stress, and massage can provide a calming effect.

2. Improving Sleep Quality

Many VETs with PTSD struggle with insomnia or nightmares. Massage promotes relaxation, which can lead to deeper and more restful sleep.

3. Alleviating Physical Pain

Chronic pain is common among veterans, particularly those with combat-related injuries. Massage therapy can relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and reduce pain, which can indirectly help manage PTSD symptoms.

4. Enhancing Mind-Body Awareness

PTSD often leads to a disconnection from the body. Massage therapy encourages veterans to be present in their bodies, which can aid in emotional regulation and trauma processing.

5. Supporting Emotional Healing

Human touch in a safe and therapeutic environment can help rebuild trust and reduce feelings of isolation. This can be particularly important for veterans who struggle with emotional numbness or difficulty connecting with others.

6. Lowering Hyperarousal Symptoms

Veterans with PTSD often experience hypervigilance and heightened arousal responses. Massage therapy helps activate the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system), counteracting the fight-or-flight response.

Best Massage Techniques for PTSD

Swedish Massage – Gentle and relaxing, ideal for reducing stress and anxiety.
Deep Tissue Massage – Can help with chronic pain but should be used cautiously if the veteran has trauma triggers.
Myofascial Release – Helps relieve tension in the connective tissue and improve mobility.
Aromatherapy Massage – Essential oils like lavender can enhance relaxation and mood balance.
Craniosacral Therapy – A gentle technique that can be effective for stress relief and emotional regulation.

As always, at A Better Body, all of our massage services are customized to the needs of every single client. If you or anyone you know is a Veteran, and may benefit from a therapeutic massage, book HERE for an appointment today!