Massage and PTSD: What Research Says

Following a traumatic event – something vey stressful or even frightening that someone experiences or even witnesses– a person may have trouble difficulty adjusting, unable to cope with relationships or work and other aspects of daily living. Through proper care of themselves, the person may be able to recover.

 

However, if stress and anxiety worsen and last for months or even years and affect the ability to get through the day, an individual may have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Considered as a mental health condition, PTSD can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, uncontrollable thoughts, and unwanted memories. Someone may relive the experience repeatedly.

 

Others who suffer from PTSD also may feel guilty or shameful, blaming themselves for what happened, or they may have feelings of humiliation and unworthiness. Others suffering from PTSD might be unable to remember significant aspects of the trauma. Panic, nausea and fear can also be aspects of dissociation.

 

Events that can cause PTSD

 

PTSD may not manifest immediately after the traumatic event. It can appear years after. Events that can cause PTSD include:

 

·         Military combat

·         Sexual assault or harassment

·         Physical violence

·         Childhood abuse

·         An accident, such as a car crash

·         Natural disaster

·         Terrorist act

 

Treating PTSD

 

To reduce the emotional and physical symptoms of PTSD, treatment may involve certain antidepressant medications; psychotherapy to help manage symptoms and identify ways to cope; cognitive processing therapy, which involves analyzing upsetting thoughts and feelings about the trauma and learning to change those that are incorrect or unhelpful. Prolonged exposure therapy is another type of treatment whereby one re lives the experience or some other situation that causes anxiety. By confronting their fear, a person may gradually become more comfortable with situations that cause anxiety. Family and group therapy also may be useful. [1]

 

Research on massage and PTSD

 

With its ability to relieve stress, decrease anxiety, reduce depression, and improve mood, massage can be a positive outcome for clients suffering from PTSD. Research on massage and PTSD bears this out. In 2012, National Guard veterans returning from Iraq or Afghanistan and their significant partners participated in an integrative study of self-directed therapies, including guided meditative, contemplative, and relaxation exercises (CD) and instruction in simple massage techniques (DVD).

 

The study found significant improvements in standardized measures for post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and self-compassion in both veterans and their partners, and in stress for partners. Weekly online reporting tracked the use of guided exercises and massage. Veterans reported significant reductions in ratings of physical pain, physical tension, irritability, anxiety/worry, and depression after massage, and longitudinal analysis suggested declining baseline levels of tension and irritability.[2]

 

Another study found that massage therapy provided enormous relief for distressing physical and psychological symptoms attributed to the exposure to trauma among Somali women refugees with chronic pain—the majority of whom reported military and/or sexual trauma. [3]

 

PTSD massage benefits

 

In addition to relieving stress and anxiety and improving mood, there are other ways massage therapy for trauma associated with PTSD may be able to help as part of a holistic treatment plan, suggests Elite Learning.[4]

 

Improve sleep quality: PTSD can result in insomnia or sleep disruptions. By promoting relaxation and lowering tension, massage therapy can improve sleep quality.

 

Ease physical symptoms: Massages relax muscles and reduce the occurrence of headaches. 

 

Ease emotional and psychological symptoms. A sense of comfort and security often is compromised among individuals with PTSD. Massage therapy for trauma can help.

 

Reduced hypervigilance: Massage therapy can also reduce the feeling of constant danger and alertness commonly experienced by those with PTSD. Massage calms the autonomic nervous system, which helps regulate hormone imbalance (endorphin release) and reduce pain, stress, and worry. 

 

Starting with PTSD massage techniques

 

Key to helping clients suffering from PTSD is building trust and ensuring the client feels safe. The first step in offering PTSD massage is to build a relationship with the client that involves more than simply explaining the benefits of the treatment. Relationship building with someone experiencing PTSD may involve more time talking before the session begins to help a client get over the vulnerability they may feel. You also want to go slow to instill a sense of safety in the client and help them feel they are in control.

 

Taking extra training specifically to help individuals suffering from trauma and/or reading literature on the topic will provide background to be most effective. It also helps to have a network of health professionals to call on if you need support. [5]

 

Common massage techniques for PTSD.[6]

 

·         Swedish massage: Gentle, long strokes, kneading, and circular movements promote relaxation and ease muscle tension.

 

·         Deep tissue: Can release knots and alleviate pain where there is chronic muscle tension.

 

·         Trauma-Informed massage: Specialized approach considers the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma, emphasizing communication, consent, and creating a safe environment.

 

Massage therapy can be powerful to help clients suffering from PTSD. But each client is different and building trust can take time. Get to know your client well to build a healing relationship with the right treatment.