Massage for PTSD and Trauma Recovery
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by: Eric Brown
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a hidden disability for millions of Americans caused by trauma. With the war in Iraq and Afghanistan ending, PTSD is a popular topic in the medical community these days because treatment for PTSD, especially cases of Complex Trauma, is difficult, lengthy, and often ineffective. Trauma itself is an extreme stress reaction caused by overwhelming experiences such as war, rape, abuse, and severe accidents and injuries. The reaction to overwhelming experiences and becoming traumatized is in fact a normal reaction to an insane situation. It is a response to exceeding your typical resources to cope.
We all have differing amounts of resources and coping skills, and some people become traumatized in certain situations while others don't. Research into what exactly causes PTSD and the best methods of treatment are currently being explored. Meanwhile, a plethora of non-profit, private, and government programs and organizations are trying out new methods to help our returning troops right now. One promising new treatment is actually one of the oldest treatments used for warriors returning home: Massage Therapy.
In order to recover from trauma, the body and the brain must each go through a unique process to resolve post-traumatic stress (PTS). Recovery of PTS requires building positive resources in our lives and learning new coping skills. Those with PTS are often able to move through this process within a few weeks or months with minimal, to no professional intervention. PTSD, on the other hand, requires professional intervention to facilitate resource building, skill building, and movement through the different stages of recovery.
Both therapeutic bodywork and relaxing massage is an excellent addition to trauma recovery. For some people, massage and bodywork forms the foundation for long-term recovery and management of PTSD symptoms. Many traumatologists, such as Peter A. Levine, PhD, the developer of Somatic Experiencing, believe that trauma happens first and foremost in the body. Working with the body for PTSD can have a powerful effect.
Since Post-Traumatic Stress and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder are inherently both conditions of stress, the most significant benefit of massage and bodywork is stress reduction. But that is not all! It can provide a safe place or "container" for processing, reregulate the autonomic nervous system (responsible for fight/flight as well as relaxation), allow for better trigger management, and improve the ability to relate to others. It has also been shown to lessen anxiety and depression, and modulate moods.
Getting massage or bodywork can be a challenge when you have a trauma history, though. For some, it is no big deal. For others, touch is extremely difficult. It is important to see a therapist who is trained to work with PTSD. Sometimes the most difficult aspect of getting a massage is dealing with memories and emotions that may come up. A competent Massage Therapist will create a safe space and never pushes or encourages an emotional release. He or she will encourage direct and honest communication and tailor the session for each client.
Working with a competent therapist when it comes to triggers, communication, boundaries, memories, massage techniques, and facilitating relaxation can help those with trauma histories recover much quicker in a safe, supportive environment. For more information, tips, resources, references, research, and upcoming workshops about Massage for PTSD visit http://www.ptsdmassage.com
About the Author
RVA "Alex" Volzer, CMT, HHP is a licensed Massage Therapist and Holistic Health Practitioner in San Diego, CA specializing in extreme stress conditions and poor posture/postural pain. Alex is the founder and owner of Sun-Moon Massage, an Integrative Health and Body-Mind massage clinic. More information is available at http://www.sun-moon-massage.com
About the Author
Source: Massage for PTSD and Trauma Recovery
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