Can Massage Therapy Help with PTSD Recovery?

​Everyone responds to traumatic events in their own unique way. Each way is the human mind and body's attempt at adaptive self-protection. Some people disassociate from the trauma. Some relive it many times in their mind. Some respond with hypervigilance, always aware that another risk might be around the corner. Some become hypersensitive to sights, sounds, and touch.All of these are examples of how post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can manifest. June is PTSD awareness month, and June 27th is PTSD awareness day. At The Wellness Hub, we would like to welcome anyone suffering from PTSD to learn about how massage therapy can be helpful as part of a comprehensive approach to PTSD relief.


The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Trauma

People who have experienced trauma often benefit from massage therapy for a variety of reasons. From muscle relaxation to feeling safe in your wellness environment can create room for healing and provide relief from trauma responses.

• Relieve muscle tension caused by anxiety and hypervigilance
• Provide a safe and soothing space
• Build a relationship of trust with your massage therapist
• Gain comfort from gentle touch
• Feel in control of your trauma recovery process
• Improve sleep quality and address insomnia

How Does Massage Therapy Work for PTSD

Massage therapy can play an important role in well-rounded PTSD treatment. Many people with PTSD find massage therapy to help address stress-related symptoms. Massage therapy has a proven track record of providing relief from stress, anxiety, and depression from many different causes.

Reintegration

A 2012 study found that massage therapy combined with other integrative therapies helped veterans with PTSD reintegrate. Those who received massage therapy reported a significant reduction in physical pain, tension, irritability, anxiety, and depression.

Pain Management

Another study found that those with PTSD who experience trauma-related chronic pain experienced a significant reduction in distressing physical and psychological symptoms as the result of massage therapy.

Relieve Tension

PTSD symptoms, while they come in many configurations, often causes constant body tension. Anxiety, hypervigilance, increased startle responses, and poor sleep all relate to muscle tension, which can become chronic pain over time. Massage therapy can directly treat that tension, allowing the body to relax and improving the overall life quality of those with PTSD.


Improve Sleep

Improving both mental and physical relaxation can also help to improve sleep quality. Many people with PTSD benefit significantly from deeper and more restful sleep after exploring massage therapy.

Re-Association

Some research indicates that massage therapy may be effective in helping those who have disassociated fully experience their sense of self. Connection between body and mind can be regained through gentle touch in a safe space.


Personalize Your Massage Therapy for PTSD

Massage therapy has been found to be beneficial for relief from post-traumatic stress disorder. However, everyone's PTSD manifests uniquely based on personal experiences, psychology, personality traits, lifestyle, and so on. What works for you and what has worked for others won't be identical.

That is why it's important to personalize your massage therapy for PTSD. Start with a consultation. Talk about your needs, worries, and sensitivities with your massage therapist until you feel comfortable. It is normal to start very slow, building trust and communication as you work as a team with your massage therapist to find the greatest benefit.

You may prefer gentle touch in a soft, safe environment or you may benefit more from deep massage to chase the muscle knots away. You may prefer soft music or silence, steady pressure or constant movement.

The key is to seek what works best for you. At The Wellness Hub in Jacksonville, Florida we have a large team of massage therapists, so you are sure to find a provider who you connect with, which is important for the therapeutic process.


What to Look For In Your Jacksonville, FL Massage Therapy Clinic:

• An environment you feel safe in
• A massage team that listens to your needs
• A therapist you can trust and relax around
• Willingness to communicate and explore your needs
• Within a comfortable commute of your home or work

Explore Massage Therapy at The Wellness Hub

This June, The Wellness Hub joins the community in recognizing PTSD and celebrating our ability to contribute to care through massage therapy. If you are an individual with PTSD living (or visiting) Jacksonville, FL, we welcome you to stop by and consult with our massage therapists on your unique needs. We will gladly work with you to develop a massage routine that makes you feel relaxed, safe, and helps you achieve much-needed stress relief to improve your overall wellness.

Call us at (904) 512-7551, contact us online, or stop by in person at our Baymeadows location. 

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We are pleased to serve the following Florida communities with massage therapy, chiropractic, organic skincare, acupuncture, red light therapy and more: Jacksonville, Orange Park, Fleming Island, Mandarin, Jacksonville Beach, Nocatee, St Johns, Ponte Vedra and more.

Call Us (904) 512-7551

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