Massage Therapy and PTSD: Soothing the Mind Through the Body
In the United States, where private health insurance makes alternative therapies more accessible, massage therapy has become a well-established form of support for individuals dealing with stress, anxiety, depression, and particularly post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is increasingly being integrated into treatment plans for military veterans, first responders, and trauma survivors, offering a compassionate, non-verbal route to healing that complements traditional psychotherapy.
In contrast, in the UK, massage is still underutilised in mental health care, despite growing awareness of its potential benefits for people living with the lasting impacts of trauma.
PTSD in Numbers
The National Center for PTSD in the U.S. reports that:
What Does PTSD Feel Like?
PTSD presents differently for everyone, but there are common features:
The triggers for these symptoms vary widely—from loud noises to certain smells or even feelings of vulnerability.
The Physiology of Trauma: The Fight-or-Flight Trap
When we experience acute stress, the sympathetic nervous system kicks into gear, preparing the body for "fight or flight." This ancient response, designed to protect us from threats, floods the bloodstream with adrenaline and cortisol—the body’s main stress hormones.
Physiological Responses to Stress:
In individuals with PTSD, this stress response often fails to turn off, keeping the body in a chronic state of high alert. Over time, this can lead to serious health issues such as:
Understanding these mechanisms helps explain why trauma survivors may struggle with insomnia, headaches, digestive issues, chronic pain, and emotional volatility.
What Happens in the Brain?
Recent neuroimaging research, including studies led by Alastair M. Hull, MRCPsych of the Aberdeen Centre for Trauma Research, reveals that PTSD has tangible effects on brain structure and function:
This research is powerful not only for validating the lived experiences of PTSD sufferers but also for guiding more effective, science-backed treatment approaches.
Massage Therapy: A Physical Route to Mental Relief
While massage is not a cure for PTSD, it can be a profoundly supportive intervention. Touch-based therapies help interrupt the cycle of stress, bringing the body back into a state of rest and repair.
Benefits of Massage for PTSD:
Once a person begins to feel physically safe and more relaxed, they may become more receptive to other therapies, such as counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), or hypnotherapy.
A Holistic Approach to Healing
For massage therapists, understanding the complex web of physical, emotional, and neurological effects of trauma is essential. Your role is not to diagnose, but to create a safe, compassionate space where healing can begin. Our Anatomy, Physiology, and Pathology course equips practitioners with the foundational knowledge they need to safely support clients who may be dealing with trauma—whether or not it has been formally diagnosed.
As always, the golden rule in therapy remains:
If in doubt—don’t treat.
Refer out when necessary, and be a trusted link in your client’s wellness chain.
Be kind, be informed, and remember: healing is not linear—but it is possible.
"The level 3 anatomy and physiology course has been really worthwhile and provided me with a much needed foundation in A&P. Thanks for providing such an accessible, and easy to follow study program."
- gill Tree -
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