Massage for Veterans Resources

Military veterans can face a host of health concerns upon returning from service, from chronic pain related to physical injuries, to emotional and psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

It’s well-established that massage therapy can help reduce stress and depression, as well as help manage pain. It’s no surprise then that massage therapy can be beneficial to military veterans and the challenges they might face. 

Here are resources for massage therapists wishing to learn more about working with this unique population.

Read the Research: The Benefits of Massage Therapy for Military Veterans

Reduced anxiety, worry, depression and pain

Research published in Military Medicine reports that military veterans indicated significant reductions in ratings of anxiety, worry, depression and physical pain after massage therapy. Analysis also suggests declining levels of tension and irritability following massage. 

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Achieve greater mind-body awareness, reduced pain

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by the intrusive re-experiencing of trauma, avoidance and emotional numbing and hyperarousal of the sympathetic nervous system. A study on female veterans shows massage therapy can have positive benefits by reducing pain and promoting greater awareness of the mind-body connection. 

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Help the symptoms of disassociation

Research also indicates massage therapy may be effective for those clients who experience dissociation as a symptom of PTSD, allowing these clients to experience a more coherent sense of self, which for some is a primary reason they initially seek out massage therapy. 

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In-Person Continuing Education on Veterans and Massage

These continuing education courses are offered during the AMTA 2018 National Convention, taking place this August in Washington, DC.

You can register for single-day education, or the full convention, and earn 18+ CE credits.

Military Veterans and Massage Therapy

with Rebekah Blowers

4 CE Credits | Friday, August 10 | 8:00AM – 12:00PM

Learn how to advance the use of massage therapy for military veterans especially those receiving services through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Note: Counts toward the research requirements for Board Certification. 

Learn more and register »


Closing Session Panel—Military Veterans and Massage

With Dr. Niki Munk, Nicole Miller and Dr. Chester ‘Trip’ Buckenmaier

2 CE Credits | Saturday, August 11 | 2:00PM

Military veterans can face health concerns upon returning from service, from chronic pain related to physical injuries to emotional and psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research indicates massage therapy can benefit military veterans and the challenges they might face.

A panel of experts – Dr. Niki Munk, Nicole Miller and Dr. Chester ‘Trip’ Buckenmaier – will discuss the science and benefits of massage therapy for military veterans and how to work with military veterans in your massage practice.

Learn more and register »


Online Continuing Education

Military Veterans and Massage Therapy | 3 CE Credits

Integrative health approaches for veterans, including massage therapy, are gaining ground in practice and research. In this course, learn about the use of massage therapy for military veterans, especially those being treated through the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Register now for this online CE »