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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.