PTSD and Massage Therapy at Lacey WA
PTSD (Posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health problem that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing life threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. It’s a common problem in many places, Lacey WA is no exception.
Although nearly everyone experiences a traumatic event at some time or another, the difference for people who develop PTSD is that their reactions to the Trauma continue instead of resolving naturally over time. Often, people with PTSD will feel stressed even when they are not in danger. Usually people with PTSD are at a heightened state of anxiety, the brain is unable to turn off the “Flight or Fight” response and their bodies are constantly flooded with stress hormones that cause not only emotional, but physical pain, as muscles are constantly tensed for action.
How can massage therapy help clients with PTSD? Stress relief, decreasing anxiety, reducing depression and improving personal mood are all positive outcomes massage may provide clients. In 2012 a study that focused on how integrative therapies can help promote reintegration among veterans found that those participants who received massage therapy reported significant reductions in physical pain, tension, irritability, anxiety/worry and depression.
Massage therapy has appeared to provide some unique benefits to clients with PTSD, mainly giving clients a feeling of comfort, safety and control they often can’t achieve on their own.
Massage therapy is a great addition to an overall treatment plan for sufferers of Post Traumatic stress disorder. Once a person can relax through massage, circulation improves, sleep patterns can return to normal. Massage can help trigger the body’s relaxation response, breaking the cycle of flight or fight.
If you suffer from PTSD, why not give us a call 360 951 4504 and book a massage. It will really help you. Remember, we’re based in Lacey WA, and are conveniently located.
For more information here are some great links below.