In light of recent world events Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, has been a subject of much discussion in the news. However,
it is not only troops returning from Iraq and Afghanistan who suffer from PTSD.
Healthcare workers are seeing increased numbers of patients from all walks of
life presenting symptoms of PTSD. Many of those who are seeking help with PTSD
prefer alternative or natural approaches to ease some of burdens of the
affliction. Massage therapists and other “body-workers” are increasingly being
called upon to offer some solace to those suffering from the emotional and
physical devastation of PTSD.
It has been estimated that 70% of the adults in the US have
experienced a trauma severe enough to result in PTSD. These events can be
military combat, a terrorist attack, natural disasters, a violent crime, or
horrific accident. A person with PTSD is unable to “let go” of the traumatic
episode they have witnessed or experienced, and they relive it again and again.
Typical symptoms of a person with PTSD will include:
• Flashbacks and
Nightmares
• Difficulty
sleeping
• A feeling of
detachment or distance
• Chronic pain or
fatigue
How Can Massage Help?
According to Western medicine, the symptoms of PTSD are the
result of imbalances in brain chemicals triggered by emotional stress. These
chemicals, including neurotransmitters such as serotonin, affect behavior,
feelings and cognition. By reliving the traumatic event, people with PTSD are
always in a heightened state of anxiety. The brain is unable to turn off the
“Fight or Flight” 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. Massage therapy and other bodywork such as Reiki,
or Tui Na, can not only relax tensed muscles and ease the physical pain, they
can trigger the body’s relaxation response, breaking the cycle of fight or
flight.
Massage therapy is an excellent addition to an overall
treatment plan for sufferers of Post Traumatic Stress disorder. Once a person
is able to relax through massage, circulation improves, sleep patterns can
return to normal, and a more relaxed patient is more open to other modalities
such as talk therapy that can help them resolve the issues at the root of his
or her PTSD.
Massage therapy can offer help to returning soldiers and veterans by:
•relieving sore muscles, lessoning muscle tension and
stiffness.
•increasing flexibility.
•reducing scar tissue and the breaking down of adhesions
caused by wounds and injuries, especially from fire or heat related weapons and
explosives.
•helping to regenerate skin and muscle tissue caused by
burns.
•reducing or even preventing muscles atrophy caused by
disuse after injury.
•improving posture and alignment – misalignment and poor
posture can be caused by carrying heavy loads of 50 pounds or more on a daily
basis.
•normalizing hormone production – the stress of war and
transitioning often causes a chronic release of the hormone cortisol which, in
the long term, can cause problems. Massage has been shown to reduce cortisol
levels and increase levels of serotonin, dopamine and endorphins which help in
relaxation and reduction of stress related issues.
•helping to maximize toxin removal from the body – during
deployment the soldier may be exposed to various toxins and medications;
massage therapy can facilitate the elimination of these toxins.
•reducing insomnia and increasing the deep sleep necessary
for a healthy mind and body – during deployment sleep is often restless and
shallow; at times it is non-existent. Massage helps to restore healthy sleep
patterns.
•helping restore a healthy digestive system – during
deployment meals may not be the healthiest with regard to nutrition, quantity
of food, or consistency. Intestinal muscles may be stressed because of a lack
of adequate toilet facilities and lack of clean water. Abdominal massage is
especially helpful to restore a digestive system back to normality.
As a New York State Licensed Massage Therapist,
Roy is trained and proficient in Swedish Massage, Tui Na (Asian massage) and
has earned his level 3 in Usui Reiki.
Contact Roy at 631-375-0962 or email at roy@wavecrestmassage.com to schedule your next appointment.
#PTSD #posttraumaticstressdisorder #HOW #heroesonthewater #woundedwarrior #flashbacks #nightmare
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