The Effects of Massage Therapy on Medically Induced Trauma and Touch Aversion: A Case Report

Abstract

Almost 1 million US adults are diagnosed annually with post-traumatic stress disorder related to medical trauma. Individuals who experience life-threatening illness or injuries, frequent hospitalizations, and multiple invasive procedures are more likely to develop post-traumatic stress and touch aversion, making it difficult for them to relax and feel safe in health-care settings. Psychological and somatic symptoms can complicate recovery and decrease quality of life. While massage has been shown to offer a variety of physical and psychological benefits, little is known about the benefits of massage for those diagnosed with post-traumatic stress and touch aversion related to medical trauma. A 44-year-old female was referred to massage therapy for muscle pain and generalized weakness, symptoms of a chronic degenerative illness with limited treatment options. Complicated by multiple diagnoses, her long-standing anxiety and depression had worsened, and she suffered from post-traumatic stress and touch aversion due to significant medical trauma. The patient’s goals included relaxation, decreased pain and anxiety, as well as improvements in her aversion to touch when receiving necessary medical care. A wide variety of massage techniques were offered based on the patient’s physical and psychological symptoms, and her receptivity to touch. Over the course of 2 years, the patient’s anxiety and distress decreased as her ability to communicate her needs increased. A trauma-informed approach is essential when providing massage for those with post-traumatic stress and touch aversion from medical trauma. A pre-massage consultation and customization of the massage allowed the patient to provide consent and have control over where and how her body was touched, something that is often not possible with medical procedures. Further research is needed to determine how best to provide massage therapy to these individuals and measure outcomes related to effectiveness and symptom improvement.