Benefits of Massage Therapy for Veterans
Military service asks a lot of the body. Years of carrying heavy gear, long hours on your feet, rough landings, cramped vehicles and training that doesn’t stop for sore muscles all add up. For many veterans, those years leave behind aches and tension that come along into civilian life. Massage is one way to give your body some care and attention after everything you’ve asked of it.
Why more veterans are looking at massage
Many veterans are interested in options that work alongside their regular medical care. Massage is a simple, hands-on approach: you lie down, we talk about what’s bothering you, and we work on the muscles that need it. There is no rush, and you stay in control of the pressure and the areas we focus on.
The VA itself lists massage therapy (under the name “medical massage therapy”) among the complementary and integrative health approaches in the Veterans medical benefits package, when your care team decides it’s appropriate. You can read about it on the VA’s Complementary and Integrative Health overview. The VA also notes that these services may be provided in the community through the Community Care Network, which is how a TriWest referral can bring you to a local clinic like ours.
Research is still growing, too. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health lists studies it has funded on whether massage can be part of a nondrug approach to pain management in veterans. You can find that on the NCCIH page Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know.
How massage may help you feel better day to day
Easing muscle tension and everyday aches
Tight shoulders, a stiff lower back, sore hips and knees: these are common for anyone whose work has been hard on their body. Massage may help those muscles relax and feel more comfortable, which can make everyday movement a little easier.
A calm space to slow down
Civilian life comes with its own kind of stress, from work and family to appointments and paperwork. An hour in a quiet room, without a phone or a to-do list, can be a real break. Many people find massage helps them relax and leave feeling more at ease.
Support alongside your other care
Massage isn’t a replacement for your VA care, physical therapy or any treatment your provider recommends. It’s meant to work alongside them. If you have an injury, a recent surgery or a health condition, please talk to your doctor first so we can plan your session around what’s safe for you.
What a session looks like
Your first visit starts with a conversation. I’ll ask about where you’re feeling pain or tightness, what your work and daily routine look like, and anything your provider has shared with you. From there, we’ll plan the session together. You choose how you’re draped or whether you stay fully clothed, and you can ask me to change the pressure or skip an area at any time.
Some veterans prefer to know exactly what’s happening before it happens. That’s completely fine. I’m happy to explain each step as we go. You can read more on our page about what to expect on your first visit, and see the types of work we offer on our massage modalities page.
Using a VA or TriWest referral
If you’re a veteran using VA community care, your referral comes from your own VA provider, so the first step is to ask them for it. Once you have it, send us the referral, your referral number and your Veteran ICN number. You can email us at officeassistant@themuscletechnician.com, fax it to 360-252-7895, or bring a paper copy to your visit. Every one of our therapists can see you under a TriWest referral.
Coverage depends on your referral and your plan, so we can’t promise what will be approved, but we’ll help you get your paperwork in order.
Thank you for your service
I’ve helped over 2,000 people in our community, and I’m glad to help veterans feel more at home in their bodies. You’ve spent years taking care of others. It’s okay to set aside some time to take care of yourself.
Ready to book? Call (360) 350-0127 or book online. We accept TriWest (VA community care) referrals: request your referral from your VA provider, then send it to us with your referral number and Veteran ICN number. Learn more on our insurance and coverage page.
By Joel Rouse, LMT