Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is attributed to the body’s coping with experiencing or witnessing traumatic stress. It can be ignited by a variety of events; either emotional, physical, sexual violence, war, a car accident or through natural disasters or the daily stress of being a care giver or professional health care provider. Symptoms may include: flash backs and or nightmares, avoidance/numbing, estrangement from others, states of hypervigilance, fear of constant danger, poor sleep, body pain, low mood, depression, suicidal thoughts or action and a loss of a sense of ones-self. Massage Therapy works well in conjunction with other cognitive therapies for treatment of PTSD. Massage assists people to be more comfortable in their own skin, to learn to relax and be in the present moment.  Studies show that massage may improve associated symptoms such as chronic pain, immune system deficiencies, stress, depression and anxiety.

Kelly Gerhart RMT,  www.courtenaymassagetherapy.com