You know how this feels. That's why you're here. Understanding can allow us to change the patterns and cycles offered through the past and experiences.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event — either experiencing it or witnessing it.
Many who seek relief from pain in our body may have past trauma or injury. This may not have felt terrifying or triggering however over time pain in the body becomes a traumatic event.
Trauma-informed care
From traumainformedcare.com "Trauma Informed Care is an organizational framework that has to do with the understanding, recognition, and response to the effects of all kinds of trauma."
In my clinic, the effects of PTSD on the body can keep clients in a state of fight or flight. Openly, I am not trained as a mental health care professional however, more and more clients with PTSD seek some sort of physical pain relief from massage therapists. If you believe you have PTSD please seek recommendations and treatment from a licensed doctor or therapist.
I have had to learn many practices for my own fight or flight. For my clients, while I am working with them, I do these things:
Begin to regulate a deep belly breathing pattern and slowly lengthen each inhale and exhale. I watch for the belly button and lower ribcage to expand at the same rate.
Relax the tongue, so it rests gently touching the back of the UPPER front teeth and nestled on the roof of the mouth.
Massage the calf and lower leg muscles in a rhythmic movement.
These begin to signal relaxation and the "running from a tiger" sense switches to the rest and digest phase.
If someone is in an irrational state, I guide them to the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...
5. Name 5 things you see
4. Name 4 things you can touch
3. Name 3 things you can hear
2. Name 2 things you can smell
1. Name 1 thing you can taste
I hope this can help you and other massage therapists on the journey to wellness mind, body, and energy.
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