Some Conditions That Ray Has Worked With

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 Massage Therapy helps people with PTSD suffering from pain and the need to relax to help with sleep.

But please be advised that massage is not a cure. 

Talk to your GP to have it added to your treatment, and then talk to NDIS or your insurance provider to see if you can get the costs covered by them.

Look for a remedial massage therapist who has dealt with people with PTSD, not just a spa massage outlet, as their staff may not be trained in dealing with people with PTSD, as it's not just about the massage.

Ray at Athletic Sports Massage Canberra has dealt with several women with PTSD and other mental disorders over the years. 

Testimonial  Complex Post-Traumatic Stress  

Ray Flaherty has played a huge part in my recovery from PTSD. Having all that physical pain that manifests in your body released is so relieving and therapeutic. 

As well as his massage therapy, I also feel great release from knowing that if something is bothering me, I can talk it out during my session, which for me is an added stress relief! Thank you, Ray, for your healing knowledge and expertise! Zrinka, 27 of March 2022 to 2025. 

Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) is a psychological condition that results from prolonged or repeated exposure to traumatic events, particularly those that occur in situations where the individual feels trapped or powerless. Unlike traditional PTSD, which is usually the result of a single traumatic event (such as a car accident or natural disaster), C-PTSD typically arises from chronic trauma, such as ongoing abuse, neglect, or living in a war zone.

Massage therapy can be a helpful complementary treatment for managing some of the physical and emotional symptoms of Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), though it doesn't directly treat the underlying trauma. Here's how massage can help:

1. Reduction of Physical Tension:

• Muscle Tension: Chronic stress often manifests physically in the form of muscle tightness and tension. Massage helps release this tension, which can help alleviate discomfort in the body. 
• Relaxation Response: Massage stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" part), which helps to counteract the hyperarousal (fight-or-flight) state common in C-PTSD.
   

2. Reduction in Cortisol Levels:

• Cortisol is the hormone associated with stress. Research shows that regular massage can lower cortisol levels and boost serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters linked to mood regulation and well-being. This can help individuals with C-PTSD feel less anxious and more relaxed.
   

3. Improved Sleep Quality:

• Many people with C-PTSD experience difficulties with sleep due to hyperarousal, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts. Massage has been shown to improve sleep by promoting relaxation and reducing physical tension, making it easier for the body and mind to rest.
   

4. Emotional Regulation and Stress Relief:

• Massage can help individuals with C-PTSD to reconnect with their bodies in a non-threatening way. The feeling of touch, when done in a safe and controlled environment, can trigger the release of oxytocin, the "bonding" hormone, which promotes feelings of safety and well-being. 
• It can also help individuals with dissociative tendencies or numbing to become more grounded in their bodies, which can be a key aspect of healing.
   

5. Alleviating Symptoms of Anxiety:

• Many individuals with C-PTSD experience symptoms of anxiety. Massage has been found to reduce anxiety symptoms by lowering heart rate and blood pressure, providing a calming effect, and helping individuals feel more grounded and centred.
   

6. Promotes Body Awareness:

• C-PTSD can sometimes make people feel disconnected from their bodies due to dissociation or numbness. Massage therapy encourages mindfulness of one's body and can foster a sense of safety and presence in one's own skin. 
• For some, touch can be therapeutic and may help repair the damage done to the relationship between the body and the self, especially if the trauma involved physical abuse or neglect.
   

7. Improved Emotional Release:

• Emotional release through massage can happen, especially in areas where tension has built up over time (like the shoulders, neck, or lower back). This release can sometimes bring up difficult emotions, but it's important to work with a trained therapist who understands the potential emotional responses that can arise during treatment.
   

Considerations:

• Safety and Consent: For someone with C-PTSD, touch can sometimes trigger a trauma response. The massage therapist must createthe therapist needs to respect a safe, trusting, and open environment. Communication is key, and the therapist needs to respect boundaries and check in with the client regularly.
   
• Trauma-Informed Massage: Look for massage therapists who are trained in trauma-informed care. These therapists understand the unique needs of individuals who have experienced trauma and can tailor the massage experience accordingly. 
• Caution with Intensity: Intense tissue massage may be overwhelming for some people with C-PTSD, especially if they are in the early stages of recovery. Gentle techniques, such as Swedish massage or light touch therapy, might be more appropriate.
   

Conclusion:

Massage therapy can be an effective tool in managing the physical and emotional symptoms of C-PTSD by helping to reduce stress, promote relaxation, and foster a sense of safety and body awareness. However, it is generally most effective as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychotherapy (such as trauma-focused therapy) and other forms of healing.

If you’re considering trying massage, it's a good idea to discuss it with your therapist or healthcare provider to ensure it’s a good fit for your recovery journey.

Massage Therapy For Anxiety.

Please be advised, it's not a cure. 

Talk to your GP to have it added to your treatment and then talk to NDIS or your insurance provider to see if you can get the costs covered by them.

Look for a remedial massage therapist who has dealt with people with anxiety, not just a spa massage outlet, as their staff may not be trained in dealing with people with anxiety.

Massage can help with anxiety.

Massage therapy has been recognised as an effective complementary treatment for anxiety, a common mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Anxiety is characterised by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness, which can significantly impact an individual's mental, emotional, and physical well-being. 

Massage therapy offers a non-pharmacological approach that may help alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation and well-being.

One of the main ways in which massage therapy can benefit individuals with anxiety is through its ability to reduce stress. Massage techniques such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, and aromatherapy massage have been shown to decrease the production of stress hormones such as cortisol while promoting the release of endorphins, which are known as the body's natural "feel-good" hormones. This can help individuals with anxiety feel calmer, more relaxed, and better able to manage their symptoms.

Massage therapy also promotes relaxation by calming the nervous system. The gentle pressure and rhythmic movements of massage can stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's rest-and-digest response. This can help lower heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension, creating a state of deep relaxation that can help individuals with anxiety feel more at ease and less anxious.

Moreover, massage therapy can help improve body awareness and mindfulness, which are important skills in managing anxiety. By focusing on the sensations and movements during a massage session, individuals can learn to be present in the moment and develop a greater sense of body awareness. This mindfulness practice can help individuals with anxiety develop coping strategies to better manage their anxious thoughts and feelings in their daily lives.

In addition to relaxation and mindfulness, human touch during a massage session can also provide comfort and a sense of connection, which can be especially beneficial for individuals with anxiety who may struggle with social interactions. The nurturing touch of a trained massage therapist can create a safe and supportive environment that promotes emotional well-being and reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.

In conclusion, massage therapy can be a valuable and natural way to alleviate anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation and well-being. By reducing stress, calming the nervous system, improving body awareness, and providing a comforting touch, massage therapy offers a holistic approach to managing anxiety. 

However, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional and a trained massage therapist to determine the most appropriate massage techniques and treatment plan for individuals with anxiety.

Massage therapy can be helpful in managing some symptoms of bipolar disorder, though, like with ADHD and C-PTSD, it is generally considered a complementary treatment rather than a primary one. Bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings, including periods of mania/hypomania and depression, and massage can help alleviate some of the physical and emotional symptoms associated with these phases. 

Here’s how massage therapy can be beneficial for people with bipolar disorder:

1. Reducing Anxiety and Stress:

• Individuals with bipolar disorder often experience heightened levels of anxiety and stress, especially during manic or depressive episodes. Massage has been shown to lower cortisol (the stress hormone) and trigger the release of serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood and reduce anxiety. 
• During a manic episode, the body is often in a hyper-alert state, and massage can help bring the body into a more relaxed state by stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system (the "rest and digest" system), which helps reduce overactivity and promote calm.
   

2. Improving Mood Regulation:

• One of the hallmark symptoms of bipolar disorder is mood instability, fluctuating between extreme highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). Massage helps to promote a more stable emotional state by calming the nervous system, which could make mood swings less intense. 
• The soothing effects of massage can also promote feelings of self-care and comfort, which may help counteract feelings of hopelessness or emotional overwhelm that can occur during depressive episodes.
   

3. Relieving Physical Symptoms:

• Muscle tension, headaches, and general discomfort are often experienced during both manic and depressive episodes. Massage can help alleviate these physical symptoms by relaxing muscles, improving circulation, and reducing tension in the body. 
• It can also be beneficial in improving sleep quality, which can be disrupted during mood episodes. Insomnia is common in both manic and depressive states, and massage can promote better rest by relaxing the body and calming the mind.
   

4. Encouraging Restful Sleep:

• Sleep disturbances are a common feature of bipolar disorder, particularly during manic episodes (when individuals may feel energized and unable to sleep) and depressive episodes (when sleep may become excessive or fragmented). 
• Regular massage can help with sleep regulation by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. This can be especially important for individuals with bipolar disorder, as stable sleep patterns are crucial for mood stability.
   

5. Reducing Mania Symptoms:

• During manic episodes, people often experience heightened physical energy, restlessness, and difficulty relaxing. Gentle, calming massage techniques can help to counteract this over-activity by promoting a sense of calm and physical relaxation. 
• Certain massage techniques, such as Swedish massage or craniosacral therapy, focus on relaxation and calming the nervous system, which may be particularly helpful for individuals in a manic or hypomanic state.
   

6. Supporting Emotional and Mental Well-Being:

• Massage can have a positive impact on self-esteem and body awareness, which can be particularly beneficial during depressive episodes. Depression can often bring about feelings of self-neglect, disconnection, and low self-worth. Massage provides an opportunity for a person to reconnect with their body in a nurturing and soothing way.
   
• Regular massage also encourages mindfulness, helping individuals stay present and grounded, which can be helpful in managing racing thoughts that often occur during manic episodes or the emotional heaviness of depressive states.
   

7. Enhancing Circulation and Energy Flow:

• For individuals in a depressive state, massage can stimulate circulation and energy flow in the body, helping to counteract the fatigue and low energy that are common during depressive episodes. It can also increase alertness and focus, making it easier to stay engaged with daily activities.
   

Considerations:

1. Mood Sensitivity: People with bipolar disorder may be sensitive to touch, especially during extreme mood episodes. For example, individuals in the midst of a manic episode might find touch overstimulating or uncomfortable, while someone in a depressive state may feel detached or disconnected. It's important to communicate your preferences clearly with the massage therapist.
    
2. Tailoring the Approach: Massage should be customized based on the individual’s needs at the time. A gentle, soothing massage is ideal for calming manic or hypomanic states, while a deeper pressure massage might be more appropriate for relieving muscle tension or fatigue during depressive episodes.
    
3. Safety and Communication: Make sure to work with a massage therapist who is informed about bipolar disorder and understands the unique challenges associated with the condition. Open communication about your current mood state and comfort level with massage is essential for ensuring a positive experience.
    
4. Regularity: The benefits of massage can be most pronounced with regular sessions. However, it’s important to not rely solely on massage therapy for mood management. It should complement other treatment strategies, including medication and psychotherapy, under the guidance of a mental health professional.
    

Conclusion:

Massage therapy can provide significant relief for individuals with bipolar disorder by reducing anxiety, improving mood regulation, promoting relaxation, and alleviating physical symptoms like muscle tension and sleep disturbances. While massage therapy is not a substitute for medical treatment, it can be a valuable tool in managing some of the physical and emotional challenges that come with bipolar disorder.

If you're considering incorporating massage into your bipolar treatment plan, it’s important to discuss it with your healthcare provider to ensure it's a suitable addition to your overall treatment strategy.

Massage Therapy can help but it will not stop Parkinson's disease.

Massage therapy can offer various benefits for individuals with Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement. While massage therapy does not cure Parkinson's disease, it can help manage some of the symptoms and improve overall well-being. Here are several potential benefits:

Reduced Muscle Stiffness and Tension:

Parkinson's disease often leads to increased muscle stiffness and tension. Massage therapy can help alleviate these symptoms by promoting relaxation and reducing muscle rigidity.

Improved Range of Motion:

Massage can enhance flexibility and joint mobility, contributing to an improved range of motion. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with Parkinson's who may experience limitations in movement.

Enhanced Circulation:

Massage promotes blood circulation, which can be beneficial for people with Parkinson's disease. Improved circulation helps deliver oxygen and nutrients to the muscles and tissues, potentially aiding in overall function.

Stress Reduction:

Stress and anxiety are common in individuals with Parkinson's disease. Massage therapy has been shown to reduce stress levels by promoting the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good hormones.

Improved Sleep Quality:

Parkinson's disease can interfere with sleep patterns. Massage may contribute to better sleep quality by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, potentially improving overall sleep hygiene.

Enhanced Body Awareness:

Parkinson's disease can affect body awareness and proprioception. Massage therapy helps individuals become more aware of their bodies and can improve their connection to movement and posture.

Mind-Body Connection:

Massage can help foster a positive mind-body connection. It allows individuals to focus on sensations and experiences outside of their typical motor challenges, promoting a sense of well-being.

Release of Tension Headaches:

Many people with Parkinson's disease experience tension headaches due to muscle stiffness. Massage can help alleviate tension in the head, neck, and shoulders, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of headaches.

Emotional Well-being:

Massage therapy can have a positive impact on emotional well-being. It provides a non-pharmacological approach to managing symptoms, fostering a sense of comfort and relaxation.

It's important to note that while massage therapy can offer these benefits, individuals with Parkinson's disease should consult with their healthcare team before incorporating massage into their care plan. Additionally, it's crucial for massage therapists to have an understanding of Parkinson's disease and to adapt their techniques to the specific needs and limitations of each individual.

If you want to learn massage to help your family member this training is very useful as I too have done training through Discover Massage Australia.

 Using Massage to Manage Pain from Parkinson’s - Discover Massage Australia 

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