Listening to Your Patient's Story: A Key to Holistic Healthcare

As a recent massage school graduate, I’ve been immersing myself in continuing education while I wait for my license to be processed. One of the most inspiring courses I’ve taken is a video series featuring leaders in integrative healthcare from the Cornerstone Collaborative, Mayo Clinic, Veterans Health Administration (VHA), and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH). These experts share the latest research and insights on how massage therapy can play a vital role in recovery, restoration, and whole-person wellness. Watching them discuss the evolving place of massage in healthcare has shown me both the opportunities and responsibilities we have as massage therapists to educate, collaborate, and bring meaningful outcomes to our clients. This series has opened my eyes to the ways massage can be integrated into larger healthcare systems and how I can actively contribute to this growing field.

Part 2

As I continue on my journey to become a licensed massage therapist, I am captivated by how major medical institutions are embracing holistic approaches to patient care. A powerful moment came from a video featuring Dr. Denise Millstine at the Mayo Clinic during the 2023 AMTA annual conference. She details how her team integrates clinical practice, research, and education, all centered around the well-being of the whole person: mind, body, and spirit. This approach deeply resonates with me and highlights the significant role that listening plays in healthcare.

Dr. Millstine's practice begins with a question often neglected in medical settings: “What’s your story?” For many patients, she emphasized, this is the first instance where they are invited to share their experiences. Listening not only reveals symptoms but also provides context and insights into a patient's lifestyle, stress management, and social connections. This embodies the essence of massage therapy, where the touch of our hands is informed by the stories we hear. We get messages from the client's body as well as from the client's vocalization of their symptoms.

The Importance of Listening

Listening to a patient’s narrative is about more than gathering information, it’s a vital part of building rapport and connection. When patients feel listened to, they often reveal important details that can significantly affect their treatment plans. This relationship nurtures trust, an essential element in any therapeutic interaction. That is why Dr. Millstine hosts a podcast of storytelling called Read.Talk.Grow. Click here to listen to the stories.

In my future practice, creating this connection will be a priority. By engaging clients with lifestyle questions (diet, exercise, stress levels, etc.) and giving them my full attention, I can comprehend their needs more fully and customize my approach. Focusing on their stories rather than just physical symptoms aligns perfectly with the philosophy of treating the whole person.

Evidence-Informed Medicine vs. Evidence-Based Medicine

A significant takeaway from Dr. Millstine’s talk was her differentiation between evidence-based medicine (EBM) and evidence-informed medicine (EIM). EBM often emphasizes strict adherence to data, while EIM finds a balance between scientific evidence, clinical expertise, and individual patient needs. This perspective prompts practitioners to consider the likelihood of benefits versus potential risks during treatment.

This thoughtful approach resonates with my vision for bodywork. By adopting EIM principles into my massage practice, I can create more tailored and effective treatment plans which lead to better outcomes.

The Role of Massage in Patient Healthcare

Dr. Millstine also showcased research indicating the efficacy of massage in oncological and palliative care. According to the onocology specialists of the Mayo Clinic Comprehensive Cancer Center, massage therapy can significantly reduce pain levels in breast cancer patients. The Journal of Clinical Onocology endorsed these guidelines. Dr. Millstine's clinicians noted that shorter massages, and more frequently produced the best results. She reported they found that patients receiving six 30-minute sessions over two weeks experienced reduction in pain and an increase in their mood.

Enhancing Quality of Life

For those battling metastatic bone pain, massage therapy can also promote relaxation, alleviate discomfort, and enhance sleep quality.* This demonstrates the profound impact massage therapy can have on a person’s overall well-being.

As I envision my future practice, my objective is to provide not just physical relief but also an overall sense of relaxation. My approach will reflect the Whole Person approach that healing encompasses more than physical treatment, touching on mental and emotional resilience as well.

Integrating Holistic Practices

The integration of holistic practices into patient care is gaining traction in contemporary medicine. Learning how manual (massage) therapy is incorporating into healthcare systems inspires me to participate in this progressive movement.

Listening to client stories and understanding their individual experiences allows me to create more compassionate treatment plans. This patient-centered approach not only benefits my clients but also enriches my journey as a massage therapist.

Massage Therapist Performing an Intake Interview with Client

Embracing the Power of Listening

Listening to a client's complete story is essential for effective holistic healthcare. As I continue my education and gear up for a massage therapy career, committing to this philosophy is paramount. By placing importance on my client narratives, I can offer care that is not just effective, but also compassionate.

Insights from Dr. Millstine and her team have reinforced my belief in the transformative power of listening. I am eager to incorporate these principles into my practice and ensure that each client feels heard, valued, and cared for. In an often impersonal healthcare landscape, I aspire to create an environment where clients can freely share their stories and receive the holistic care they deserve. After all, it is not just about the techniques we apply; it is about the connections we foster and the stories we cherish.

Hearing that level of evidence come from a leading medical institution like Mayo Clinic gave me even more confidence in the direction our field is heading. Massage therapy isn’t just complementary, it’s becoming an integral, evidence-informed tool for supporting health and healing.

As I continue learning, I’m realizing that the future of massage lies in collaborating with patients, providers, and the larger healthcare system. And it all starts with one simple, profound act: listening to someone’s story.

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These presentations have reinforced for me that massage therapy is not just a tool for relaxation, it’s a clinical skill with the potential to improve whole-person health, support recovery, and enhance quality of life. From policy changes at the VA to cutting-edge research at NCCIH and Mayo Clinic, it’s clear that the future of massage is being shaped by evidence, collaboration, and a focus on what truly matters to the patient. As I continue to refine my skills, pursue advanced training, and explore ways to join integrative healthcare teams, I’m inspired to bring these principles into my practice and advocate for massage as a core component of wellness. Each step I take as a massage therapist is part of a larger movement that values science, compassion, and the transformative power of touch. Please subscribe to my newsletter for more updates about the Continuing Education courses I complete about evidence-based manual therapy for whole person health.

*Ann Intern Med 2008;149: 369-79 Pain, 201 Oct;152(10):2432-42