Transforming Healthcare Through Whole Health an Integrative Approach to Massage Therapy

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.

Certificate of Completion for Whole Person Health and Massage Therapy

Part 1

As I step into the world of massage therapy after graduating, I’m experiencing a mix of excitement and anticipation while waiting for my massage license. To make the most of this time, I’m immersing myself in continuing education courses that deepen my understanding of where massage fits within the evolving healthcare landscape.

One particular course that captivated me featured a series of insights from leaders at the American Massage Therapy Association's 2023 annual conference celebrating their 80th year. The experts addressed the audience to talk about how massage, along with other complementary therapies, is transforming our perspectives on recovery and whole person health.

The Whole Health Movement

The first session in the video series was led by Dr. Tracy Gaudet, co-founder of the Cornerstone Collaboration for Societal Change and a driving force behind the Whole Health movement in the VHA. They made the decision to add acupuncture and massage to patient treatment plans in order to optimize people's health and well-being. The resulting data show that patients feel more empowered with the skill building and health education they were provided. Her insights underscored a revolutionary idea: instead of viewing patients as mere compilations of symptoms, this approach centers around a person’s unique purpose in life.

Dr. Gaudet articulated the importance of examining all aspects of wellness: mind, body, community, and spirit. She informed the audience that they put "Patient Purpose" at the center of a health system that is normally very reductionist when coming from a biomedical approach. The Whole Health model putting Patient Purpose at the center of their model while incorporating 8 essential categories demonstrates how essential these are to patient health:

1. moving the body

2. surroundings

3. personal development

4. food & drink

5. recharge

6. family/friends/and coworkers

7. spirit and soul, and

8. power of the mind

Clinical care is not the only thing that can help patients. An integrative approach supports the patient's purpose and whole health. This holistic philosophy resonates with my aspiration as I prepare for my future in manual (massage) therapy. It reinforces the idea that healthcare shouldn't merely fix problems; it should cultivate a supportive environment for personal growth and wellness.

Measurable Outcomes of Whole Health

What truly inspired me were the evidence-based results by restructuring patient treatments by implementing Whole Health strategies. They tried this pilot program at 18 locations and collected data for 2 years. The VHA reported impressive outcomes, such as:

• A threefold reduction in opioid use among patients

• An increase in patient engagement levels

• Increased perception of care from the patients

• Higher patient engagement in their own care and self-care

• Decreased patient stress

On the employee side, they saw:

• Reduced burnout among healthcare staff,

• Increased motivation

• A reduction in resignations for physicians, nurses, and other health service employees

For the treatment facilities, the data show:

• Increased hospital performance

• Greater patient-centered care ratings

  
  

The outpatient costs were:

• Smaller increases in pharmacy costs (4.3% vs 15.8%)

• Decreases with veterans with chronic conditions and mental health conditions (3.5% vs 12.5%)*

  
  

These data affirm my belief that manual (massage) therapy is far from a luxury; it’s a crucial element of modern healthcare that nurtures both physical and mental well-being.

The Role of Massage Therapy in Whole Health

These strategies were implemented to assess, scale, and spread the Whole Person approach to health. Massage therapy fits perfectly within the Whole Health model. It's not merely about relaxation; it's about establishing a stronger mind-body connection. Techniques used in massage like soft tissue manual therapy or deep myofascial release can effectively reduce pain and foster relaxation, helping individuals find greater peace in their daily lives.

Consider the potential if all healthcare providers actively integrated massage therapy into treatment plans. This systematic shift would enable patients to explore multiple modalities, potentially enhancing their journey towards health recovery. For instance, combining holistic manual therapy with physical rehabilitation can lead to faster recovery times and improved outcomes.

Empowering Patients Through Education

A significant takeaway from the course emphasized the role of patient education. By equipping individuals with knowledge about their health options, we enable them to take an active role in their wellness and practitioners saw an increase in patient self-care engagement.

As a future massage therapist, I aim to embrace the role of an educator at the end of every treatment session. It goes beyond just providing services; I want my clients to understand how massage therapy can enhance their healing processes and how they can empower themselves to play an active role in their health and well-being. Whether it's alleviating stress, managing pain, or promoting relaxation, I am dedicated to giving them the tools they need to make informed health decisions.

Building a Supportive Community

Community plays a vital role in the Whole Health approach. Healing is more effective in environments where individuals can share experiences and learn from each other.

As I begin my career, I’m enthusiastic about forming a community around massage therapy. This could involve workshops, group sessions, or livestreams where clients can gather to exchange peer success stories, support, and empower one another on their wellness journeys.

The Future of Healthcare

The insights from the integrative healthcare series have filled me with optimism about the future of healthcare. The shift towards a Whole Health model represents not just a trend but a necessary evolution in how we perceive health and wellness.

As more healthcare providers acknowledge the advantages of complementary therapies like massage and acupuncture, we can anticipate a more integrated approach to patient care. This shift will not only benefit patients but also create more fulfilling environments for healthcare professionals. I personally have seen an acupuncturist 1-4 times a month for the last 13 years (go see Dr. Stephanie Jordan of Whole Body Health, Las Vegas) and I am proof that integrative therapies support holistic health.

Whole Health reframes wellness as something we create together. It is a partnership between providers and clients, built around what matters most to each individual. That’s the kind of healthcare I want to be part of.

This is the first post in my four-part series on the future of massage therapy. Next time, I’ll explore how integrative care models are creating new opportunities for massage therapists to collaborate within healthcare systems.

A New Chapter in Healthcare

My journey as a recent massage school graduate is just beginning, but I’m deeply inspired by the opportunities ahead. The Whole Health movement and the integration of massage therapy into healthcare are paving the way for a more compassionate and effective wellness approach. Since 2 years have passed after these videos were released, I am eager to research and write a follow-up on the current status of the Whole Health approach pilot program.

While I await my license, I’m committed to furthering my education and discovering ways I can contribute to this transformative movement. By embracing a whole person health perspective, I believe we can create a brighter future for ourselves and our communities.

Massage therapy is not merely an indulgence; it is a vital part of modern healthcare that nourishes both body and mind. I look forward to embarking on this exciting journey!

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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.

*according to the Bokhour BF, Hyde JK, Zeliadt S, Mohr DC Whole Health System of Care Evaluation - a progress report on outcomes of the WHS Pilot at 18 flagship sites in 2020. https://www.va.gov/WHOLEHEALTH/professional-resources/clinician-tools/Evidence-Based-Research.asp. 

** National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2023. Achieving

Whole Health: A New Approach for Veterans and the Nation. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/26854.

***National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. Transforming Healthcare to Create Whole Health Strategies to Assess, Scale, and Spread the Whole Person Approach to Health  https://www.nationalacademies.org/our-work/transforming-health-care-to-create-whole-health-strategies-to-assess-scale-and-spread-the-whole-person-approach-to-health