Transforming Veteran Care Through Massage Therapy and Whole Health Approaches
- Christina Aldan
- Oct 9
- 6 min read
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 3
As I watched the third video in a continuing education series, the vision became clear: massage therapy is not just about temporary relief; it is becoming an essential part of modern healthcare systems. In this session, Dr. Juli Olson from the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) discussed the monumental strides in veteran care during their pilot program. They had made some good progress at the time of this recording.
Dr. Olson highlighted a landmark change: the Veterans Health Administration Directive 1137: Provision of Complementary and Integrative Health added to the veterans benefit package. This impacted 9 million veterans, giving them access to evidence-based treatments like acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, meditation, tai chi, and, notably, massage (manual) therapy. For someone at the start of my career, it's pretty cool to think our profession has achieved this level of national recognition.
Another pivotal moment occurred in May 2019 when the VHA released formal qualification standards for massage therapists. This allowed trained therapists to be directly hired within the system, presenting more opportunities to provide care for veterans battling chronic pain, trauma, or the physical strains of service.
The Shift to Whole Health
What truly captured my attention was the transformative mindset behind the VHA’s Whole Health approach. Instead of the traditional question, “What’s the matter with you?” healthcare providers now ask, “What matters to you?” instead of taking a diseased-based healthcare approach. They found that when an individual patient makes change in any of the 8 dimensions (moving the body, surroundings, personal development, food & drink, recharge, family/friends/and coworkers, spirit and soul, or power of the mind,) then their healthcare improves. This shift turns healthcare into a more personal experience, empowering veterans to take charge of their healing journey while being supported by a team that may include neurologists, pain management specialists, and massage therapists.
The Whole Health approach recognizes that veterans are not a homogeneous group. Each individual has unique experiences, challenges, and goals. By focusing on personal relevance, healthcare providers can tailor their services to meet these diverse needs. This is where massage therapy excels, as sessions can be personalized to tackle various physical and emotional issues. For example, soft tissue manipulations for a defined purpose in a therapeutic setting such as: a veteran with lower back pain due to years of service can receive targeted massage that improves tension and enhances mobility, while another struggling with PTSD might benefit from therapies aimed at relaxation and emotional release.
Consistency Across the Board
Dr. Olson emphasized the importance of consistency nationwide within the VHA’s standardized set of over 50 integrative health professions. Their standards ensure that if veterans move across the country, their scope of care, including massage (manual) therapy, remains reliable. Such reliability is important for veterans who already face numerous challenges.
So that means a veteran relocating to a new state can find comfort in knowing they will receive the same standard of quality care, including ongoing massage therapy services. Consistency not only builds trust but encourages veterans to actively engage in their health journey. It is essential for individuals who may often feel lost or overlooked in a vast system.
The Role of Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is emerging as a critical component in this redefined model of veteran care. It’s not just about relaxation; it’s about healing profound physical and emotional wounds. Many veterans live with chronic pain, PTSD, and other service-related conditions that can significantly improve through the therapeutic touch of a skilled therapist. For veterans, these improvements can be transformative, offering new pathways to wellness.
They have a team of researchers and clinicians who have been working with patients and they published an evidence map for massage therapy in 2016. As well, she noted that they still cared for veterans even amidst COVID lockdown, as they were able to provide telehealth and teach veterans self-care.
Dr. Olson shared that they care for veterans through their Community Care network since 2019 using massage therapy. Research is still expanding, but current VA studies are exploring massage for neck and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, cancer palliation, labor support, and chronic multi-site pain. And it’s not just in VA hospitals either. Massage therapists in the community are part of this network, too. In 2022 alone, over 38,000 referrals (at least one complete service) were made to community massage providers through the VHA’s care network.
Building a Collaborative Care Team
The Whole Health approach fosters collaboration among various healthcare providers, making massage therapists vital members of the healthcare team. This inclusion enhances the collective quality of care and creates a more holistic strategy to address all facets of a veteran's health.
As a budding massage therapist, I find this collaborative environment incredibly empowering. It opens doors for us to partner with doctors, psychologists, and other specialists, forming a cohesive care plan tailored to the individual's needs. This synergy not only improves care quality but also cultivates a sense of community among providers, reinforcing the support structure for veterans.
Opportunities for Massage Therapists
The VHA’s acknowledgment of massage (manual) therapy as an integral component of veteran care creates new pathways for massage therapists. With established qualification standards, massage therapists can now be directly employed within the VHA system, allowing us to connect with those in need of our services. To become a Community Care Partner there are a couple of steps to take. The massage therapist will need a National Provider Identification (NPI) number: https://nppes.cms.hhs.gov/#/. Step two is to read through the information and contact the regional office using their preferred contact method at https://www.va.gov/COMMUNITYCARE/providers/Community-Care-Network.asp.
This is an exciting juncture for the field of massage therapy. As we continue advocating for our profession and showcasing its advantages, we have a unique chance to influence the future of veteran healthcare positively. Download their findings in the attached pdf file.
For therapists like me, opportunities are growing. Dr. Olson noted that between July 2023 and November 2024, the VA hired 33 massage therapists through USAJobs.gov.
Looking Ahead
The integration of massage therapy into veteran care through the VHA’s Whole Health approach marks a significant milestone. It not only affirms our profession's value but also shows the importance of personalized care. By asking, “What matters to you?” we foster a healthcare experience that can transform lives.
As we advance, I encourage fellow massage therapists to embrace this systemic change and seek collaborations with other healthcare providers. Together, we can make a meaningful, lasting impact on the lives of veterans, helping them heal and thrive in ways we may have never imagined.
The journey is just starting, and I am proud to be part of it. Let us continue advocating for the power of massage therapy in veteran care and work together toward a healthier future for those who have selflessly served our country.
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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 VHA 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.
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