Benefits of Therapeutic Massage in Rape Recovery

As a certified massage therapist, I have seen the benefits that massage can have for a series of ailments, including chronic pain.  I never imagined the ways that massage could serve survivors of marital rape in their recovery journeys.

Being touched in any way is not something most survivors are open to, let alone a stranger.  Laying on a table, feeling exposed, being open to letting someone explore your body and it’s reactions, takes a level of courage that not many have.  There is so much vulnerability that happens when we open ourselves up to healing through different modalities.  

So, why can massage be such an invaluable part of someone’s healing journey?  

Therapeutic massages give us a chance to connect with someone physically in a safe environment.  Our bodies were designed to crave safe touch.  The body was made for touch, but not any touch.  Your body was designed for safe touch, full of chances to develop your autonomy.  In a therapeutic massage environment, we are given the opportunity to discover what areas of our body have been holding trauma and give those areas our full attention.  Many people do not realize how much stress we hold in our hands  and fingers alone.  During the massage, you can practice using your voice to guide the therapist in what feels good and what may need less or more pressure.  

 In the right environment, with the right massage therapist, you will be exploring new methods of trust and communication.  Start the session by communicating what you feel and where you feel it.  Please remember that you do not owe them your whole life’s story. Next, you can decide if you are more comfortable to stay completely dressed or completely undressed. It is up to you to decide what level of undress you choose. As you get more comfortable with your therapist, you may choose to undress more as time and trust build. This is your chance to practice advocating for your needs and wants in a safe space.  If you hold most of your stress in your right shoulder, that would be a great place to start.  If you have trigger areas that you want the therapist to stay clear of, share this too.  If you are comfortable with having your hands and/or feet touched, reflexology is a powerful practice.  

 I pray that this post will be convincing enough for you to do some research and find a place that you feel comfortable enough stepping into and starting your physical healing journey.  Your body and voice have been stolen from you and now it’s time to take them back.  This is your time to heal and only you get to decide what that looks like.