I have spent hundreds of hours providing massage therapy to Veterans at a VA hospital and I have listened to friends who are veterans and there are many things which are common to the veteran experience, which civilians are rarely exposed to. Many challenges which veterans face have little to do with health and more to do with VA care and administrative tasks such as filing for disability compensation. Although insurance provides most Americans with a chance or two at frustration…the incredible back-log and difficulty in proving ones case can make the veteran health care experience extremely daunting. This process frequently requires the action of a non-military government official to assist the veteran. Health concerns sometimes are ignored or under-treated due to this on-going issue.
Another great concern within many VA facilities is turnover of staff. One Veteran whom I know quite well suffers from several physical conditions and several psychological conditions as a result of his service. He completed the VA’s PTSD program two separate times and lived on-campus with readily available support for some time outside of his program stays. He saw no less than 15 different psychiatrists during his time of care with the VA. Imagine having to tell that horrible story that many times. For some this might seem cathartic, but re-living the details of his service frequently made him spin into anxiety, rage and hurt. Typically it was the choice of the healthcare provider to provide more medication (sometimes for safety). This began a vicious cycle for him which included drug-induced stupors, poor relationships with family, no ability to maintain work, and several crisis psychological events including an attempt at suicide. (*Happy note: this vet is ok)
There are many specific health related concerns which veterans have. Each conflict even has its own health concerns which are associated with it. Yet another example of how we couldn’t possibly understand unless we were there. There is such things as “bands of brothers” and military “families” who are not related by blood. This is because these brave men and women have experienced something together that no one else in the world has. But let’s not forget the individual experience. As with most things, the experience of the soldier depends on many things. No two soldiers have the same experience.
So what in the heck does this mean to massage therapy and how can we use this information within our practices? (Besides the fact that most of us work with veterans weather we know it or not.)
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I don’t try to understand what a veteran goes through, even though I have heard my good share of heart-wrenching stories. I just stay open for them. I don’t make too big of a deal of their service, I make sure to say thank you in some way and carry on (A common response from veterans is “it’s just a job”). I speak frankly and boldly and that has seemed to work extremely well for me so far, because I am frank and bold. Staying true to who you are will enhance the rapport between you and the veteran.
(Frequently I get very positive feedback about what I have done for the veteran….one of my favorite things to say… ”It’s just a job”.)
It’s not about what strokes that you are going to use for veterans, it’s about relating to them without pretending to understand.
Guest post by Amy Appel, LMT NCTMB
Owner, Real-Life Alternatives
Member - AMTA Wisconsin Chapter