FORT HOOD, Texas Aca,!" Massage Therapy is one of the many tools used at Fort Hood to decrease the symptoms of combat stress and to enhance health and well-being.
During National Massage Therapy Awareness Week, Oct. 24-30, Soldiers are encouraged to acknowledge the importance of wellness by considering massage therapy as a way to assist with relaxation, stress management and pain management.
Aca,!A"Massage therapy is a supplement to traditional medical intervention,Aca,!A? said Col. Tom Yarber, chief, Carl R. Darnall Army Medical CenterAca,!a,,cs Resiliency and Restoration Center.
CRDAMCAca,!a,,cs Behavioral Health DepartmentAca,!a,,cs Warrior Combat Stress Reset Program Aca,!" a behavioral health clinic for PTSD Aca,!" offers massage therapy as part of its three-week reset course. Through an individualized treatment plan, warriors are introduced to complementary alternative therapies like massage, acupuncture, yoga, Reiki, reflexology, sound mediations and Tai Chi.
Aca,!A"Having adverse reactions to war is normal,Aca,!A? said Yarber. Aca,!A"These therapies help calm the mind, body and spirit after Soldiers have been exposed to a constant state of adrenaline.Aca,!A?
Another CRDAMC program using massage therapy to assist Soldiers in decreasing stress and pain is the Warrior Transition BrigadeAca,!a,,cs CAUSE Massage/Reiki Program. Reiki, like massage therapy, uses the energy of touch to create a sense of deep relaxation and healing.
Free 30-minute chair massages and Reiki sessions are available the second and fourth Tuesday of each month from 4 to 7 p.m. in Rough Rider Village. Warriors in Transition have first priority and need to sign up in advance through their Special Activities NCO or they can be referred through a nurse care manager.
For Soldiers, families, civilian employees and retirees, massage therapy is now offered through the Fort Hood Resiliency Campus. Certified massage therapists can perform relaxation, deep tissue, hot stone, therapeutic, sports and prenatal massages along with Reiki and reflexology.
Treatments are available Monday through Friday by appointment only and can be made by calling (254) 630-5219 or (254) 288-3374. Sessions are 30, 60 or 90 minutes long, and prices range from $20 to $90.
The Resiliency Retreat is located in the Functional Fitness Center at 33rd and Old Ironsides in Bldg. 12018. Visit www.hoodmwr.com/massage_therapy.htm to learn more about their services.
For information on how to participate in the Warrior Combat Stress Reset Program call (254) 288-4746 or visit www.crdamc.amedd.army.mil.
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