Massage Helps Veteran Deal with Injuries and PTSD

Coming home has been a very healing process for Isaac Torres. During his first and only tour, blast injuries created serious damage to both of his knees. The IEDs exerted so much force that Isaac’s brain was injured, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury (TBI). He also experienced significant Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  Isaac has been transitioning back to civilian life for many months now. He finds the support he receives from Operation TBI Freedom (OTF) has been invaluable. “The brain injury has been tough. I stutter now, and I’ve had trouble reading and problems with memory,” Isaac shared. “The OTF program got me a Kindle for reading, and it is helping me a lot. I can see the words better, and I’m able to focus longer.

The program also got me a PDA; it allows me to keep appointments organized.” Isaac has had four surgeries on his left knee and one surgery on his right knee. He has also attended a clinic for PTSD support. Care Coordinator Donya Blair, who is a veteran herself, looked at several options for Isaac. “I knew he could benefit from massage, both for his physical injuries and PTSD. Massage is increasingly seen as an effective therapy intervention for people with PTSD because it allows the body to relax at a very deep level,” Donya said. Isaac agreed, saying, “I’ve gotten a lot out of massage. The thing I notice after every session is that my stuttering decreases and I feel much more able to cope.” Roger Patrizio, Director of the Colorado Institute of Massage Therapy, said, “We decided to offer Isaac and other veterans who are referred to us through programs like Operation TBI Freedom free massages. It’s our way to thank our military for all they are doing,” he explained.

“We are giving Isaac eight hours of free massage and look forward to providing free services to other veterans.” Many of the men and women who return from combat missions with a brain injury need the support of both military and community groups. According to Donya, “The early months back are often the hardest. We help returning military and their families find the resources they need to stay in their homes and get the medical and assistive technology support they need while benefits are being processed,” she stated. “We are one of many community organizations partnering with the military to help returning military get the resources and support they need.”