This week we had Janet Feavel, a certified massage therapist with whom we made a journey in the role of therapeutic massage for children with trauma history. Adoptive and foster parents were trained in the therapeutic principles of the massage, after which they had the opportunity to practice under supervision.

Massage is particularly relevant for the treatment of trauma because traumatized persons often suffer from hypertonicity and their body is flooded with cortisol, a stress hormone that can be harmful to long-term exposure.

Recent research shows that therapeutic massage leads to decreased cortisol levels, while increasing muscle and mental relaxation hormones (serotonin and dopamine). Positive effects were also seen in children with sensory processing disorder as part of the intervention program.