Stress and trauma do not only affect the mind. They can also show up in the body.
Many people who have experienced trauma or prolonged stress notice physical symptoms such as chronic tension, muscle pain, fatigue, headaches, jaw tightness, digestive discomfort, shallow breathing, or a persistent sense of being “on edge.” Even when someone understands their trauma cognitively, their body may still feel guarded, braced, or unable to fully settle.
At Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery, we believe recovery is often best supported through an integrated approach — one that considers both the psychological and physical effects of trauma. For some clients, trauma-informed myofascial massage therapy can be a helpful complement to evidence-based trauma therapy.
What Is Myofascial Massage?
Myofascial massage is a form of massage therapy that focuses on the fascia — the connective tissue network that surrounds and supports muscles, nerves, joints, and other structures throughout the body.
Fascia is not just passive “wrapping” around the muscles. It is a responsive tissue system that can become tight, restricted, or sensitive in response to stress, injury, repetitive movement, pain, or prolonged nervous system activation.
Myofascial massage uses slow, specific, and sustained techniques to address areas of restriction and tension. Rather than forcing the body to release, the work is typically gradual and responsive, allowing the tissues and nervous system time to adapt.
This type of treatment may be helpful for people experiencing:
- Persistent muscle tension
- Chronic or recurring pain
- Reduced mobility or range of motion
- Physical bracing or guardedness
- Stress-related body symptoms
- A sense of feeling physically “stuck” or unable to relax
How Trauma Can Show Up in the Body
After trauma or chronic stress, the nervous system can become more sensitive to threat. For some people, this means the body remains in a state of protection long after the danger has passed.
This can look like:
- Holding tension in the shoulders, jaw, neck, back, or hips
- Feeling easily startled or physically reactive
- Difficulty relaxing, even in safe environments
- Feeling disconnected from the body
- Experiencing pain or tightness without a clear cause
- Becoming overwhelmed by physical sensations
- Feeling exhausted from being constantly “on alert”
In trauma therapy, clients often work on making sense of what happened, reducing distress, processing traumatic memories, and rebuilding a sense of safety. Myofascial massage may support this work by gently addressing the physical patterns that can accompany long-term stress and trauma.
How Myofascial Massage Can Complement Trauma Therapy
Myofascial massage is NOT a replacement for trauma therapy. It does not process traumatic memories in the same way as approaches such as EMDR therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy, or Prolonged Exposure.
Instead, it can complement therapy by supporting the body’s capacity to settle, soften, and feel safe.
For some clients, myofascial massage may help:
- Reduce physical tension and discomfort
- Support nervous system regulation
- Increase awareness of body cues
- Improve comfort with safe, predictable body-based care
- Decrease physical guarding or bracing
- Support relaxation after emotionally demanding therapy sessions
- Improve mobility and day-to-day functioning
When integrated thoughtfully, body-based care can help support the “whole system” — not just thoughts and emotions, but also the physical patterns that may be connected to trauma and stress.
Meet Craig Malone, Registered Massage Therapist
Myofascial massage therapy at Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery is provided by Craig Malone, Registered Massage Therapist.
Craig’s work centres on myofascial treatment and neurologically informed care, with a focus on complex patterns of tension, restriction, and chronic pain. He was selected for his thoughtful, clinically grounded approach and strong alignment with the way we work as a trauma-focused clinic.
His sessions are characterized by slow, highly specific techniques that adapt in real time to tissue response, client feedback, and nervous system tolerance. This allows for precise, individualized treatment rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Craig’s approach may be especially well-suited for individuals experiencing persistent tension, chronic pain, stress-related somatic symptoms, physical bracing, or difficulty relaxing. His work may support nervous system regulation alongside physical change.
Treatment is provided without the use of oils and can often be completed with clothing on, depending on client preference and treatment goals. Sessions are structured within a trauma-informed framework, with careful attention to pacing, consent, client feedback, and overall treatment tolerance.
For some individuals, booking myofascial massage following psychotherapy may offer a more integrated mind–body approach to care.
Why Trauma-Informed Massage Matters
For individuals with trauma histories, massage therapy needs to be approached carefully. Touch, positioning, vulnerability, or feeling out of control can be activating for some clients.
A trauma-informed approach recognizes this and places safety, consent, and choice at the centre of care.
At our clinic, trauma-informed myofascial massage includes:
- Clear communication before and during treatment
- Ongoing consent and collaboration
- Respect for personal boundaries and preferences
- Careful pacing
- Attention to nervous system responses
- Options to remain clothed when appropriate
- Treatment that adapts to client feedback and tolerance
The goal is not to push through discomfort or override the body. The goal is to create a calm, predictable environment where the client remains in control of the pace and process.
What to Expect in a Myofascial Massage Session
Myofascial massage is often slower and more specific than traditional relaxation massage. The therapist may use sustained pressure, gentle traction, or precise techniques to work with areas of tension or restriction.
At Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery, myofascial massage with Craig Malone, RMT is provided without oils and can often be completed with clothing on, depending on client preference and treatment goals.
Sessions are individualized and may focus on areas such as the neck, shoulders, back, hips, jaw, or other regions where the client experiences tension, discomfort, or restriction.
Clients are encouraged to communicate throughout the session. Treatment can be adjusted at any time.
Can Myofascial Massage Be Booked After Therapy?
Yes. For some clients, booking myofascial massage after a psychotherapy session may offer a more integrated mind–body approach to care.
Therapy sessions can sometimes bring up emotional, cognitive, or physiological activation. A body-based session afterward may help some clients transition out of the therapy space with more physical ease and regulation.
This is not necessary for everyone, and it depends on personal preference, treatment goals, and clinical fit. Some clients may choose massage as a standalone service, while others may coordinate it alongside therapy.
Is Myofascial Massage Right for Everyone?
Myofascial massage can be a helpful support for many people, but it is not the right fit for every client or every stage of recovery.
It may be especially helpful for individuals who are experiencing:
- Chronic tension or pain
- Stress-related physical symptoms
- Difficulty relaxing
- A sense of being physically guarded
- Discomfort in the body after prolonged stress or trauma
- Interest in integrating body-based care with psychotherapy
However, the work should always be paced carefully. If a client is highly activated, uncomfortable with touch, or unsure about body-based care, treatment can begin slowly, with clear communication and choice throughout.
A Whole-Person Approach to Trauma Recovery
Trauma recovery is not only about changing thoughts or reducing symptoms. It is also about helping the body begin to feel safer, more grounded, and less constantly on alert.
Myofascial massage can be one way to support that process.
At Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery, our trauma-informed myofascial massage therapy is offered as part of a broader integrated model of care. Clients can access massage therapy on its own or as a complement to psychotherapy, depending on their needs and goals.
Book Trauma-Informed Myofascial Massage in Edmonton
Trauma-informed myofascial massage therapy is available at Genovese Trauma & PTSD Recovery in Edmonton, with Craig Malone, Registered Massage Therapist.
Initial myofascial massage appointments are 90 minutes to allow time for assessment, treatment planning, and individualized care. Follow-up appointments are available in 60-, 90-, or 120-minute sessions, depending on your needs and treatment goals.
Direct billing is available for eligible plans.
