Trauma-informed Massage: What That Means In My Practice

Massage is often spoken about as something that’s universally relaxing — but the truth is, touch isn’t neutral for everyone.

For some people, massage can feel deeply supportive and grounding. For others, it can bring up discomfort, vulnerability, or a sense of uncertainty. Because of this, the way a massage is offered matters just as much as the techniques themselves.

In my practice, I work in ways that are often described as trauma-informed and trauma-sensitive. Rather than being a specific modality or treatment, this is an approach rooted in safety, choice, consent, and respect for the nervous system.

A foundation of safety

Safety begins before any hands-on work.

I aim to create a calm, regulated environment that supports the nervous system from the moment you arrive. This includes low, soft lighting, a comfortable and temperature-regulated room, plants and grounding textures, and gentle, unobtrusive music. These details may seem small, but they help the body orient to a sense of ease and predictability.

Predictability and consent

Before your massage begins, we take time to check in together.

You’re invited (but never required) to complete an intake form ahead of your appointment, which gives you space to share anything you’d like me to be aware of. When you arrive, we review this together, and I explain how the massage will flow — for example, where I’ll start, how the session will progress, and which areas we’ll work with.

This creates clarity and predictability, and gives you the opportunity to ask questions or make changes before we begin. Nothing happens without your consent.

Choice and bespoke support

Every body is different, and there’s no single “right” way to receive massage.

Sessions are adapted to support your comfort and sense of agency. This might include using bolsters or extra blankets, keeping certain areas covered, adjusting pressure or pacing, or changing the focus of the session entirely. These choices are always available, whether or not you feel the need to name them.

During the massage

Clear communication continues throughout the session.

I make it explicit that you’re welcome to speak up at any point — to ask for changes, pause, or stop the massage, or request anything you need. You don’t have to explain or justify your needs.

Alongside verbal check-ins when appropriate, I also stay attuned to non-verbal cues, adjusting my approach based on how your body responds.

Trauma-sensitive adaptations

When someone is particularly sensitive to touch, or when the nervous system needs more support, I adapt how I work.

This may include slower, longer, rhythmic pacing; continuous, flowing touch rather than frequent breaks in contact; gentle rocking or shaking techniques; and avoiding abrupt transitions that can feel startling to the body. The intention is not to force change, but to support regulation and a sense of safety.