Clinical massage therapy is one of the evidence-based, complementary and integrative health (CIH) approaches within the VHA Whole Health System of care covered by the Veterans medical benefits package when deemed clinically necessary by their care team per VHA Directive 1137 – Provision of Complementary and Integrative Health, published in May 2017.
VHA established the profession of Massage Therapy to be covered under 38 U.S.C. §7401(3) and associated qualification standards for Massage Therapists to be able to provide this service. Conditions with evidence of positive effect include high-confidence evidence that massage therapy is effective for reducing pain in a variety of conditions, including neck pain, back pain, and fibromyalgia.
Treatment for a variety of conditions can usually be accomplished between 3-12 weeks in duration with 4-12 visits/treatments within that timeframe.
If you think you qualify, speak with your primary care provider to receive a referral. 1st appointment MUST be made through VA.