Does the VA Cover Massage Therapy? A Guide for San Antonio Veterans

Did you know, if you’re a veteran living with chronic pain, headaches, limited mobility, or other ongoing discomfort, massage therapy may be one of the services available to you through your VA healthcare benefits? 

The Department of Veteran Affairs does include massage therapy as a Complementary and Integrative Health (CIH) approach within its Whole Health System of care. This means massage isn’t viewed as just a service to book when you want to relax. It can be a healthcare service incorporated into a veteran’s overall healthcare plan when their care team decides it is an appropriate addition to their plan. 

But how does VA-covered massage therapy actually work?

Massage Therapy Through VA Whole Health

The VA’s Whole Health approach places a focus on caring for the patient as a whole, instead of only looking at the diagnosis or individual symptoms. Whole Healthcare, alongside conventional healthcare, may incorporate complementary treatments like massage therapy, acupuncture, meditation, yoga, and other services. 

Massage therapy may be recommended to help manage concerns such as low back pain, headaches, joint pain, muscle and soft-tissue pain, swelling, and limited range of motion. Coverage isn’t automatic, and your VA healthcare team must determine that massage therapy is clinically appropriate for your healthcare plan.

How Do I Get Massage Therapy Covered Through the VA?

The first step is pretty simple: talk to your VA healthcare provider. Ask whether massage therapy may be an appropriate option to explore for your condition or symptoms. Depending on your VA facility and individual situation, your provider can help you determine the next steps and whether a referral or consult is right for you. 

If you’re in the San Antonio area, this conversation can begin with your healthcare team through the South Texas Veterans Health Care System. 

What if the VA Doesn’t Provide Massage at My Facility?

You may not necessarily receive your massage at a VA hospital or clinic. 

The VA can provide Complementary and Integrative Health services through VA facilities as well as through community care. When eligible and authorized properly, this can allow veterans to receive care from approved providers in their community. 

The important part is to make sure you receive authorization before beginning treatment. Don’t schedule massage therapy with a provider and assume the VA will reimburse you for the appointment afterwards. 

Your VA care team can help you understand your authorization, where you’re approved to receive treatment, and the number or frequency of visits included in your individual care plan. 

Can I Choose My Massage Therapist?

If you’ve been authorized to receive massage therapy through community care, you’ll need to find a provider who is within the correct network and can accept your VA authorization. 

I am a proud approved provider with WholeHealth Living® which allows me to work with eligible veterans who have received authorization for massage therapy. If you are interested in receiving your care with me, talk to your VA healthcare provider about massage therapy and the referral process. 

Massage Therapy Is About More Than Relaxation

One of the reasons I’m passionate about helping veterans understand this benefit is because massage therapy can serve a completely different purpose than the massage you may associate with a spa day. 

Massage can be incorporated into an overall care plan to address pain, improve range of motion, reduce muscle tension, and help you function more comfortably in everyday life. That doesn’t mean massage replaces the care you’re already getting. It can work alongside other treatments and self-care strategies as another tool for supporting your health. 

Ready to Find Out If You Qualify?

Start with your VA healthcare team. Ask your provider if massage therapy could be an appropriate treatment in your healthcare plan, and whether you may be eligible to receive it through VA Whole Health or community care.

Once you have been approved, you can look to see what participating providers are available near you. 

Already have an authorization and looking for a massage therapist in San Antonio? Contact me to learn more about scheduling your first appointment. My practice is also conveniently located inside the Endeavors Health and Wellness Center, where veterans can access additional resources and supportive services all in one place.