17/04/2026
You may have seen on .uk - I’ve published my first open letter. I’m urging policy makers and Social prescribers to recognise Massage Therapy as a treatment for Mental Health conditions.
This letter has the endorsement of Dr Joanne Smith, GP and Helen Farrell BA (Hons) Psychotherapist.
I’ve spent nearly 4 years running my campaign, pushing to help people understand Mental Health conditions from a physical perspective. I’m also wanting to get the recognition we as an industry deserve for the impact our work can have on people struggling with their Mental Health. We can all have such a positive impact, and it’s something I will always push.
Beyond Talk; The Case for Massage Therapy in Mental Health Policy
The letter outlines how symptoms such as chronic muscle tension, sleep disruption, fatigue, nervous system dysregulation and pain are often left untreated within current conventional care models, and it highlights with research showing that massage therapy can:
* Lower cortisol levels (the body’s primary stress hormone)
* Increase serotonin and dopamine linked to mood regulation
* Activate the parasympathetic nervous system
* Improve sleep quality and reduce physical tension
The letter also calls for
- Official recognition of massage therapy within social prescribing
- Funding for pilot programmes integrating therapists into primary care
- Further research into cost-effectiveness
- Inclusion of massage in return-to-work support strategies
I’ve also highlighted an existing complementary therapy pilot in Kensington and Chelsea as an example of how massage can support mental health recovery, improve confidence and reduce reliance on GP services.
You can head to the link in my bio to read!
Please let me know your thoughts!
Have an amazing day
Hayley
