At The INVICTA Project, we are dedicated to helping Veterans and first responders recover from the life-changing symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Chronic pain—especially neck pain—is one of the most common and disruptive symptoms our community faces. For many, it affects sleep, mood, and the ability to fully participate in daily life.
That’s why new research is so important. A recent study from the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center and Indiana University, published in Pain Medicine (August 2025), shows that therapist-delivered massage can provide meaningful, lasting relief from chronic neck pain.
In this randomized controlled trial, 290 Veterans received either usual care or professional massages twice weekly for three months. The results were clear:
- Veterans who received massage therapy reported significant improvements in neck function and pain relief.
- These improvements were sustained up to six months after treatment.
- A higher percentage of Veterans in the massage group achieved clinically meaningful relief, such as a 30% reduction in pain severity.
The findings are important because they reinforce what we see at the Parker Performance Institute, where The INVICTA Project funds cutting-edge treatment for Veterans and first responders. Parker Performance Institute takes an integrated approach to brain and body health, combining advanced neurological rehabilitation with supportive therapies like massage to help manage pain, restore function, and improve quality of life.
While massage alone is not a cure, it is one of several non-pharmacological strategies that can play a role in long-term recovery for those living with TBI and chronic pain.
At The INVICTA Project, we are proud to support treatments that not only ease pain but also empower our heroes to rebuild their lives.
Source: Hsieh Y-Y, Clark ME, Rattray NA, et al. Therapist-Delivered Massage for Veterans with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Control Trial. Pain Medicine. Published online August 28, 2025. doi: 10.1093/pm/pnaf118