FOY Wellness and Recovery offers Bodywork as a complementary holistic practice within our PHP and IOP programming.
What Is Bodywork?
Bodywork refers to a range of therapeutic touch and body-based practices, such as massage therapy, aimed at reducing physical tension and supporting relaxation. Chronic stress, trauma, and early substance use recovery often carry a significant physical component, including muscle tension, disrupted sleep, and general nervous system dysregulation, and bodywork is used as a complementary way to address that physical dimension of recovery.
Why the Body Matters in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment
Chronic stress and trauma are stored physically as well as psychologically; prolonged muscle tension, shallow breathing patterns, and disrupted sleep are common physical correlates of anxiety, depression, and early recovery. Addressing this physical dimension alongside talk-based therapy is a recognized complementary approach in modern trauma-informed and integrative treatment settings.
How Bodywork Works at FOY
Sessions are conducted by a trained bodywork practitioner in a private, comfortable setting. Clients determine their own comfort level regarding touch, and sessions can be adjusted or discontinued at any time. Consent is discussed clearly before each session.
Benefits of Bodywork in Treatment
- Reduces physical tension associated with chronic stress and anxiety
- Supports improved sleep quality for many clients
- Offers a structured, non-verbal complement to talk-based clinical therapy
- Supports overall physical wellbeing during an intensive treatment schedule
Who Benefits From Bodywork
Bodywork is commonly offered to clients managing chronic stress, physical tension related to trauma, and the general physical toll of early recovery from substance use. Clients with specific medical conditions should discuss appropriateness with their clinical team before participating.
Bodywork vs. Somatic Integration
Bodywork is primarily a hands-on, practitioner-led relaxation practice; Somatic Integration is a broader, client-led body awareness approach often integrated directly with trauma therapy. The two are complementary, and clients may participate in both.
FAQs
Is bodywork required as part of treatment?
No. Bodywork is an optional complementary offering, and clients may choose whether or not to participate based on personal comfort.
Does bodywork replace physical therapy or medical care?
No. Bodywork is a complementary relaxation and stress-reduction practice, not a substitute for medical or physical therapy treatment.
Is bodywork appropriate for clients with trauma histories involving touch?
Clients with touch-related trauma should discuss this directly with their clinical team; participation is always optional, and practitioners work within whatever level of consent and comfort a client establishes.
Is bodywork covered by insurance?
Bodywork is included as part of FOY’s broader PHP and IOP holistic programming rather than billed as a separate service. Contact our admissions team about your specific plan.
What should I wear to a bodywork session?
Comfortable clothing is generally appropriate; specific guidance is provided by the practitioner ahead of your session.
Is bodywork safe during early substance use withdrawal?
Clients in acute withdrawal may have modified recommendations from the clinical team, and bodywork participation is adjusted based on individual medical guidance.
Will bodywork sessions be private?
Yes. Sessions are conducted in a private, comfortable setting designed to support client comfort and confidentiality.
Take the First Step
Call FOY Wellness and Recovery at (805) 659-8429 or visit foywellnessandrecovery.com/contact for a free confidential assessment. We are in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and accept most other major PPO plans, including Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, on an out-of-network basis.