We are delighted to celebrate WCCMT graduate and faculty member Alison Fraser, whose case study, “Therapeutic Massage and Homecare to Reduce Dissociation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Case Report,” developed during her time as a student in the RMT program at our Victoria campus, was published in the September 2025 issue of the International Journal of Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.
Read the published article: https://ijtmb.org/index.php/ijtmb/issue/view/99
This accomplishment reflects the strong critical thinking, clinical reasoning, and research skills cultivated in WCCMT’s RMT program, and demonstrates the meaningful contributions our students can make to the advancement of massage therapy.
Key Insights from the Case Study
Alison’s case study examines how therapeutic massage, combined with targeted homecare techniques, may help reduce persistent dissociation in a client living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Over a 12-week period, the participant’s dissociative symptoms decreased by more than 50%, while real-time awareness of bodily sensations improved by nearly 80%, suggesting massage therapy may be a promising, low-risk adjunct to PTSD care and a valuable avenue for further clinical exploration.
Recognized for Excellence in Research
In recognition of the impact of her work, Alison was selected by the Registered Massage Therapists’ Association of Ontario as this year’s recipient of the Research Award, a significant honour highlighting the relevance and influence of her research within the RMT community. She accepted the award in February 2026 in Toronto.
Learn more about Alison’s work: www.alisonfraser.ca
Discover her textbook – Touch After Trauma
Learn more and purchase here: https://www.alisonfraser.ca/about-the-book.html
A Reflection of WCCMT’s Educational Commitment
This achievement reflects WCCMT’s ongoing commitment to evidence-informed education and celebrates the meaningful role our graduates play in shaping the future of massage therapy practice and research.
