The goal of this hybrid implementation-effectiveness study is to learn about the effectiveness and appropriateness of "Trauma-Informed and Culturally-Responsive Integrated Massage Therapy" (TCI-Massage) for torture and war trauma survivors.
The study aims are: • Examine the uptake of TCI-Massage within CVT by assessing key implementation science outcomes of acceptability and appropriateness among refugees and asylum seekers from diverse cultural backgrounds. • Examine the integration of massage therapy into the current psychosocial care model used at CVT. • Examine the effectiveness of TCI-Massage for torture and war trauma survivors to reduce distress (mental health symptoms, chronic pain, and HRV) and improve coping (interoceptive awareness and social functioning).
Treatment group participants will participate in psychosocial care services + TCI-Massage, which the control group will only participate in psychosocial care services
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 70 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* Refugee or asylum seeker who has experienced torture or war related trauma
* Receiving care at one of the CVT clinics offering the study
* Moderate to high levels of pain as assessed through the Graded Chronic Pain Scale (Grade I or higher)
* Age between 18 and 70 years
Exclusion Criteria:
* Currently receiving massage therapy services
* Presence of high risk medical condition(s) requiring referral to more intensive services or hospitalization such as inpatient psychiatric care
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Chronic Pain
Timeframe: 0, 3, and 6 months
Trial details
NCT IDNCT07482358
SponsorThe Center for Victims of Torture, United States