03/26/2026
ATTENTION VETERANS: Are you living with a chronic musculoskeletal condition and currently or have received clinical massage therapy in the past 2 years? We want to hear your experiences!
I am conducting this research as part of the requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy in Exercise and Sports Science degree at Liberty University. The study aims to better understand how U.S. veterans experience clinical massage therapy for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs healthcare system. To participate, you must be a U.S. veteran aged 30 to 45 who receives care at a veteran’s clinic in the Atlanta Metropolitan area, have a service-connected chronic musculoskeletal condition. You must have received clinical massage therapy within the past two years and be able to participate in English.
(Individuals who have any medical, cognitive, or psychiatric condition that significantly impairs their ability to understand informed consent, engage in an interview, or reliably recall experiences, as determined by VA clinical staff will not be eligible to participate. Individuals who have any medical, cognitive, or psychiatric condition that significantly impairs their ability to understand informed consent, engage in an interview, or reliably recall experiences, as determined by VA clinical staff will not be eligible to participate. If you have pain unrelated to a musculoskeletal condition, are currently experiencing an acute medical or psychiatric crisis that would make participation in an interview inappropriate or potentially harmful, or are currently participating in another research study that could interfere with or influence your responses regarding musculoskeletal pain experiences, you are not eligible to participate in this study.
Participants will be asked to complete a brief demographic/background survey (5-10 minutes), take part in an audio-recorded interview lasting about 45–60 minutes (in-person, online, or via phone), and review the transcript for their interview for accuracy (15-20 minutes). Some participants may be asked to participate in a brief follow-up interview (10-15 minutes) if needed for clarity.
If you meet the criteria listed above and are interested in participating, please direct message or contact me at [email protected] for more information or to schedule an interview. Written informed consent will be obtained prior to participation.