Efficacy of the Wilbarger Therapressure Program™ to Modulate Arousal in Women with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Pilot Study Using Salivary Cortisol and Behavioral Measures

ABSTRACT

This pilot study assesses the efficacy of using the Wilbarger Therapressure Program™ to modulate the arousal and influence the sensory symptoms seen in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder. Salivary cortisol and behavioral measures were used in this single subject design study of four women with post-traumatic stress disorder. Significant positive changes were seen in three of the four the women. The exception was one woman whose post-traumatic stress disorder resulted from blast injuries.

KEYWORDS:

• Ability to concentrate
• hypervigilance
• sensory defensiveness
• sensory modulation
• stress

Acknowledgments

Early work on planning of this project was contributed to by the following who at the time were University of New England MSOT students: Molly Stanton, Malorie St. Pierre, Sarah Cooke, Amanda Bartos, Sara Pelkey, Casey Nightingale, and Cori Goodwin.