Reviewed 2026-09-21 · DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Cortisol and massage: what the evidence actually says
If you need emergency care, skip the table. Go to the ER.
What Massage Therapy actually includes
Integrative means coordinated, not unregulated.
Stress massage does not treat bipolar disorder.
Protocol elements we do not skip
Referral path to evaluation.
Trauma: extra consent, option to keep clothing.
Bruising meds: lighter work.
Do not massage over unexplained calf swelling.
Indications and differentials
Optional, never required for psych care.
Not indicated as trauma EMDR.
Adjunct for patients already in psychiatric care.
Stress-related myalgia.
Fort Lauderdale FAQs for Massage Therapy
Contraindications?
Clots, fever, some skin/cardiac conditions — we screen.
Do therapists diagnose ADHD?
No.
Does massage treat depression?
No. It may ease tension. Depression still needs medical/psychological care.
Crisis?
988 or ER, not the table.
Trauma?
Only with consent and not as a substitute for trauma therapy.
Men welcome?
Yes.
Do you serve downtown Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Our Hollywood office is about 20 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, and we offer telehealth appointments for busy downtown professionals.
Can you help with work-related anxiety and burnout?
Absolutely. We see many Fort Lauderdale professionals dealing with workplace stress, burnout, and performance anxiety. Our evaluations identify root causes and create targeted treatment plans.
Visit flow for Massage Therapy
If you are a psych patient, we confirm massage is adjunctive.
Refer to Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC if the real need is a psychiatric evaluation.
Adjust pressure for meds that affect bruising.
Reschedule if febrile or acutely ill.
Parking, hours, and video visits
Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) has about 183,000 residents. The nearest Peace & Heart Wellness exam room is the Hollywood office, about 20 minutes from Las Olas, Port Everglades, and the downtown medical district.
Commute noise on I-95 and the Turnpike changes whether an in-office Massage Therapy visit is realistic this week. Telehealth is used when the clinical exam does not require the office.
If you are a psych patient, we confirm massage is adjunctive.
Aftercare: hydration, dizziness precautions.
Schedule with Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Start with one thorough Massage Therapy evaluation rather than a series of 15-minute check-ins. Book at (888) 307-2199 or online.
If you already have records from another psychiatrist, NP, or therapist, send them before Massage Therapy so the interview can start from data instead of from a blank page.
Related care
Clinician: Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Last medical review: 2026-09-21.
Florida telehealth psychiatry is available to established and new patients located in Florida at the time of the visit, subject to licensure and clinical appropriateness. An in-person evaluation at the Hollywood office may be recommended when a physical exam, vital signs, or a more complete diagnostic interview is needed.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always seek care from a qualified clinician for questions about a medical or psychiatric condition. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department.