Massage and Auto Accidents

Auto accidents can result in serious and sometimes life threatening injuries. In my previous career as a police officer, I often responded to serious vehicle collisions, but fortunately most accidents are minor and only result in soft tissue injuries to muscles and ligaments. Nonetheless, these injuries can and often do linger for an extended period of time if not properly treated.

One of the observations I shared from both careers was the delayed pain response associated with vehicle collisions. As a police officer I went to numerous accidents where people reported no injuries at the time but several days later experienced significant pain, often in their back or neck. At the time I didn't fully understand why this happened, but now I know it is a predictable response to what's referred to as secondary hypoxia and sometimes because of an adrenaline hit at the scene that suppresses pain.

Massage for Auto Injuries

Most massage therapists with a treatment oriented practice should be well prepared to help deal with the various stages of an injury caused by an auto accident. Acute and sub-acute injuries call for a slightly different approach to treatment. Because most clients involved in accidents are referred to massage therapists fairly soon after the incident, our initial focus is on reducing edema and inflammation.

Immediately following an injury, reducing edema and inflammation is extremely important to prevent secondary hypoxia (lack of oxygen and nutrients at the injury). If the injury is not addressed quickly, this secondary hypoxia causes cells to die, creating additional damage at the injury site.

This is why you need to use rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). Although some massage on surrounding structures may be supportive, usually the goals are to prevent additional damage and reduce discomfort.

During the sub-acute and maturation phase is where most therapists really want to begin actively working on the injury site. Deep tissue massage, trigger point release, cross-fiber friction, and range of motion work are usually used while scar tissue is actively forming. Goals are generally directed at reducing pain and improving range of motion at this time. Most therapists can also support you by providing appropriate stretches and homework to do between treatments, if you're really motivated.

Concluding Thoughts

It is also important to understand that one massage will not make your injury go away. Massage can have profound and immediate results for muscle tension or muscle guarding around an injury site, however an injury still needs time to heal. Often we see the best results when working in conjunction with chiropractic care.

The good news here is that most of us carry personal injury protection coverage on our auto policy, which can be used to pay for your treatment whether you have regular health insurance coverage or not. All we need to begin massage is a prescription from your attending doctor.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call me at (425) 861-7334.