The Benefits of Massage Therapy After an Accident
An accident can turn an ordinary day upside down in a few seconds. Whether it was a fender bender on I-5, a fall at work or a crash on your bike, the days and weeks afterward often bring sore muscles, stiffness and a body that just doesn’t feel like your own. On top of that, there are phone calls, appointments and paperwork. It’s a lot. Massage is one way some people choose to support their body as they recover.
First things first: see your doctor
Before anything else, please get checked out by a doctor after an accident, even if you feel mostly fine. Some injuries take a day or two to show up, and some, like a possible head injury, fracture or nerve problem, need medical care before any hands-on work. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health puts it simply: don’t use massage to put off seeing a health care provider about a medical problem. You can read that advice on the NCCIH page Massage Therapy: What You Need To Know.
Once your doctor has cleared you, massage can be a gentle addition to the care they recommend. Let us know what they’ve told you so we can plan around it.
How massage may help after an accident
Neck and shoulder tension
A sudden jolt can leave the neck and shoulders tight and sore. The same NCCIH page notes that research suggests massage may be helpful for neck or shoulder pain, though the benefits may only last for a short time. That’s one reason some people choose a few sessions spaced out over their recovery rather than a single visit.
Back stiffness and guarding
After a crash or fall, it’s common for muscles to tighten up to protect a sore area. That guarding is your body trying to help, but it can leave you stiff and uncomfortable long after the moment has passed. Careful, comfortable massage may help those muscles relax so moving feels a little easier.
Moving more comfortably
When you’re sore, you tend to move less, and moving less can make you feel stiffer. Massage may support the stretches or exercises your doctor or physical therapist gives you by helping tight areas feel looser. It’s meant to work alongside that care, not replace it.
A calmer space to recover
Accidents are stressful, and that stress doesn’t always go away when the bruises fade. A quiet hour where someone is focused on helping you feel more comfortable can be a welcome break. Many people find massage helps them relax and feel more at ease.
What to expect at the clinic
Your first visit starts with a conversation about what happened, where you’re feeling it and what your doctor has recommended. We’ll go at your pace. We’ll stay away from any area that’s too tender. You’re always in charge of the pressure, and you can ask to stop or change anything at any time. You can read more on our page about what to expect on your first visit, and see the injury and recovery work we offer on our massage modalities page.
Some mild soreness after a session can happen, and it usually fades within a day or so. If you notice anything sharp, new or getting worse, contact your doctor and let us know at your next visit.
Using your accident or work injury claim
We accept motor vehicle accident (MVA) claims and L&I claims. To get started, we need your claim number and your claim adjuster’s phone number. You can email them to officeassistant@themuscletechnician.com, fax them to 360-252-7895, or bring a copy to your appointment. What applies depends on your policy and your claim, so we can’t promise what will be approved, but we’re happy to help you get your paperwork to us.
Taking recovery one step at a time
I’ve helped over 2,000 people in our community, and recovery rarely moves in a straight line. Some days feel better than others, and that’s normal. Be patient with yourself, follow your doctor’s guidance, and give your body the time and care it needs.
When you’re ready, call (360) 350-0127 or book online. We accept MVA and L&I claims. Visit our insurance and coverage page to see what to send before your first visit.
By Joel Rouse, LMT