Massage Therapy After Car Accidents
From the smallest fender bender to a serious wreck, automobile accidents can result in trauma to the body. Millions of people live with muscle pain after car accidents, even if they walked away seemingly uninjured. The trauma sustained can stay with the muscles long term if not treated.
On top of the physical trauma, emotional stress of the moment and dealing with insurance, car repairs, and the disruption that follows can be difficult. Massage therapy can be of great help in the healing process after a car accident.
When an accident occurs, muscles tense to brace for the impact or as an immediate result of impact. This sudden contraction invites an inflammatory response from the muscles, which may result in pain, stiffness, and soreness. Massage is a great tool to begin restoring normal function to your muscles.
How does massage help?
Massage increases circulation in and around soft tissue. This promotes faster healing, as well as an increased range of motion. It takes the muscle from a state of tightness to release and relaxation. Overall, clients who receive massage therapy tend to have less pain and a quicker recovery.
Depending on the severity of the injury, massage might be one piece of a broader treatment plan. Chiropractic care, physical therapy, and massage therapy can all work together to provide optimal treatment for patients. Rather than thinking you should choose between the three, consider working with all three professionals to develop an overall strategy to restore your health and function.
Massage also benefits clients’ mental health after a car accident. The trauma and stress of the accident, as well as the hassles of dealing with insurance, paperwork, and car repairs, can lead to mental health struggles. Massage can help lower cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, and encourage relaxation.
How soon after an accident should I get a massage?
In general, the sooner massage therapy starts, the better the results. Of course, proper medical care should be sought first if needed. After the immediate crisis is handled, consider scheduling a massage. The sooner a therapist begins work, the sooner you’ll see benefits. By increasing circulation and relaxing the muscles before they fully tighten, a massage can keep your pain from progressing.
If you’ve recently been in an accident, reach out to our therapists at Resonance to see how we can help ease the tension in your muscles following a car accident.
