Car accidents can cause both physical and psychological trauma. Depending on the severity of the injury, someone may need prompt medical attention followed by weeks or months of recuperation. Stress from car accidents can linger for quite some time, too. The American Psychological Association reported “that motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the general population and car accidents are the number one trauma for men and the second most frequent trauma for women.”[1]
With statistics like that no doubt you have or at some time will be asked by a client for auto accident massage therapy. Or a client may inquire about your massage therapy for car accident protocols on behalf of a friend or family member. Even a minor fender-bender can cause big issues like headaches, neck pain or insomnia, which massage therapy can treat.
Car accident massage helps healing
Clients will appreciate knowing that the power of touch can be an important part of recovery following a car accident. Auto accident massage therapy can play a critical role in reducing inflammation, pain, and muscle tension. It can reduce the formation of scar tissues and support proper range of motion. Car accident massage also supports physical therapy treatments that may be required to help restore a victim’s overall well-being.
Among specific auto accident massage therapy techniques to address such injuries as whiplash, muscle strain and soft tissue damage are: deep tissue, myo-fascial release, cranio-sacral, stretching, and joint mobilization.
Recent evidence suggests that autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction may be one of many potential factors contributing to persisting post-concussion symptoms.[2] Research has found massage therapy had an effect in improving ANS function with increasing parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) and decreasing sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activities in pediatric intensive care units patients.[3]
Explaining the specifics of auto accident massage therapy
Helping clients understand what to expect from car accident massage is important in setting expectations for recovery, which may take some time. By explaining to clients what you will be doing, your goals and the timeframe for the required treatments you build trust during this very stressful time for them.
Pain relief: After a car accident, someone can be experiencing pain even in places where they do not remember sustaining an injury. The pain may come from the force and sudden impact of the accident. Auto accident massage therapy helps alleviate pain. It increases circulation, helps reduce inflammation and improves lymphatic system functionality.
Muscle tension: Stress from a car accident can tense muscles, which compresses the nerves around them. Massage after a car accident relaxes the muscles so that the nerves are no longer compressed and can receive proper oxygen and nutrients and operate more efficiently. The decrease in muscle tensions and spasms leads to pain relief.
Improved range of motion: Car accident injuries can impact the body’s range of motion, which can impede a full recovery resulting in long-term issues. Massage therapy for car accident treatments can help improve range of motion and flexibility by working on muscles, connective tissues, tendons, ligaments, and joints.
Improved circulation: Proper circulation is needed for healing to take place. Auto accident massage therapy increases blood flow to injured areas, bringing oxygen and nutrients to aid in tissue repair. Improved circulation also helps to flush out toxins and waste products more effectively to reduce inflammation and swelling.
Scar tissue management: Injuries from an accident can result in the development of internal scar tissue, which can cause misalignments throughout the body. If scar tissue forms on one side, it can create tension on the bone and cause uneven positioning, leading to pain, tension, or even nerve pressure.[4] Massage, such as myofascial release, helps to ease constriction of the affected tissue to improve flexibility and reduce discomfort.
Enhanced quality of sleep: Getting sufficient quality sleep can be difficult even without being in an auto accident. However, after an accident the emotional stress and pain may make getting through the night more difficult. Massage influences the production of serotonin, which is essential to produce the hormone melatonin. Melatonin regulates the body’s sleep-wake cycle, which is why it often is called the “sleep hormone.
Reduced emotional stress: The shock and trauma of a car accident can stay with someone for quite a while. Massage can help clients relax and regain their emotional stability.
When it comes to recovery from a car accident, massage offers many benefits. Working closely with your clients, you will be able to personalize massage therapy to address their specific issues and help speed the healing process.
[1] “Motor Vehicle Accidents are the Leading Cause of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, According to New Book,” American Psychological Association, July 2003. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2003/12/accidents-ptsd
[2] Pertab JL, Merkley TL, Cramond AJ, Cramond K, Paxton H, Wu T. Concussion and the autonomic nervous system: An introduction to the field and the results of a systematic review. NeuroRehabilitation. 2018;42(4):397-427. doi: 10.3233/NRE-172298. PMID: 29660949; PMCID: PMC6027940. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29660949/
[3] Guan, L. (2012). The effect of massage on autonomic nervous system in patients in pediatric intensive care units (T). University of British Columbia. Retrieved from https://open.library.ubc.ca/soa/cIRcle/collections/ubctheses/24/items/1.0073394
[4] “Why You Need to Know About Scar Tissue After an Accident,” AICA Orthopedics, Accessed July 23, 2024. https://aica.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-scar-tissue-after-an-accident/