According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Association (NHTSA), there are over 7 million car accidents each year in the United States. While some may just be fender benders, many lead to serious injuries or even prove fatal. If you’re injured in a car accident, it’s important to know what treatment options you have available.
After a car crash, many patients may wonder: can massage therapy help treat car accident injuries? The answer is yes. Different types of massage therapy can prove to be beneficial for various common car accident injuries and can help speed up and improve the patient’s recovery.
Whether your massage therapy utilizes Swedish massage, deep muscle therapy massage, or trigger point massage, this type of therapy can play an important role in a safe, holistic, and effective approach to care. In this blog, Denver Integrated Spine Center (DISC) is taking a closer look at how massage therapy can help those recovering from car accident injuries.
What Types of Massages Should I Get After a Car Accident?
For those new to professional massage therapy, you may be surprised that there are many different types of massages. Depending on your specific needs or recovery goals, your masseuse may utilize various techniques. For example, if you’re experiencing whiplash or headaches after a neck injury, certain massages may prove more effective than others.
If you’re recovering from a car accident injury, the massage therapist will likely focus on the muscles and fascia, which is a thin connective tissue that works to keep your muscles in place. This approach can help to provide pain relief and reduce muscle spasms.
Some of the most common types of massages for car accident patients include:
- Swedish massage: a gentle type of full-body massage, a Swedish massage uses long, kneading strokes to target the uppermost layer of muscles to provide healing, pain relief, and encourage relaxation.
- Deep muscle massage: this approach is a bit more intense and uses more pressure to relieve muscle pain and discomfort. Commonly used for strains and sports-related injuries, a deep muscle massage can also aid those recovering from common car accident injuries. These massages use slow, deep strokes to target the inner layer of muscles and connective tissue.
- Trigger point massage: as the name suggests, this type of massage targets trigger points throughout the body, which are sore and often painful points in the muscles. Trigger point massage works to undo these knots and reduce pain and tension.
- Cranial sacral therapy massage: a gentle form of massage, this option focuses on the neck and the head. With a light touch, this type of massage works to examine the central nervous system (CNS) and relieve tension. Cranial sacral therapy can reduce pain, promote relaxation, and boost your immunity.
7 Benefits of Massage Therapy After an Auto Accident
Massage therapy offers a range of benefits for those recovering from car accident injuries. Some of the top benefits of massage therapy include:
- Reduces pain
- Improves range of motion
- Improves blood flow and circulation (essential when your body is healing)
- Decreases muscle spasms
- Lowers heart rate and blood pressure
- Improves immunity
- Promotes relaxation and peace of mind
But there are countless other benefits to massage therapy. Many patients also prefer massage therapy to other types of care because it’s safe and non-invasive. In some cases, receiving regular massage therapy can help you avoid more invasive treatment options, such as surgery or prescription pain medication.
How Soon Should I Receive a Professional Massage After My Accident?
As a general rule of thumb, the sooner you seek out treatment for your auto accident injuries, the better. But the timeline for treatment and recovery will also be based on your specific injuries and needs. Your primary care physician should be able to provide clarity as to when you should receive treatment.
However, generally it’s recommended to wait a few days after the accident to receive massage therapy. This provides ample time for your doctor or chiropractor to assess the full extent of your injuries and determine the best course of action for your treatment. Just how no two car accidents are the exact same, each patient has a unique path toward recovery.
Will Massage Therapy be Covered by My Insurance?
This is a common concern for incoming patients. While general chiropractic care is covered in most insurance plans, it may not always be the same for massage therapy. Massage therapy is classified under Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM). CAM treatments may or may not be covered in your insurance plans.
For example, Medicare does not cover most CAM treatments like massage therapy. But even if your plan does cover massage therapy, there may be limitations in place, such as how often you can receive these treatments and where.
There is no standard for insurance plans covering massage therapy, which means it usually comes down to a case-by-case basis. Generally, massage therapy will be covered if it is considered medically necessary by your doctor.
Also, it may be covered if the massage falls under the category of “habilitative or habilitation” treatment that is necessary for your full recovery. Receiving a referral from your doctor or chiropractor can help in showing that massage therapy will play a key role in helping you recover from your car accident injury.
If you’re unsure about how massage therapy fits into your insurance plan and whether or not you’ll be covered, our staff at Denver Integrated Spine Center will be more than happy to help you review your coverage. Even if massage therapy isn’t covered by your current plan, we can work to identify options to ensure you receive the treatment you need.
Conclusion – Can Massage Therapy Help Treat Car Accident Injuries?
If you’re involved in a car accident, it’s important to seek out treatment as soon as possible. Depending on the severity of your injuries, massage therapy may be able to help in your recovery. As a safe, holistic, and effective approach to care, massage therapy is becoming an increasingly popular treatment option. In many cases, a doctor may recommend massage therapy in tandem with other treatment options, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. With this comprehensive approach to treatment, patients often experience a faster and longer-lasting recovery.
If you’re looking for a full-service treatment center, we can help. At Denver Integrated Spine Center (DISC), our healthcare staff offers a range of treatment options to help you get back to the life you love. In addition to professional massage therapy, we also offer chiropractic care, physical therapy, and rehabilitation and recovery.
We also specialize in treating common car accident injuries, including whiplash, muscle pain, joint injuries, and more. Our evidence-based therapy techniques, including chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, massage therapy, and more, can improve your recovery and boost your overall wellness.
Contact us today or give us a call at (303) 758-9000 to schedule your initial consultation with our friendly and knowledgeable team. Our Colorado chiropractic office specializes in personalized treatment plans designed around your needs to help you recover from an injury, relieve pain, and get you back faster to the life and activities you love.