Treating Whiplash with Massage
One reason I write so much about treating whiplash with massage is because I’ve been on both sides of the table. I know how much neck pain can impact your life, it can be really hard to heal. That’s why I’m here to go over the best ways to make sure your neck gets back to feeling good after being in a car accident.
Some common symptoms of whiplash are neck pain or soreness, headache, dizziness, ringing in the ears, or blurred vision. Although these symptoms are alarming, you can heal from an MVA.
5 Ways to Heal Whiplash
1. Seek treatment right away! Don’t wait to go to an whiplash expert. Whether it’s a physical therapist, chiropractor, accupuncturist, or massage therapist, go see someone immediately after your accident.
The longer you wait to treat your neck pain, the greater the potential for injury to set in and mess your body mechanics up. And yes, you body has memory! It’s kind of crazy to think about your body having a mind of it’s own, but it remembers things and adjusts how it works to compensate. If your body adjusts to an unhealthy alignment to feel stable, you need to address the issue right away.
2. See a specialist. Whiplash is common but can also be very complicated. It’s first important to get evaluated by a physician to make sure nothing is seriously injured and that you’re ready to get soft tissue treatment.
After your doctor says you’re clear to treat whiplash with massage therapy, find a good therapist. It’s important to go to massage therapist who understands what your going though and how to treat neck injury. Just ask.
3. Get some peace and quiet. Your neck will heal better with rest and relaxation. Take it easy and don’t do anything to stress the injury.
4. Sleep in a supportive position. I like to use and recommend a contoured memory foam pillow. It mimics the natural curve of the neck and will help you sleep better.
5. Ask your physician about anti-inflammatories to help with pain and healing if you need.
Your neck is so important to your body’s health and functioning. So the key here is don’t wait, seek a professional, sleep supported, and take it easy.
Alice Palmeri, LMT works to help clients suffering from whiplash in Portland, Oregon.
