Even if you are not wounded in a car accident, it can be extremely distressing. You have paperwork, repairs, and insurance claims to deal with, and all of that worry might overshadow a little neck soreness or a minor headache. Receiving massage treatment after a car accident may make a big difference in how you feel a week, month, or even a year afterward.
Your insurance company may cover massage therapy.
Personal injury protection may be included in your insurance policy (PIP). This coverage implies that your insurance will pay for a certain amount of medical services to treat your injuries after an accident. Massage therapy may be covered if you haven't used all of your coverage for other services.
Of course, insurance coverage and policies vary dramatically from state to state. If you are in a collision with another motorist and that driver is at fault, their insurance may pay for your massage treatment or other services. If you’re in a no-fault state, then your insurance will likely be the one to cover any massage therapy treatment (and they may seek to be reimbursed by the at-fault party, but we’ll leave that for them to figure out). Contacting your insurance company is the best method to determine if massage therapy is covered. Its staff will be able to inform you if the cost is covered and if any other conditions, such as a physician's prescription, apply.
Emotional stability through massage
Some people have a tough time dealing with a car accident, even if they haven’t suffered any major injuries. The thought of going to a car accident repair shop, dealing with insurance adjusters, being carless for a period of time, or, in extreme cases, going to court to give testimony can be very stressful.
After an accident, the expense, the paperwork, and the insurance companies can create a great deal of stress and anxiety. Massage therapy is a great way to reduce stress and may aid in balancing one’s emotions.
One of the most significant benefits of massage therapy is that it can take the focus away from your physical injuries and onto the physical sensations of touch. Instead of thinking about the stress and pain you're feeling, you get to focus on how your session and the quality of your therapist’s work.
Physical touch releases feel-good hormones.
Touch stimulates the release of oxytocin, a hormone of love and bonding, and endorphins, which are called the 'feel good' hormones.
In many ways, stress is one of the most common aftereffects of a car accident. It's no wonder It's difficult to relax - since you're likely dealing with lots of paperwork, doctor's visits, and physical pain from an injury. Massage therapy offers a chance to get the relaxing, caring touch you need to de-stress.
If you've hurt your back in an accident, then massage after a car accident may help with some of the pain and inflammation you may be experiencing. A massage therapist will use a variety of gentle strokes, modalities, and techniques to relax your muscles and help alleviate that tension.
Massage therapy may help in the treatment of concussions.
Massage therapy may be beneficial if you get a concussion in a motor vehicle accident, either immediately or in the days and weeks that follow. Massage techniques that are meant to enhance your parasympathetic nervous system are especially beneficial for people who have had a concussion or are suffering issues as a result of a concussion.
Massage treatment helps with muscle aches or pains in general
If you're in pain after an auto accident and you're not sure what to do, massage therapy can be a great starting point! Keep in mind though, that some therapists and clinics may require you to be cleared by your doctor first, before receiving any deep tissue or injury treatment massage. While it doesn't take the place of other medical treatments, it sure can help you relax, alleviate some of that stress and pain you may be going through, and even help you recover from your post-MVC injuries. Massage therapy probably isn’t going to be your sole treatment plan if you’ve been injured in a car accident, but it does pair amazingly well with chiropractic treatment.
Massage therapy is one step you can take towards a full recovery. It can help increase blood and oxygen flow throughout the body and provides a therapeutic relaxation that few other treatments can offer.
Conclusion
A massage is a great way to relieve the tension you've built up after a crash. It's also a great way to get some relaxation and put your mind at ease as you deal with injuries, stress, and other aftereffects of the accident.
Are you looking for a car accident chiropractor? Accident and Injury Care Chiropractic and Massage auto accident treatment specialists in Seattle and Portland can utilize chiropractic and massage care. Get in touch with us today!