How To Treat Whiplash With Massage Therapy, Massage Therapists Explain

Have you recently turned your head quickly or unfortunately been in a car accident? You are probably in a lot of discomfort and dealing with whiplash.

So, how do you get rid of whiplash injury? Well, you tried icing your neck and back, but there is no major change.

The pain relief solution to this struggle is regular massage therapy. In this article, we will tell you about all of the techniques you can implement to get rid of whiplash today.

Onwards! 

Whiplash Massage Techniques

Woman in pink shirt getting neck pain relief from massage therapy at therapist office.

Whiplash related to an auto accident or other event can be treated with various massage therapy techniques. Here are five massage techniques to help treat whiplash.

Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

During this type of massage, the masseuse’s fingers go deep into your muscle, they’re actually creating tiny tears in the tissue. 

The body responds to this damage by flooding the area with healing cells and growth factors, which speeds up the healing process and results in less pain and stiffness over time.

Myofascial Release

A myofascial release massage can help to loosen things up and provide relief from pain and stiffness. It works by breaking up the fascia, which is a type of connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles. 

When the fascia gets tight, it can cause pain and tension in the muscles. It’s a bit like when you get a kink in your neck and you can’t turn your head to one side. The kink is caused by a tight muscle pulling on the fascia. 

Static Compression

A static compression massage is basically a form of massage where the therapist uses a manual palpation technique to compress specific areas of muscle tissue. 

This type of massage is often used to release knots or trigger points in the muscles. It is also believed to increase blood flow and circulation, as well as break up scar tissue. 

Some people say that static compression massages feel similar to deep tissue massages, but with less pressure.

Swedish Massage

Swedish massage is designed to help relieve pain and tension in the back and neck by using a variety of techniques. 

First, the therapist will use long, gentle strokes to warm up the tissues and prepare them for further work. Next, kneading or pressing movements may be used to release muscle knots or loosen tight muscle areas.

Cross Fiber Friction

Cross fiber friction massage essentially involves traversing the fibers of the muscle tissue in order to promote the release of tensions and knots. 

This is achieved by using short, consistent strokes that work to break up adhesions that have developed within the tissues. Doing so can help to reduce pain and improve mobility in patients.

Pin And Stretch

Pin and stretch massages are commonly used to treat whiplash injuries. The therapist will use a series of pins to hold the muscle in a stretched position, and then will use their hands to massage the muscle. 

This method is said to be more effective than traditional massage techniques because it allows the therapist to target specific muscles.

Whiplash: What Is It?

Whiplash is a relatively common condition that occurs when the muscles and tendons in the neck are suddenly stretched beyond their normal range of motion. 

This can happen due to a sudden impact, such as a car accident, or even from something as minor as sneezing. 

The resulting inflammation and swelling can cause considerable pain and stiffness, particularly when moving the head or neck. 

Whiplash is considered a soft tissue injury, and while it can often resolve on its own with time and rest, severe cases may require physical therapy or even surgery.

What Does Whiplash Feel Like?

Symptoms of whiplash include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue.

Whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully jerked forwards or backwards. This can happen in a car accident, for example, when the vehicle comes to a sudden stop. 

Whiplash can also occur during contact sports, such as football or hockey.

Whiplash Massage Therapy: Is It Ok?

African American man in yellow shift in car with neck pain from whiplash.

Yes, massage therapy can help to release tension and speed up the healing process for whiplash. 

Massage therapy has been shown to improve circulation, which helps to reduce inflammation and promote healing. It can also help to relieve muscle tension and pain.

How Does A Massage Help After A Car Accident?

There are a few different ways that a massage can help after a car accident. First, it can help to relax the muscles and release tension. This can often be helpful in reducing pain and speeding up the healing process. 

Additionally, massage can help to improve circulation and reduce inflammation. This can also be beneficial in accelerating healing and reducing pain levels. 

Finally, massage can help to reduce stress and promote relaxation. This can often be helpful in dealing with the emotional aftermath of an accident. 

Overall, massage can be a helpful tool in the recovery process after a car accident.

Conclusion

Getting in a car accident, having a sports injury, or just sneezing can cause whiplash. This is a condition where your neck muscles are strained, you have muscle spasms, and it is difficult for you to move your neck.

One potential solution to chronic pain is regular massage therapy. Here is a recap of the top massage techniques for whiplash.

  • Deep Tissue Massage
  • Myofascial Release
  • Static Compression
  • Swedish Massage
  • Cross Fiber Friction
  • Pin And Stretch

In addition to treating whiplash, massage therapy can also treat sciatica and scoliosis. If you are struggling with whiplash then go see a massage therapist for help.

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Director of Wellness

Yoshi

Fact Checked by our Director of Wellness Hi! My name is Yoshi! We understand that investing in massage devices is a big deal. So my team and I devote our time to thoroughly researching every single topic and product we write about. We hope you find our reviews helpful and informative.


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