Whiplash

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is a soft tissue injury to the neck. It is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck, usually because of sudden extension and flexion (bending).

The disorder commonly occurs as the result of an automobile accident and may include injury to intervertebral joints, discs, ligaments, cervical muscles, and nerve roots. Symptoms such as neck pain may be present directly after the injury or may be delayed for several days.

In addition to neck pain, other symptoms may include:

Additionally, some people experience memory loss, impaired concentration, nervousness/irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue, or depression.

How can Massage Therapy effectively treat whiplash?

Massage therapy helps rid the pain caused by whiplash and increases the amount of oxygen the body gives to the tissues, thus speeding up the recovery process. And by stimulating circulation and increasing the flow of oxygen, massage therapy may rid you of the headaches associated with whiplash.

First, you will need your physician to clear you to undergo therapeutic massage treatment. This is generally allowed a few days following your accident. Our Registered Massage Therapists will begin with a very delicate massage. This is done to ensure that there is no chance of fracture, concussion, or disc problems. Then, over the coming sessions, your therapist will use myofascial approaches, friction-based massage, and trigger point therapy to restore fluidity to the body’s moving parts, break up scar tissue, get rid of muscle knots, stimulate the flow of oxygen, and release tension.

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