Many doctors and chiropractors that specialize in whiplash treatment are referring their patients for massage therapy as a way to treat their injury.
Whiplash, otherwise known as Cervical Acceleration/Deceleration syndrome, is most commonly characterized by posterior neck pain and headaches that are generated by the neck.
Shoulder pain, numbness, and jaw clenching are also common with this type of injury.
Fortunately, massage and other Atlanta whiplash treatment options are available to help patients recover as quickly as possible.
Treating Whiplash with Massage
When undergoing massage for whiplash treatment, it is important to consult with an experienced and qualified therapist.
These professionals can help patients by addressing muscles that are responsible for deviation of the posture.
Not only can they help to alleviate pain and prevent long-term dysfunction, but they can also help to raise awareness in patients so that they can make appropriate changes to their posture.
When treating whiplash, it is important that massage therapists understand the function of the body’s anterior muscles, specifically those in the torso and neck.
They should also be well-versed in how they can be the source of the upper back and neck pain.
An effective massage therapist will be able to treat the symptoms of whiplash by restoring joint flexibility and balancing muscle tone, and the ultimate goal of this process is to have the patient moving normally and in a pain- manner.
Most patients that suffer from whiplash will improve in as little as a month, but for others, symptoms may last longer.
Most therapists believe that the earlier massage therapy is administered, the faster a person will heal.
The three specific approaches that have seen success in the treatment of whiplash among patients include the following:
• Myofascial Release: This technique s restricted fascia and neck muscles in order to restore fluidity.
• Deep Tissue Massage: The deep tissue technique can liberate scar tissue, deep fascia, and adhesions, but it is important to only stay within the pain tolerance level of the client.
• Static Compression: This technique prevents long-term muscular dysfunctions that could last for months after the initial accident or trauma.