The Body Series - Neck - Whiplash

What is Whiplash, and how does it occur?

Whiplash is the strain of the structures in the neck - muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc. This occurs when the body is “whipped” back and forth with force - usually the result of a car accident. Symptoms often show up as soon as 24 hours but usually up to days after the accident occurs. Some symptoms are listed below, but they are not exhaustive.

  • Headaches

  • Pain between the shoulder blades

  • Stiff neck and neck pain

  • Trouble concentrating

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

Is there any massage modality that could help improve someone with Whiplash?

For whiplash, any massage can be beneficial. As a therapist myself, I tend to go on a spectrum of light to deep, regardless of the type of injury. Cross-fiber friction is beneficial to break up any scar tissue that has been formed, however, I would do this with caution. Another type of massage I would use on this is Myofascial Release work, which some describe as a slight skin-burning sensation in the skin, which is perfectly normal and safe. Others may feel a gentle to deep stretch on the area being treated. This modality helps to “stretch” and “lengthen” the fascia that is bound up in a particular area. The pressure varies from light to deep depending on the area and density. (Always check in with your therapist - it should never be more than you can tolerate being uncomfortable.) The last one I will mention here is the “Pin & Stretch” method. By isolating an area of muscle with your fingers and then gently stretching or doing a range of motion (ROM) you can release an adhesion in the muscle. This is a very non-invasive method my mentor showed me and It works well in many areas.

How often should someone who has Whiplash see a massage therapist?

For whiplash, this is something that you want to start early on getting treatments. I would say weekly for 2 months or twice a week for a month, and then re-evaluate how you are feeling. You might be able to drop to bi-weekly or monthly appointments. Make sure your therapist is always checking in with your progress and making an individual plan for YOU, not just cookie-cutter.

When should someone who has Whiplash start to feel better?

Again, every individual is just that an individual. People have found relief in as little as 8 weekly sessions. Everyone heals differently, but whiplash is something that one can heal fairly quickly from - as long as they get therapies for it as soon as possible. Physical Therapy and Acupuncture can be beneficial, but the few clients I’ve had with this say massage has helped them the most.

Modality SeriesBrianna Cherrymassage, massage therapist, muscular, modality, neck pain, conditon, dizzy, Delaware, benefit, Chiropractor, skeletal, Active release, musculoskeletal manipulations, manual, Active release technique, unwinding, migraine, health, neck, back pain, joint, rainyday massage, briis rainyday massage, relaxing, skeletal system, muscular system, rainy day, back, benefit of massage, head, massage therapy, muscle, physical, headaches, pain, body series, Chiropractic, whiplash, concentration, fatigue, light pressure, deep pressure, medium pressure, cross-fiber friction, myofascial, fascia, stretchComment