Hello! My name is Heather Alison Cook and I own Yarrow and You Therapeutic Bodywork LLC located in downtown historic Aurora, Oregon. I specialize in Therapeutic Massage, Myofascial/Structural bodywork, Craniosacral Therapy, Cupping, and Hot Stone massage. I have an integrated practice and tailor the treatment for each person. I help people recover from motor vehicle accidents, other types of injuries, and chronic pain. I also love to be part of people’s self-care routines, allowing them time to relax and reset.
How can massage therapy help me recover from an auto accident?
Today we are talking about car accidents. They happen. Unfortunately, too many of them happen. I personally say blessings every time I get in my car. I imagine myself in a bubble where no one can bump into me, I imagine arriving at my destination safely, and then returning home, getting out of my car, and climbing into my bed, all safe and sound. I live right off Interstate 5 and there are lots of cars, lots of big trucks and we are all moving pretty darn fast to get to where we need to go. So I do say my blessings!
Why we shouldn’t wait to get treatment after an auto accident.
I had a car accident many years ago and never received any treatment for my injuries. My thought was “Eh, I don’t feel that bad…I’ll be fine.” My housemate, at the time, was a nurse practitioner and she also wrote off my injuries as minor and not necessary to seek any medical care. My neck, however, had a different idea, and years later that particular accident/injury surfaced as a neck issue that I still deal with to this day. Getting seen by a doctor right away is an important part of getting assessed, even if you feel “fine.” In the state of Oregon, we have PIP insurance which is a required part of our car insurance and it covers being seen by a chiropractor, acupuncturist, and/or massage therapist of our choosing if we are in a car/vehicle-related accident. This insurance covers our medical care even if the accident is not our fault and even if we don’t own a car/have car insurance. Yes, pedestrians and cyclists are also covered by this insurance (by the car owner who was involved.) Sometimes, health practitioners do need to work with your lawyer to get the care you’ll need but most of the time this insurance covers these types of medical care needed for your recovery. You can see all three of these practitioners for up to 1 year or until the PIP is exhausted whichever comes first. You do need a prescription from a medical doctor or chiropractor to get massage therapy. At the time of that accident, I was in years ago, I lived in a different state that did not have this type of coverage for medical care when involved in a car accident. That was part of why I didn’t go get checked out. Had that insurance been in place, I know I would have sought massage, acupuncture, and chiropractic care.
Being in a car accident can be traumatic. Whether it’s a minor fender bender, where there is not much damage to the actual vehicle or a severe accident, our human bones, tissues, and psyche can be very affected. Whiplash can occur at surprisingly low speeds. Our vertebrae and spinal cords, and brain are resilient and can heal but obviously, damage can be done. Getting seen by a medical doctor or chiropractor soon after any injury to get assessed is important because we can begin to treat the affected areas and the person in a holistic way. Massage Therapy is most often indicated to help the recovery of any soft tissues. Massage can improve circulation, bring oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, flush out old blood cells, and stimulate the lymph to clear it out. All of this helps in reducing pain in the affected area and accelerates the healing process so you can recover better and faster. Who wouldn’t you want that?
Craniosacral therapy is also very helpful after any type of accident, especially auto accidents.
Craniosacral therapy (CST) is a gentle treatment that encourages the production and circulation of cerebral spinal fluid. This fluid bathes our brain and spinal cord bringing nutrients and allowing for the health and homeostasis of the central nervous system. Our central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) is what “runs” our brain and therefore our body. It processes all incoming and outgoing information. We would be mush if it did not function and many times bones or structures in the head or body are positioned or compressed in such a way that obstructs the optimal flow of this fluid. CST helps the body find a balance to clear such obstructions. I find CST invaluable and extremely complimentary to helping anyone recovering from any type of trauma. It can be incorporated into a massage session or we can do a stand-alone session.
What can help with my emotional well-being after being in an auto accident?
Seeking a mental health care professional to help process any PTSD can be helpful. Also, therapies like EMDR rapid Eye-Movement-Desenstization-Reprocessing have also been found to work extremely well on some folks. I always recommend taking Rescue Remedy Flower Essence by Bach Flower Essences after any jarring, shocking event. Flower Remedies are a safe way to help process emotions on the unconscious level and can help our nervous system find balance. You can find them at health food stores (even Fred Meyer carries this now) or online. I have some more info on my site under Resources and here is a Video about them. These are so gentle and effective that even babies and pets can take them when they need help too.
Rehabilitation from an auto accident can take time. And this is always an individual situation and depends on your injury and your state of health. With great healthcare practitioners on your team, recuperation and healing can be acclerated. This hopefully helps you gain a complete and full recovery and get you back to your life. I am here to accompany you in your healing. I am located in downtown Aurora, please give me call Yarrow and You Therapeutic Bodywork LLC Blessings!