Crash Boom Ahh!

[Ang(:]

A friend/client just had a nice car accident today (he's ok, but he is going to be a sore puppy tomorrow!).Can anyone suggest anything to assist in his recovery?Any particular stretches, strokes, etc.? Moose

 

[fishy!]

Your friend might want to see a Doctor to ascertain the level of soft tissue damage. He might be able to get a prescription from his M.D. for the massage.Massage following a car accident can sometimes be paid for by his car insurance. It's certainly worth looking in to. He should call his carrier and find out.At this point there is probably a lot of inflammation going on, and I'd be reluctant to work on him that soon.Know what you are getting into. Know if you are dealing with nerve entrapment or if there are any dangers to your working on him.The inflammation/soft tissue damage from Whiplash can sometimes take up to 3 years to heal, because of the client's tendency to overdue the minute they feel a little bit better.  Take it slow.If he has seen the DR and  you receive permission to get massage, first do an assessment to see what kind of ROM he has. See what muscles have been affected and where the ROM is not normal.Then have the client lay down on the table. Relax, and carefully extend his head straight back. Holding his head completely still have him look over his head towards the floor, to his left and to his right, then towards his toes and repeat it say, 10 - 15 times if there is no pain.  If he handles that ok, have him do the same with his tongue. It has a wonderful relaxing affect on sub-occipital muscles in spasm. (It's great for those of us who sit at the computer to long too.) Bet he'll have a new respect for the wonder of  ice packs. Anyway, this has helped my clients. YMMV

 

[Flick]

Crash Boom Ahh!

Many thanks - all great suggestion!I told him yesterday to go buy a couple of bags of frozen peas... I think he thought he was going to eatthem...Be well.>M

 

[Miss.Lucy]

When I was going through school to be a MT, the director of the school was in a really bad head on collision.  She was 67 years old at the time, but a very healthy 67.  She received Myofacial Release right after she got back from her Dr.  She also wore a neck brace with ice packs in it faithfully.  If you don't do myofacial or don't know what to do, sometimes the best thing to do is refer them to someone who does, and your client will have a great respect for your honesty.  Good Luck.