How Massage Therapy Can Help with Whiplash Recovery

Understanding Whiplash

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident — especially rear-end collisions — but it can also result from sports injuries or falls. It occurs when the head is suddenly and forcefully thrown backward and then forward, or side to side, straining the muscles, ligaments, and soft tissues in the neck.

Symptoms of whiplash can appear within hours or days and may include:

• Neck pain and stiffness

• Headaches (often at the base of the skull)

• Reduced range of motion

• Shoulder or upper back pain

• Fatigue or dizziness

• Jaw pain (TMJ)

If left untreated, whiplash can lead to chronic discomfort and long-term mobility issues.

How Massage Therapy Helps

Massage therapy is a gentle, non-invasive way to address the pain and tension caused by whiplash. Here’s how it supports recovery:

1. Reduces Muscle Tension

After an injury, muscles often tighten up to protect the affected area. Massage helps to release this tension, reduce spasms, and promote relaxation in the neck and upper back.

2. Improves Circulation

Increased blood flow brings oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, speeding up the healing process and reducing inflammation and swelling.

3. Restores Range of Motion

As stiffness and scar tissue build, movement can become limited. Massage therapy helps break down adhesions and softens tight tissues, improving flexibility and comfort.

4. Relieves Headaches and TMJ Pain

Whiplash often leads to tension headaches or jaw pain due to tight neck and facial muscles. Massage can reduce this referred pain and support better alignment.

5. Supports Emotional Well-Being

Physical trauma often comes with emotional stress. Massage therapy promotes a sense of calm, reducing anxiety and helping your nervous system shift into healing mode.

What to Expect in a Whiplash-Focused Massage

At Solstice Massage, we take a trauma-informed, individualized approach to care. A whiplash-focused session may include:

• Gentle neck and shoulder work

• Myofascial release

• Hydrotherapy (warm towels or hot stones)

• Craniosacral techniques

• Coordination with your other healthcare providers, if needed

Sessions are unrushed and designed to meet you where you are — whether you’re in acute pain or managing lingering symptoms weeks later.

Is Massage Covered by Insurance After an Accident?

If your whiplash is the result of a car accident, Oregon’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance will typically cover massage therapy as part of your medical care — and no referral is required. When booking choose "medical massage" then we will bill your MVA insurance.

Start Feeling Better — One Session at a Time

Whiplash can disrupt your life in more ways than one. Whether you were recently in an accident, or are still in pain from a whiplash incident years ago, let us help you get back to feeling like yourself. We are here to support your recovery with compassion, skill, and personalized care.

Insurance accepted:

Regence Blue Cross/ Blue Shield

Providence Health Care Plans

MVA