Car Wrecks, Massage Therapy, and Natural Healing

Elaine Smith, LMP, LMT, SK, CNHC OR Lic# 6668

As in most accidents, the other car came out of nowhere and in that instant I changed from massage therapist to recovering patient. It's true what they say about everything going in slow motion. Each fraction of a second stretched out for minutes as I witnessed my body slam against the seat belt, hit parts of my car, and whip into positions that I knew were not good. The next few days taught me the burning pain of whiplash and the tenderness of bruised muscles that so many of my clients had described to me in the past. I now had a personal understanding of their suffering. The lessons I learned as a recovering patient are valuable ones that I would like to share with you.

Lesson #1: Insist on getting the type of treatment you know is best.

My insurance adjuster had never worked with someone who wanted to use a naturopath, chiropractor, and massage therapist as their recovery team. I had billed that car insurance company before for clients and knew this coverage would pay for the services I needed. But she insisted on checking with her supervisor before okaying my treatment plan and was surprised at the yes answer. As an advocate of natural healing I must say that I truly enjoyed working with her and opening her eyes to alternative medicine as she witnessed my quick recovery.

I am truly grateful for the police, paramedics, ambulance drivers, and emergency room nurses and doctors that were there for me when I needed them. As an advocate of natural healing I see the value of truly integrated health practices that allow a patient to get what they need from whatever source is best for them. I needed all the above services and they did a wonderful job for me. It is just that me being me, I couldn't wait to get back to my friends at RoseSprings and the services that I hold so dear. My experience at the emergency room, however, leads me to the humor of the next lesson.

Lesson #2: Rescue Remedy is great for emergencies — just be careful when you take it!

A friend met me at the emergency room doors and handed me a bottle of Bach Flower Essence Rescue Remedy while the paramedics where wheeling me in. Because I was now on hospital property with hospital rules I thought it best to ask the nurse if I could take some. She was familiar with Rescue Remedy and helped me open the bottle to take a few drops under my tongue. I felt the immediate release of tension. The doctor, however, was not familiar with this remedy. When a few minutes later he came in to examine me he began asking all sorts of questions about what I had been drinking. I remember thinking, "I have just talked to the police, paramedics, ambulance drivers, and nurses. Why is he the only one asking if I had been drinking?" Then I remembered! Bach Flower Essences use alcohol to preserve their essences. A quick explanation by the nurse and a smell of the bottle cleared the whole thing up! Whew!

So the lesson is keep Rescue Remedy near by for emergencies but avoid taking it orally after an accident and before talking with any professionals who come to help. A few drops on top of your head should help calm you and also not give your breath that trace of alcohol.

Lesson #3: Massage Therapy should be part of everyone's recovery from an accident.

Being a massage therapist it should be no surprise that I have this opinion. But the accident taught me more about my work than any classroom lesson, or experience working with clients ever did. The symbiotic relationship between massage and other modalities became crystal clear. My body responded, healed, and opened up more to the other therapies with each massage session. Massage therapists who have experienced whiplash in their own bodies gain personal knowledge that helps them become better therapists for their patients.

If you are ever unfortunate enough to need recovery therapy for an accident consider massage therapy as part of your treatment. If you plan to have your insurance policy pay for massage treatment you will need to get a prescription for massage from your doctor. Your medical doctor, naturopathic doctor, or chiropractic doctor are all able to be your primary doctor and write a prescription for massage therapy. Your Naturopath or Chiropractor are probably familiar with the benefits of massage for accident victims. Your medical doctor may or may not be. It is important to follow the advice of whatever doctor you choose. It is also important to be aware of your choices.