A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury usually due to a head bump, blow, or jolt which causes the brain to move quickly back and forth. While the effects of a concussion can be serious, it is considered mild because it is usually not life-threatening.

To help in alleviating tension patterns in the shoulders and neck connected to a concussion, massage therapy is often recommended by professionals. Concussion Massage can assist in reducing symptoms like depression, insomnia and anxiety, that result form a concussion or post-concussion syndrome. Cupping therapy has also been shown to alleviate concussion symptoms.

Is It Safe To Get a Massage After a Concussion?

Recovering from a concussion can take around 7 to 10 days or longer. We typically treat patients who have clearance from their doctor for treatment. Massage therapy can be quite advantageous in assisting you on your road to recovery. We gradually work up in pressure during your session, to keep it safer. Deep focus and pressure work may sometimes overwhelm the sensory system or bring more risk to the already injured muscle. We work into the deep pressure slowly to ensure there will be no further pain or discomfort.

The key in recovering from a concussion is the complete relaxation of your body and your mind. In your initial sessions you will receive light to medium pressure, neck and scalp massage, and upper body work. You may also benefit from float therapy where you can find total relaxation in our private floating room spa. Float therapy can help in alleviating stress and improving your body’s ability to heal.

Some people wonder if getting massage treatment after a car accident could make a concussion worse. The answer is no when massage therapy is provided correctly. In fact, research has shown that massage therapy after an accident has helped patients be able to focus more clearly from a concussion, find relief from whiplash, and have their neck pain lessoned. There are many benefits of massage therapy for car accidents.

Head Massage Therapy for Concussion

While research is somewhat limited regarding Craniosacral Therapy for Concussion, the anecdotal date shows positive benefits. This type of head massage therapy utilizes a gentle touch to the head and back with no rigorous rubbing or kneading that is typical for other massage types.

Head injuries and concussions can adversely affect the system of membranes, sutures and plates in the skull that move and allow the free flow of fluids and other functions. The gentle manipulations of Craniosacral Therapy (CST) can help restore membrane, suture, and plate mobility and encourage the flow of fluids.

There are a few types of CST, however they all involve subtle movements in the body which help to resolve trauma and promote the function of the autonomic nervous system.

Chiropractic Care for Concussion

While conventional medicine focusses mainly on prevention and medical treatment of symptoms, chiropractic care takes treatment to another level by addressing all the peripheral issues caused by the concussion. We work to get to the root cause of the problem, which is often dysfunction in the nervous or musculoskeletal systems.

When other professionals may dismiss continued symptoms you are experiencing, there still may be ways to increase functionality and curtail the discomfort. We work to find out what is going on underneath the pain and inflammation.

If you are fighting an ongoing battle with symptoms from a concussion and would like help adjusting to your new normal, contact our team at Utah Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork for a consultation. We would be happy to help you on your path to recovery.