"Massage Won't Help You" and Other Urban Myths
Many of us have heard the old adage "you're most likely to get into a car accident within 5 minutes of your home." At Belisama Bodyworks, a private massage practice in downtown Saratoga, this statistic is a strong call to action: our community needs healing and support. A simple check in the local newspaper reveals that despite safer cars and better roads, car accidents continue unabated. The most common injury from car accidents is whiplash, tearing of the neck and back ligaments caused by the head "whipping" back and forth on impact. At Belisama, we most often see that the effects of whiplash are usually experienced at the base of the head, the upper shoulders, and the low back. These injuries can be debilitating, and often whiplash victims are unaware of their community's wealth of resources.
Typically a client will either seek no medical attention ("oh, it's nothing -- it will go away") or they will seek a doctor's advice. There is growing awareness in the medical community of the power of healing touch, backed by countless clinical studies; however, doctors don't always have time or exposure to the latest data, and are occasionally unaware of the results of studies outside their specialty. Ever-increasing demands on the time and attention of physicians can lead to several "urban myths" experienced by many car accident victims.
Myth #1: Massage Won't Help You
Ann was sitting in her car at a stoplight, waiting for a green light, when a car crashed into her from behind at 35 mph. She was thrown up and over her steering wheel leading to several incidents of whiplash along her spine. As a Belisama client, she had previously experienced the positive effects of massage, and inquired with her doctor about getting a prescription for massage. She received a strong response, "Massage won't help. Take these pain killers and try to rest." Her frustration was evident when after several months of following this advice, her injuries and pain hadn't diminished at all. At that point, she came to see the massage therapists at Belisama and found to her relief that after only two treatments her "pain in the neck" was greatly reduced. She could move her head in a much more normal range of motion.
Myth #2: You Didn't Start Soon Enough
Whiplash effects often take time to develop and can last for years. Yes, years. Most Belisama clients come in after several months have elapsed simply because they thought "it should be better by now." The fact that an injury still hurts indicates, clearly, that trauma is still present in the body and requires further attention. It's never too late! However, it is true that the sooner treatment starts after the accident, the sooner an injury can heal.
Myth #3: You're Insurance Won't Cover It
New York can be a complicated place to live: a study last week showed that NY has the highest taxes in the country. But one of the wonderful things about NY is that it is a "No-Fault" state, meaning no matter who is at fault in an accident, their medical care is covered by their car insurance. And thank goodness -- extended hospital stays can be exorbitant. Specifically, massage is covered as a viable, proven therapy in helping serious car accident injuries heal. Most No-Fault clients receive massage for 1-6 months, depending on the extent of their injuries. All of their therapy is reviewed and sanctioned by an Independent Medical Examiner and the claim agent from the respective insurance agency.
A good rule of thumb in selecting a doctor is to ask over the phone, "Do you have any experience with complementary medicine: massage, acupuncture, chiropractic?" If the answer is anything but affirmative, move down the list in the phone book to the next doctor. Traditional doctors are more likely to prescribe pain killers, which can mask the pain and lead to re-injury and prolong the healing time.
Another good rule of thumb is to try the complementary therapy (e.g., massage) for three to five treatments. If no noticeable improvement is evident, try another complementary therapy. Sometimes massage is just perfect, but sometimes physical therapy is a better alternative. A well-networked and up-to-date doctor will be able to discuss these options with you.
Above all, it is important for accident victims (and patients of any kind) to remember that they are their own best advocate. Read, research, and be willing to try to find out how to finally feel better. The road to healing can be lengthy but the Saratoga community is full of resources to help.
Belisama Bodyworks therapists are available for scheduled appointments or walk-ins Monday through Saturday between 10-5pm. After hours appointments are available by calling ahead. Therapists are also at the Saratoga Springs Farmer’s Market for chair massage during market hours, weather permitting. Please call 248.0090 to see one of our therapists and begin your own road to healing today.