Car Accident Left You With Chronic Pain?

Orthopedic Massage for Auto Injury Treatment

Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist is a specialized distinction awarded to only a handful of therapists in the state. Lisa has been working with doctors and other health practitioners in these Modalities for several years now. She has also acted as a Teaching Assistant for a world-renowned Pain Management Therapy Instructor at several Oregon Orthopedic Seminars.

The physical trauma and emotional depression resulting from an auto accident can take over your life without the proper care. Massage therapy is a powerful and effective approach to treat pain because it decreases pain levels as it stimulates the body's healing response. At Body Sage Massage we provide a specialized form of hands on therapy to address areas of physical limitation and pain and improve the body's response to other treatment regiments.

Immediately after a car accident, the relaxation benefits of massage can help reverse the effects that the trauma of a car accident can have on your nervous system. Following an auto accident massage also helps manage swelling by promoting circulation. At Body Sage we use orthopedic tests to determine the source of your pain syndrome. Our Massage Therapists use this information as well as the input from your doctor or chiropractor to develop a treatment plan incorporating different therapeutic methods and treatments from across the soft-tissue therapy field to best meet your body's needs.

In this first stage of treatment, massage helps restore and improve pain-free range of motion throughout the body while integrating structural balance. It can also help prevent a myofascial adhesion and the formation of scar tissue. Later on in your treatment, orthopedic massage is instrumental in addressing specific injuries like headaches, whiplash, shoulder sprains/strains, etc.

In the past, the majority of our accident-related patients have been referrals from a medical professional or health practitioner. The option for massage treatment is becoming more wide-spread due to the State of Oregon requiring motor vehicle insurance to cover massage under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Our certified medical massage therapists provide service to people with and without insurance. They can coordinate with your Doctor or bill your insurance provider for you. This takes the stress off of you and allows you to focus on feeling better!

Massage Therapy Goals For Injury Recovery:

• Improve circulation 
• Reduce pain and swelling 
• Improve range of motion 

Personal injury protection (PIP)

What is Oregon Personal Injury Protection Insurance?

Personal injury protection insurance (PIP) is medical and wage loss insurance required for every non-commercial auto policy. Oregon law require personal injury protection insurance to cover Medical expenses of up to one year and at least $15,000.

Who does personal injury protection insurance cover?

It covers all of the occupants of the car. It also covers you if you do not have PIP and you are a pedestrian or cyclist hit by a car. If that happens the driver’s personal injury protection covers you.

PIP is Oregon's version of no-fault insurance.

It allows you and your passengers, regardless of who caused an accident, to have insurance coverage for "reasonable and necessary" medical, dental, hospital, surgical, ambulance, and prosthetic services incurred within one year after the date of an injury up to a maximum of $15,000. In Oregon, minimum PIP benefits include limited coverage for loss of earnings, funeral expenses, essential services, and child care.

Deep Tissue Massage vs. Swedish Massage:

What’s The Difference & How Do I Know Which Is Right For Me?

Most people are aware that massage is effective at relieving stress and promoting relaxation, but that only scratches the surface. We now have scientific proof that massage not only feels good, but is good for you. The benefits of massage range from treating chronic diseases and injuries to alleviating the growing tensions of our modern lifestyles. For those who suffer from low-back pain, a study by the Group Health Research Institute in Seattle has shown that massage is more effective than medication at reducing pain.  In addition to helping people reduce pain or cope with physical injuries, the healing touch of massage is a way for people dealing with grief or loss to relax without having to actively share their feelings, a welcome relief for many people.

Types Of Massage Therapies

There are numerous types of massage modalities which can include various techniques utilizing different strokes, including basic rubbing strokes, kneading, applying pressure to specific points, rocking movement, and more. Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue Massage are probably the most well-known of the many different modalities. But how do you know what type of massage is right for you?

SWEDISH MASSAGE- was named about 120 years ago not in Sweden, but by a dutch practitioner who defined the basic massage strokes in today’s classic massage. Swedish massage uses five basic strokes and steady manipulation of the muscles and connective tissues of the body. Also known as Western or Classic massage this technique manipulates the body's soft tissues by stroking, kneading, deep circular movements, vibration, and tapping all flowing toward the heart. Often it begins with these long steady strokes releasing pent-up tension and stimulating the nervous system and increasing circulation. It is designed to interrupt the cycle of stress and internalized muscle tension by energizing the body and stimulating circulation. The goal of a Swedish massage is relaxation, rehabilitation and a sense of well-being and inner peace. A heightened awareness of the mind-body connection is an added bonus.

Benefits From Swedish Massage -  Results from this classic massage therapy have been well documented and extend much farther than the relaxation benefits it is so well known for. This vigorous system of treatment can hasten the healing time of injuries, reduce swelling, and help dissolve scar tissue adhesions. It is often recommended for children, especially hospitalized children which is very different than the adult massage treatment. This specialized form of Swedish massage is very rarely deep and always comfort focused. Pediatric massage is very patient centered, with their age, physical, and mental condition in mind.

DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE - is a dedicated set of techniques incorporating a slow, consistent, firm pressure focused on reaching the larger layers of muscle and tissue deep under the skin and surface muscles and fascia (connective tissues).  Deep-tissue work is exactly what it sounds like. It is used to treat specific complaints often associated with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation.  Among other ailments, Deep Tissue massage is effective at reducing swelling and muscular pain and stiffness. Once the outer muscles have been relaxed, treatment goes deeper into the connective tissue of the neck area, the back, and also the fascia. The muscles must be relaxed in order to effectively perform deep-tissue massage otherwise the therapist is unable to massage these deeper layers of muscle. These techniques require advanced training and a thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology.  

Benefits From Deep Tissue Work -  It helps with chronic muscular pain and injury rehabilitation and reduces inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis This modality addresses chronic pain patterns and severe tension in the muscle and the connective tissue Deep-tissue work is an excellent remedy for chronic muscular pain, injury rehabilitation, and reduction of inflammation-related pain caused by arthritis and tendinitis.

Although there are times when your therapist will recommend a specific bodywork, a clients personal preference is still key to receiving the full benefit from a massage. Your therapist may ask you about your medical history, activity level, and massage expectations prior to treatment. Because everyone is unique in their expectations it is important to share any recent injuries or illness, areas of concern, and past massage results with your therapist. Together as a team you will determine the most effective treatment to achieve your desired benefits.

Swedish Massage vs. Deep Tissue    

Gentle, Long Strokes vs. Penetrating, Multiple Muscle Layers

Whole Body Massage vs. Area-Specific Treatment                               

Stress Relief vs. Pain Relief

Request Swedish Massage For:

• Relaxation
• Improved Circulation
• Cancer & Other Chronic Illnesses

Request Deep Tissue Massage For:

• Chronic Pain Relief
• Muscle Aches & Cramps  
• Athletic Injury Rehabilitation
• Arthritis & Tendinitis Related Inflammation Pain

Orthopedic Massage for Auto Injury Treatment

Lisa Fargo, Owner & Mentor

Orthopedic Massage for Auto Injury Treatment

Certified Orthopedic Massage Therapist is a specialized distinction awarded to only a handful of therapists in the state. Lisa has been working with doctors and other health practitioners in these Modalities for several years now. She has also acted as a Teaching Assistant for a world-renowned Pain Management Therapy Instructor at several Oregon Orthopedic Seminars.


The physical trauma and emotional depression resulting from an auto accident can take over your life without the proper care. Massage therapy is a powerful and effective approach to treat pain because it decreases pain levels as it stimulates the body's healing response. At Body Sage Massage we provide a specialized form of hands on therapy to address areas of physical limitation and pain and improve the body's response to other treatment regiments.

Immediately after a car accident, the relaxation benefits of massage can help reverse the effects that the trauma of a car accident can have on your nervous system. Following an auto accident massage also helps manage swelling  by promoting circulation of both blood and lymph.

At Body Sage we use orthopedic tests to determine the source of your pain syndrome. Our Massage Therapists use this information as well as the input from your doctor or chiropractor to develop a treatment plan incorporating different therapeutic methods and treatments from across the soft-tissue therapy field to best meet your body's needs. Our goal is to decrease the need for long term medical or even surgical intervention.

In this first stage of treatment, massage helps restore and improve pain-free range of motion throughout the body while integrating structural balance. It can also help prevent a myofascial adhesion and the formation of scar tissue.  Later on in your treatment, orthopedic massage is instrumental in addressing specific injuries like headaches, whiplash, shoulder sprains/strains, etc. 

In the past, the majority of our accident-related patients have been referrals from a medical professional or health practitioner. The option for massage treatment is becoming more wide-spread due to the State of Oregon requiring motor vehicle insurance to cover massage under your personal injury protection (PIP) coverage. Our certified medical massage therapists can provide service to people with and without insurance. Body Sage can coordinate with your Doctor, Chiropractor, Physical Therapist, or other practitioner or we can bill your insurance provider for you. This takes the stress off of you and allows you to focus on feeling better!  

Massage Therapy Goals For Injury Recovery:

• Reduce pain and swelling 
• Improve range of motion 
• Improve circulation 

Some of the pain syndromes that we treat successfully:

• Back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee pain
• Hip Pain
• Stress Reduction

Fast Facts: 

• Massage therapy is a safe and  effective way to reduce pain and improve function in adults with osteoarthritis of the knee. (2006 study  in the Archives of  Internal Medicine)

• Forty-eight percent of respondents to a Consumer Reports survey rated massage therapy as “very helpful” in relieving back pain. The survey revealed pain relief was a top motivator for those seeking massage. (Consumer Reports, May 2009) 

• The Annals of Internal Medicine reported in 2003 that massage therapy was effective for treating persistent back pain,seconding the findings of a 2000 report by the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Find out more about Medical Massage

THE END