auto accident chiro techniques

SLC Auto Accident Chiro Techniques: Manual Therapy Options

As many who have received such care following a car accident are well aware, chiropractic care services are often very valuable for those suffering from injury symptoms in these cases. A question some people have in this area, however: Which specific techniques might be used by a chiropractor to help treat these symptoms, and which are most likely to be effective for your needs?

At Peterson Chiropractic, we proudly offer the very best auto accident injury recovery services in Salt Lake City and nearby areas, treating everything from whiplash to any other injuries you may have sustained during a car accident. This two-part blog series will cover a number of treatment techniques that may be used – starting with today’s part one, which will go over the broad category of “manual therapy” and several sub-categories that fall within it.

What is Manual Therapy?

Generally speaking, manual therapy is an umbrella term for any type of hands-on physical technique that a chiropractor can use to help reduce pain and discomfort, improve mobility and flexibility, restore range of motion, and increase joint function. It usually involves a combination of massage, stretching and manipulation techniques in order to target soft tissues such as muscles and ligaments.

Manual therapy comes with a number of possible benefits, including several for those who have been injured in a car accident. It can help reduce inflammation and swelling, decrease muscle tension, correct posture problems caused by tissue damage from the crash, improve circulation and make it easier for you to move around without pain or further injury.

Our next few sections will go over examples of manual therapy techniques that might be used for whiplash or other accident symptoms.

Manual Joint Resistance

For some musculoskeletal issues related to car accidents, manual joint resistance techniques can be very helpful. The chiropractor will use their hands to apply pressure and move your affected joints in a specific direction. This technique is usually used for improving range of motion and correcting any misalignments that may have occurred during the accident.

Trigger Point Therapy

In many cases, car accidents can cause specific “trigger points” in your muscles and soft tissues. These spots may be painful to the touch and may also result in referred pain elsewhere in the body. Trigger point therapy involves applying pressure to these points to help release any built-up tension and reduce pain throughout the area.

Therapeutic Massage

Another valuable form of manual therapy that may be used to treat car accident injuries is therapeutic massage. This technique involves gently manipulating the soft tissue with long, soothing strokes in order to reduce inflammation and improve circulation around the affected area. Massage can also help relax any tense muscles that might have been strained during the accident.

Stretching

Both in the chiropractic office and via recommendations for home care, stretching can be a beneficial form of manual therapy for those who have experienced car accident injuries. Stretching helps to restore range of motion and flexibility in the affected area, which may help reduce pain and discomfort as well as preventing future injury.

At Peterson Chiropractic, we are proud to offer these and other types of manual therapy for anyone in the Salt Lake City area who is recovering from a car accident injury. Be sure to check back soon for part two of this blog series, which will cover some additional forms of treatment that may be used to help you manage your symptoms. And if you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to contact us at your nearest convenience!

Peterson Chiropractic is led by Doctor Bradley Peterson, who grew up in Davis County and attended the University of Utah.