Massage for Concussion Recovery: A Therapeutic Approach

If you’re experiencing a concussion - whether it be from being in a car accident or simply after bumping your head - you’re going to want to ensure that your temporary symptoms don’t manifest into a long term chronic condition, which can occur after a concussion. While rest is always recommended, in the following blog we’re going to take a look at massage therapy as an alternative treatment for a concussion, covering how it can help, some key considerations, and what techniques might be helpful. Let’s take a look!

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, typically caused due to a fall or a blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.

While concussions are often referred to as mild brain injuries  - as they’re usually not life-threatening - their effects can still be serious, so it’s important to proceed with caution if you’re considering therapeutic interventions like massage therapy for concussion recovery. 

What are the Symptoms of a Concussion?

Concussions manifest in various symptoms, which may appear immediately after the traumatic event or may be delayed for hours or even days. Common symptoms include headache, confusion, lack of coordination, memory loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, ringing in the ears, sleepiness, and excessive fatigue. You may also experience delayed symptoms like concentration and memory complaints, irritability, sensitivity to light and noise, sleep disturbances, psychological adjustment problems, and even in some cases, depression.

Note: If you suspect you might have a concussion, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly for a thorough examination. Call 911 if your symptoms include a severe or worsening headache, vomiting, vision loss or progressively worsening cognitive difficulties. 

Can You Get a Massage with a Concussion?

The key question: is it actually safe to get a massage with a concussion? The answer is yes, but with certain precautions. Firstly, it’s essential to wait until a healthcare provider approves this therapy for your specific case; this is because the timing and appropriateness of massage therapy will depend on the severity of your condition and where you are in the recovery stage. Generally, it's advised to wait until the acute symptoms of the concussion have subsided before beginning massage therapy - this helps ensure that the therapy isn’t going to exacerbate any of the ongoing symptoms or contribute to increased intracranial pressure.

In some cases, at-home massage services might be recommended; having a massage at home ensures you won’t have to navigate the challenges of traveling to a clinic or spa, which can be taxing and can potentially worsen symptoms in the early days of recovery. 

Massage for Concussion: What are the Benefits?

Once it’s been approved by your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider, incorporating massage therapy into concussion recovery can offer a range of benefits for both your physical and emotional wellbeing:

Reduce Muscle Tension

Massage for concussion isn’t just about alleviating physical discomfort, but also about fostering an environment where the brain can heal more effectively. If your upper body is tight and you’re in physical discomfort, the right massage techniques can reduce this tension in the tissues of the neck and head, which are often affected during a concussion and can contribute to overall discomfort and pain. A massage therapist qualified in neuromuscular massage or trigger point therapy can also identify key pressure points for headaches and work them, which can reduce referred pain as well as the likelihood of recurring concussion headaches post-recovery. 

Stress Relief

Going through a concussion can be scary and unnerving - especially if it comes with cognitive difficulties - but massage therapy can be used to promote relaxation and stress relief, both of which are vital for your emotional wellbeing during the healing process. Stress and anxiety can exacerbate concussion symptoms and delay how fast you get over your concussion, so it’s important to make self-care and stress-reduction an essential component of your recovery process.

Key Considerations

When considering incorporating massage into your concussion recovery, it's important to consult first with your usual doctor, as well as healthcare professionals who specialize in concussion recovery. They’ll be able to provide guidance on the appropriate time to start massage therapy, and recommend specific massage techniques that would be most beneficial based on your medical profile, age and comorbidities, as well as any pre-existing conditions that you might have. 

The Bottom Line

Ultimately, massage therapy can be a great add-on to your concussion recovery, and there’s no need to stop once you’re fully healed! In fact, regular massage can be a great way to prevent long-term or chronic symptoms from manifesting in the future after a concussion or injury - just make sure to consult with a healthcare professional before booking your appointment.