You Hurt. What Happens Next?
After a motor vehicle collision, it can be difficult to know what is normal, who you should see, or how long you should expect to hurt.
Sometimes the visible signs of an injury improve before you feel like yourself again.
You may still notice that:
- Turning your head while driving hurts
- You wake up stiff or uncomfortable
- Sitting at work becomes difficult
- Your shoulders or upper back constantly feel tight
- Headaches have become more frequent
- Your low back or hips hurt with sitting or walking
- Exercise feels different
- You cannot comfortably do things you normally do
Those changes matter.
Your First Appointment
All new-patient intake appointments are 90 minutes.
We use that time to understand both where you hurt and what the injury has changed in your life.
Your intake may include discussion of:
- How the collision occurred
- When your symptoms began
- Areas of pain or stiffness
- Activities that aggravate your symptoms
- Sleep changes
- Driving limitations
- Work limitations
- Exercise and recreation
- Previous treatment
- Your response to other care
- Your goals for recovery
Your therapist will also evaluate the soft tissues involved and provide treatment as appropriate.
Treatment Is Individual
There is no standard number of massage visits that every accident patient needs.
Treatment depends on:
- Your injuries
- Your symptoms
- Your response to care
- Your functional limitations
- Your progress over time
- Recommendations or referrals from your care team when applicable
We adjust treatment as you improve.
We Want Improvement
We are not trying to keep you in treatment simply because you have insurance benefits available.
We want to see meaningful change.
That might mean:
- Sleeping more comfortably
- Turning your head more easily
- Driving with less discomfort
- Sitting longer
- Returning to exercise
- Working with fewer symptoms
- Having fewer headaches
- Tolerating normal daily activity better
Feeling somewhat better does not necessarily mean recovery is complete. Your records should reflect both what has improved and what still remains limited.
Working With Your Other Providers
Massage therapy may be one part of a larger recovery plan.
If you have been referred by a chiropractor, physician, or other provider, we respect the treatment plan already established and provide focused soft-tissue care that complements the rest of your treatment.
When appropriate, we also communicate with your attorney and other professionals involved in your case.
Paying With PIP
Michelle has been through the PIP process herself after her own accident, so she knows how confusing it can be. We’ll help you through it.
If you have active PIP coverage, it may pay for reasonable, necessary medical care related to your collision. Washington’s standard PIP medical benefit is generally up to $10,000 per injured person, with optional higher coverage available, and covered medical expenses must be incurred within three years of the collision. Your actual coverage is determined by your policy.
To use PIP for massage therapy, you’ll need a prescription or referral from your physician, chiropractor or other treating provider.
Download our referral form to take to your doctor or chiropractor.
First appointment within 3 business days · Se habla español
Call 509.405.2642