A fender bender on Deerfoot Trail or a hard fall on an icy sidewalk can leave you with more than a bruise. Afterward, your head might ache, your neck might feel locked in place, and the glow of your phone screen might seem far too bright. You may be wondering what kind of care can help you feel like yourself again.
Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare’s Calgary Concussion Centre can assess and diagnose a concussion and recommend a treatment plan.
Massage may be considered for lingering neck or shoulder tension, but it does not treat the concussion itself. Depending on your assessment, the centre may recommend services such as exercise therapy, balance rehabilitation or manual therapy.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of brain injury that affects how your brain works. Car accidents, falls, and hits during sports are common causes. Neck strain often shows up alongside a concussion too, so you may feel sore in more than one place.
Common Signs to Watch For
Concussion symptoms can look different from person to person, and these are some signs to watch for:
- Headaches
- Neck pain and stiff shoulders
- Dizziness
- Brain fog or trouble focusing
- Sensitivity to light or noise
- Poor sleep
If you suspect a concussion, stop the activity and book an assessment with Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare’s Calgary Concussion Centre. Go to the nearest emergency department immediately for warning signs such as neck pain or tenderness with reduced movement, double vision, loss of consciousness, seizure, repeated vomiting, severe or increasing headache, or weakness or tingling in your arms or legs.
How Massage May Support Recovery
Relief for Neck & Shoulder Tension
Neck and shoulder tension can linger after an accident. Massage may offer short-term relief from muscle tension for some people. Evidence for headache relief is limited. If the concussion team includes massage in your care plan, your therapist can adapt the session to your symptoms and comfort.
Support for Rest & Relaxation
Recovery can be stressful, and your body may feel tense for a while after an injury. Some people find a calm massage session relaxing, though responses vary. Evidence that massage improves concussion-related sleep problems is limited. If massage is appropriate, the session can be adjusted to your comfort.
When to Start Massage for Concussion Recovery
Running Shoe’s concussion protocols recommend an initial 24 to 48 hours of rest before exercise therapy. That timing does not automatically apply to massage; the concussion team can advise whether massage suits your symptoms and when to begin. If included in your plan, your massage therapist can adjust pressure and session length to your comfort.
Tell the concussion care team about symptoms such as light sensitivity. If massage is included in your plan, ask the clinic about adjustments that may make the session more comfortable.
When Massage Might Be Considered
Massage may be considered when:
- The concussion care team has assessed you and included massage, if appropriate, in your care plan
- You have lingering neck or shoulder tension that can be addressed within a massage therapist’s scope
How Massage Fits With Other Care
Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare’s Calgary Concussion Centre assesses suspected concussions, provides diagnosis and recommends treatment based on your symptoms. Depending on your assessment, care may include exercise therapy, balance rehabilitation and manual therapy.
Massage may be considered for related neck or shoulder muscle tension, but it does not replace the centre’s concussion care.
Balance Rehabilitation
The concussion centre offers balance rehabilitation for symptoms such as dizziness or balance problems. After an assessment, the team can recommend an approach suited to your symptoms.
Chiropractic Care for Neck Comfort
Chiropractic care is another service at the clinic. If you’re considering it for neck symptoms after a concussion, ask the concussion team whether it fits your assessment and care plan.
Massage for Related Muscle Tension
Massage sessions may offer short-term relief from neck or shoulder muscle tension for some people. The concussion team can advise whether massage fits your plan.
FAQs About Massage & Concussions
How Soon After a Concussion Can You Get a Massage?
If you suspect a concussion, arrange an assessment with the Calgary Concussion Centre first. The team can determine whether massage may fit your care plan for related muscle tension and advise on timing. If you proceed, tell your massage therapist about your symptoms and stop if they worsen.
How Many Sessions Do You Need?
There is no set number. It depends on your symptoms, goals and whether massage is appropriate as part of your care plan. Review your progress with your massage therapist and concussion team, and adjust the plan if symptoms persist or worsen.
What to Expect at a Massage Visit
Here’s what your visit can look like:
- Your massage therapist asks about your symptoms, assessment and comfort before the session
- You can discuss pressure, positioning and any changes to how you feel
- You may receive simple tips for home care
Massage Therapy in NE Calgary
Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare’s Calgary Concussion Centre provides assessment, diagnosis and treatment planning. Our team can advise whether massage may suit related muscle tension after assessment. You’ll find the clinic at London Town Square in NE Calgary, just behind the Peter Lougheed Hospital, with complimentary parking right out front.
Contact our team today to book an appointment.
