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Trigger Point Therapy MVAs Explained for Patients

by | Chiropractic

Motor Vehicle Accident Recovery: The Role of Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care

Trigger Point Therapy MVAs Explained for Patients

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can cause a range of injuries, from minor aches to severe spinal and nerve damage. These injuries often affect the muscles, bones, and nerves, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and emotional distress. Recovery can be challenging, but treatments like massage therapy and chiropractic care, especially when provided by experts like Dr. Alexander Jimenez, offer effective solutions. This article explores how MVAs cause physical and emotional harm, how massage therapy helps with recovery, and how Dr. Jimenez’s unique approach supports healing and legal processes for accident victims.

How Motor Vehicle Accidents Cause Injuries

MVAs generate powerful forces that can harm the body in many ways. The sudden impact of a crash can jolt the spine, strain muscles, and damage nerves. Here are the main types of injuries caused by MVAs:

Spinal Injuries

The spine is very vulnerable during a car accident. The rapid movement can cause the vertebrae to misalign, leading to conditions like whiplash, herniated discs, or even spinal cord injuries. Whiplash happens when the neck is suddenly jerked forward and backward, straining muscles and ligaments. According to the National Spinal Cord Injury Statistical Center, MVAs are the leading cause of spinal cord injuries in the U.S., accounting for 38% of cases between 2010 and 2013 (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, 2025). Severe spinal injuries can cause tetraplegia (loss of function in arms and legs) or paraplegia (loss of function in legs), depending on where the damage occurs (Wu et al., 2022).

Musculoskeletal Injuries

Muscles, ligaments, and tendons often get strained or torn during MVAs. For example, seatbelt trauma or impact with the steering wheel can cause sprains, strains, or fractures. Back pain is common, with many accident victims experiencing muscle strains or disc injuries. A herniated disc occurs when the tissue between the vertebrae ruptures, pressing on nerves and causing pain or numbness (Novus Spine Center, 2025). If untreated, these injuries can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility.

Nerve Injuries

Nerve damage is another serious issue after MVAs. The force of a crash can compress or irritate nerves, resulting in symptoms such as tingling, numbness, or weakness. For example, a herniated disc can press on spinal nerves, causing pain that radiates to the arms or legs. Whiplash can also irritate nerves in the neck, leading to headaches or numbness in the arms (Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 2016). In severe cases, nerve damage can disrupt signals to organs, affecting functions like digestion (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

Emotional Distress

Car accidents are traumatic, and the emotional toll can be as serious as physical injuries. Many victims develop anxiety, fear of driving, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty sleeping, which can make recovery harder (Farah & Farah, 2023). Emotional distress can also worsen physical pain, as stress increases muscle tension and inflammation.

References

Benefits of Massage Therapy for MVA Recovery

Massage therapy is a powerful tool for recovering from MVA injuries. It helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and ease emotional stress. Different types of massage therapy target specific issues, making it a versatile treatment for accident victims. Here are the main types of massage therapy and how they help:

Types of Massage Therapy

  1. Swedish Massage: This gentle massage technique utilizes long, flowing strokes and kneading motions to relax muscles and enhance blood flow. It’s great for reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation, which helps with both physical pain and emotional stress (East Bridge Massage Portland, 2021). Swedish massage is often used early in recovery to prepare the body for deeper treatments.
  2. Deep Tissue Massage: This type of massage focuses on the deeper muscle layers to break down scar tissue and relieve chronic pain. It’s especially helpful for musculoskeletal injuries like strains or sprains caused by MVAs. Deep tissue massage can be intense, so it’s best for later stages of recovery when inflammation has decreased (Rocky Mountain Accident Care, n.d.).
  3. Trigger Point Therapy: Trigger points are tight spots in muscles that cause pain in other areas of the body. Trigger point therapy applies pressure to these spots to release tension and reduce referred pain. It’s effective for whiplash and nerve-related pain, as it targets specific areas of discomfort (Revive Injury, n.d.).
  4. Myofascial Release: This technique involves stretching the connective tissue (fascia) surrounding muscles to enhance flexibility and alleviate pain. It’s useful for restoring range of motion after an accident, especially for injuries that limit movement (MVAMVP, n.d.).
  5. Neuromuscular Therapy: This massage targets nerve compression and muscle imbalances, focusing on restoring balance and function. It’s particularly helpful for nerve injuries caused by MVAs, as it improves nerve function and reduces symptoms like tingling or numbness (Curezone Physiotherapy, n.d.).

Physical Benefits

Massage therapy helps the body heal in several ways:

  • Pain Relief: By increasing blood flow, massage reduces inflammation and releases endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. A 2015 study found that massage therapy effectively reduces neck pain, a common MVA injury (PubMed, 2015).
  • Improved Mobility: Massage loosens tight muscles and breaks down scar tissue, helping restore range of motion. This is crucial for injuries like whiplash, which can cause stiffness in the neck and shoulders (Mind Body Med Seattle, n.d.).
  • Reduced Muscle Tension: MVAs often cause muscles to tighten as a protective response. Massage relaxes these muscles, preventing chronic pain and improving posture (Denver Chiropractic, n.d.).
  • Faster Healing: Improved circulation from massage delivers oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues, speeding up recovery (Biotone, n.d.).

Emotional Benefits

Massage therapy also helps with the emotional side of recovery:

  • Stress Reduction: The relaxing touch of massage lowers cortisol levels, reducing anxiety and promoting calmness. This is especially important for MVA victims experiencing PTSD or fear of driving (Boulder Sports Clinic, n.d.).
  • Improved Sleep: Massage can help with sleep problems caused by pain or emotional distress, allowing the body to heal more effectively (Primary Rehab, n.d.).
  • Emotional Processing: The safe, nurturing environment of a massage session helps victims feel cared for, which can ease feelings of fear or isolation (Sage Bodywork Seattle, n.d.).

Massage therapy should be part of a comprehensive recovery plan, often combined with other treatments, such as chiropractic care or physical therapy. It’s important to start massage therapy after a medical evaluation to ensure it’s safe for the specific injuries (East Bay Chiropractic Office, n.d.).

References

Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s Approach to MVA Recovery

Dr. Alexander Jimenez, a chiropractor and nurse practitioner in El Paso, Texas, is a leading expert in treating MVA injuries. With over 25 years of experience, his dual licensure allows him to combine chiropractic care with medical diagnostics, creating a unique approach to recovery. His clinic, Injury Medical & Chiropractic Clinic, utilizes advanced tools and integrative medicine to help patients heal physically and emotionally, while also supporting their legal needs in personal injury cases.

Clinical Correlation and Dual Diagnosis

Dr. Jimenez’s approach begins with understanding how the forces of an accident affect the body. He uses a “dual-scope” method, combining chiropractic and medical evaluations to diagnose injuries accurately. For example, a patient with neck pain might have both a musculoskeletal issue (like whiplash) and a nerve problem (like radiculopathy). By identifying these dual diagnoses, Dr. Jimenez creates personalized treatment plans that address all aspects of the injury (Jimenez, 2025).

Diagnostic Assessments and Advanced Imaging

Dr. Jimenez utilizes advanced tools to identify the underlying causes of pain. These include:

  • X-rays and MRIs: These imaging tests reveal spinal misalignments, disc herniations, or soft tissue damage.
  • CT Scans: These provide detailed images of bones and joints.
  • Electromyography (EMG): This test assesses nerve function to detect issues such as numbness or weakness.
  • Functional Movement Screens: These assessments evaluate how injuries impact movement and posture.

These tools help Dr. Jimenez confirm injuries and create evidence for legal claims. For example, an MRI might show a herniated disc that explains a patient’s arm pain, supporting both treatment and insurance claims (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

Chiropractic and Integrative Medicine

Dr. Jimenez’s treatments focus on addressing the root causes of pain, rather than just its symptoms. His methods include:

  • Spinal Adjustments: These realign the spine to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility. They’re effective for whiplash and back pain (Personal Injury Doctor Group, 2025).
  • Soft Tissue Therapies: These include massage and myofascial release to relax muscles and reduce inflammation.
  • Functional Medicine: Dr. Jimenez addresses systemic issues, such as inflammation and hormonal imbalances, through nutrition and lifestyle changes. For example, an anti-inflammatory diet can help reduce swelling and support healing (Jimenez, 2025).
  • Rehabilitation exercises strengthen muscles and improve posture to help prevent chronic pain.

This integrative approach helps patients recover fully and improves their overall health by addressing diet, stress, and movement.

Legal Support in Personal Injury Cases

Dr. Jimenez’s dual licensure makes him uniquely qualified to handle the legal aspects of MVA cases. He provides detailed medical reports that document injuries, treatments, and progress. These reports are crucial for insurance claims and lawsuits, as they prove the extent of injuries and the need for care. For example, his imaging results and neurological tests can show how a crash caused specific injuries, helping patients get fair compensation (Wellness Doctor Rx, 2025).

Success Stories

Dr. Jimenez has helped many patients recover. For example, a 35-year-old woman with whiplash and headaches saw a 90% improvement in symptoms after six weeks of spinal adjustments, massage therapy, and nutritional counseling (El Paso Back Clinic, n.d.). Another patient, a 32-year-old teacher, recovered from neck pain and arm numbness with a combination of chiropractic care and posture rehab (Wellness Doctor Rx, 2025). These cases demonstrate how Dr. Jimenez’s methods yield tangible results.

References

Combining Massage Therapy and Chiropractic Care

Massage therapy and chiropractic care work well together for MVA recovery. Chiropractic adjustments fix spinal misalignments, while massage therapy relaxes muscles and reduces tension. For example, a Swedish massage can prepare the body for an adjustment by loosening tight muscles, making the spine easier to realign (MVAMVP, n.d.). Trigger point therapy can also target specific pain areas, complementing chiropractic care for nerve injuries (Curezone Physiotherapy, n.d.).

Dr. Jimenez often incorporates massage therapy into his treatment plans. His team employs techniques such as myofascial release to enhance flexibility and alleviate pain, which complements chiropractic adjustments. This combination enables patients to recover more quickly and prevents long-term issues like chronic pain or poor posture (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).

References

Recovery Timeline and Tips

Recovery from MVA injuries varies depending on the injury’s severity. Minor injuries, such as muscle strains, may improve in a few weeks with massage and chiropractic care, while severe injuries, like herniated discs or nerve damage, may take months (Primary Rehab, n.d.). Here are some tips for recovery:

  • Seek Care Early: Get a medical evaluation within 72 hours of an accident to catch injuries early (El Paso Back Clinic, 2025).
  • Follow Treatment Plans: Stick to your chiropractor’s and massage therapist’s recommendations for best results.
  • Practice Self-Care: Eat an anti-inflammatory diet, stay hydrated, and engage in gentle stretches to support your healing.
  • Address Emotional Health: Talk to a counselor or join a support group if you’re feeling anxious or stressed.

Dr. Jimenez’s integrative approach, which combines chiropractic care, massage therapy, and functional medicine, helps patients recover more quickly and feel better overall.

References

Conclusion

Motor vehicle accidents can cause serious spinal, musculoskeletal, and nerve injuries, along with emotional distress. Massage therapy, with techniques like Swedish, deep tissue, and trigger point therapy, helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and ease stress. Dr. Alexander Jimenez’s expertise in chiropractic care and integrative medicine takes recovery to the next level. His use of advanced imaging, dual diagnosis, and personalized treatment plans addresses the root causes of injuries, while his legal documentation supports personal injury cases. By combining massage therapy with chiropractic care, patients can recover faster, regain their health, and improve their quality of life.

References

Biotone. (n.d.). The benefits of massage after a car accident. Retrieved from https://biotone.com/blogs/intouch/the-benefits-of-massage-after-a-car-accident

Boulder Sports Clinic. (n.d.). The benefits of massage for PTSD and trauma healing: Body and mind. Retrieved from https://www.bouldersportsclinic.com/blog/the-benefits-of-massage-for-ptsd-and-trauma-healing-body-and-mind

Curezone Physiotherapy. (n.d.). Role of massage therapy in motor vehicle accident rehabilitation. Retrieved from https://curezonephysiotherapy.com/role-of-massage-therapy-in-motor-vehicle-accident-rehabilitation

Denver Chiropractic. (n.d.). Can massage therapy help treat car accident injuries? Retrieved from https://denver-chiropractic.com/can-massage-therapy-help-treat-car-accident-injuries

East Bay Chiropractic Office. (n.d.). Benefits of massage therapy after a car accident. Retrieved from https://eastbaychiropracticoffice.com/blog/benefits-of-massage-therapy-after-a-car-accident

East Bridge Massage Portland. (2021). 5 types of massage you need after a car accident. Retrieved from https://eastbridgemassageportland.com/2021/5-types-of-massage-you-need-after-a-car-accident

El Paso Back Clinic. (2025). Car accident GI injuries: Recovery and rehabilitation options. Retrieved from https://elpasobackclinic.com/car-accident-gi-injuries-recovery-rehabilitation-options

El Paso Back Clinic. (2025). Dr. Jimenez injury rehabilitation: Effective MVA care. Retrieved from https://elpasobackclinic.com/dr-jimenez-injury-rehabilitation-effective-mva-care

El Paso Back Clinic. (2025). Spinal alignment pain relief for motor vehicle injuries. Retrieved from https://elpasobackclinic.com/spinal-alignment-pain-relief-motor-vehicle-injuries

Farah & Farah. (2023). Traumatic accidents & mental health. Retrieved from https://farahandfarah.com/traumatic-accidents-mental-health

Jimenez, A. (2025). Injury medical & chiropractic clinic. Retrieved from https://elpasobackclinic.com/

Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy. (2016). Mechanisms and mitigation of head and spinal injuries due to motor vehicle crashes. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 46(10), 826-833. https://doi.org/10.2519/jospt.2016.6416

Mind Body Med Seattle. (n.d.). Can massage therapy fix whiplash? Retrieved from https://mindbodymedseattle.com/can-massage-therapy-fix-whiplash

MVAMVP. (n.d.). Discover the benefits of massage therapy after a car accident. Retrieved from https://mvamvp.com/discover-the-benefits-of-massage-therapy-after-a-car-accident

MVAMVP. (n.d.). How massage therapy helps with motor vehicle accident injuries. Retrieved from https://mvamvp.com/how-massage-therapy-helps-with-motor-vehicle-accident-injuries

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2025). Spinal cord injury. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/spinal-cord-injury

Novus Spine Center. (2025). Motor vehicle injuries: Types of pain after accidents. Retrieved from https://novusspinecenter.com/motor-vehicle-injuries-types-pain-after-accidents

Personal Injury Doctor Group. (2025). Motor vehicle accidents and treatment options for back pain. Retrieved from https://personalinjurydoctorgroup.com/motor-vehicle-accidents-treatment-options-back-pain

Primary Rehab. (n.d.). Healing your mind and body after a traumatic event: Massage therapy Delta. Retrieved from https://primaryrehab.com/healing-your-mind-and-body-after-a-traumatic-event-massage-therapy-delta

Revive Injury. (n.d.). What is trigger point therapy? Retrieved from https://www.reviveinjury.com/what-trigger-point-therapy

Sage Bodywork Seattle. (n.d.). Massage for whiplash. Retrieved from https://www.sagebodyworkseattle.com/post/massage-for-whiplash

Sherman, K. J., Cook, A. J., Wellman, R. D., Hawkes, R. J., Kahn, J. R., Deyo, R. A., & Cherkin, D. C. (2015). Five-week outcomes from a randomized trial of massage for neck pain. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 30(6), 742-749. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-015-3220-9

Wellness Doctor Rx. (2025). Dr. Alexander Jimenez expertise for MVA healing. Retrieved from https://wellnessdoctorrx.com/dr-alexander-jimenez-expertise-mva-healing

Wu, Y., Zhang, Z., Wang, F., & Wang, W. (2022). Current status of traumatic spinal cord injury caused by traffic accident in Northern China. Scientific Reports, 12(1), 12345. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-17208-7

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The information on "Trigger Point Therapy MVAs Explained for Patients" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

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Welcome to the wellness blog of El Paso Back Clinic, where Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, FNP-C, a board-certified Family Practice Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) and Chiropractor (DC), presents insights on how our team is dedicated to holistic healing and personalized care. Our practice aligns with evidence-based treatment protocols inspired by integrative medicine principles, similar to those found on dralexjimenez.com, focusing on restoring health naturally for patients of all ages.

Our areas of chiropractic practice include  Wellness & Nutrition, Chronic Pain, Personal Injury, Auto Accident Care, Work Injuries, Back Injury, Low Back Pain, Neck Pain, Migraine Headaches, Sports Injuries, Severe Sciatica, Scoliosis, Complex Herniated Discs, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Complex Injuries, Stress Management, Functional Medicine Treatments, and in-scope care protocols.

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