Whiplash & Neck Pain Relief in Calgary
Whiplash and neck injuries can leave you with stiffness, headaches and pain that lingers long after a car accident or fall. Even without an accident, desk work and stress can lock the neck and shoulders up.
At Drift Acupuncture & Wellness in South West Calgary, we combine Acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Massage Therapy to ease neck pain, restore movement and calm the tension that builds after an injury.
Common Whiplash & Neck Concerns
We frequently see clients experiencing:
- Neck pain and stiffness after a car accident (MVA)
- Reduced range of motion turning the head
- Headaches starting at the base of the skull
- Shoulder and upper back tension
- Tingling or pain into the arms
Our Approach
Our Calgary clinic assesses how your neck moves and where it's guarding, then treats the neck, shoulders and upper back together to restore comfortable movement.
1. Benefits
Acupuncture and massage therapy may help neck pain by:
- Reducing Pain: Acupuncture may help ease neck pain and the headaches that come with it.
- Restoring Movement: Releasing tight, guarded muscles can improve how far and how comfortably you can turn your head.
- Calming the Body After Trauma: Treatments help settle the nervous system, which is often on high alert after an accident.
2. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
In TCM, an acute neck injury creates Qi and Blood stagnation in the channels that run through the neck and shoulders.
- Stagnation: Sharp, fixed pain and stiffness after an injury.
- Restoring Flow: Treatment moves Qi and Blood, relaxes the sinews and supports healing of the soft tissue.
During Your Treatment
Points are used around the neck and shoulders along with distal points on the hands. Cupping and gua sha are often added to release the upper back.
Treatments at our Calgary clinic may incorporate:
- Acupuncture & Electro-Acupuncture
- Motor / Trigger Point Needling
- Cupping & Gua Sha
- Therapeutic Massage Therapy
- Home Care & Movement Guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use acupuncture for a car accident claim?
Acupuncture and massage therapy are often part of MVA recovery plans in Alberta. Check with your insurer about coverage, and keep your receipts for your claim.
How soon after an accident can I come in?
Gentle treatment can start soon after an injury once a doctor has ruled out anything serious.
How many sessions will I need?
Everyone responds differently. Many clients start with weekly sessions for several weeks, then space them out as things improve. Your practitioner will recommend a plan after your initial assessment.
Should I keep seeing my doctor?
Yes. Acupuncture works alongside medical care, not in place of it. Please keep your physician informed and continue any treatment they have prescribed.
Acupuncture and massage therapy are complementary therapies and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician. Results vary from person to person. Please continue any care prescribed by your medical provider.