Even if you've only been doing massage for a few weeks, chances are you've worked with someone suffering from a car accident injury. This is one of the most common reasons people seek out massage. Accidents that don't seem like that big of a deal at the onset can still end up causing injuries many years later. That's why educating ourselves and our clients on the best aftercare is a great way to serve this population in need.

After a Car Accident

Essential oils can enhance the desired effects of massage and can be used when massage is contraindicated. Many therapists will advise people to avoid massage immediately after an accident because the body's musculoskeletal system needs a chance to recover from the inflicted trauma. Clients may also take precautions by seeking medical evaluation, and this should be done prior to seeing a massage therapist.

After ruling out major injuries like herniated discs, strains, and sprains, clients can treat themselves before and after massage sessions with topical analgesics and anti-inflammatories. Essential oils can be a wonderful remedy to use at home and/or in the treatment room. The two biggest complaints clients may have following a car accident is that they feel sore and/or they feel pain.

It can take a few days for the body to fully feel the impact of a collision, but by reducing inflammation and the sensation of pain, we can help the client feel better. Many essential oils have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation in the body caused by trauma to the tissues. But that is not the only benefit of using aromatherapy in this scenario. Many essential oils are also analgesic, or pain-relieving. We might want to use essential oils that can help reduce spasms in the body as well, so the tissues can calm down.

Good for Topical Use

Three common essential oils that are perfect for topical use in these cases are Lavender, Frankincense, and Eucalyptus.

Each of these oils can be used on their own or in a blend. Here is a recipe for a Trauma Blend with these essential oils:

3 drops Eucalyptus

5 drops Frankincense

7 drops Lavender 

Remember, these oils should be used in one ounce of the carrier oil.

Feel free to make a larger batch of this blend and adjust it to your liking. If you don't want a blend with a softer scent, swipe out the Eucalyptus for Myrrh (Commiphora myrrha). Myrrh is another wonderful essential oil for inflammation and trauma that goes great with Lavender and Frankincense. There are many essential oils to choose from when helping our clients heal from the trauma of a car accident. Explore the properties of the oils you most like to work with, and look for ones that can help to reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle spasms if needed.

Massage can be a saving grace in the sometimes long journey back to recovering from a car accident. Enjoy enhancing your therapeutic sessions with essential oils.