Supporting Brain, Body, and Nervous System Healing-Gently and Effectively

Concussions affect far more than just the head. They can leave lingering symptoms throughout the body-headaches, dizziness, neck and jaw tension, vision changes, brain fog, fatigue, and difficulty focusing. These effects can persist well beyond the initial injury, and for some, they develop into post-concussion syndrome.

Massage therapy, when provided by a trained and trauma-informed therapist, can offer meaningful support in your recovery process.

How Massage Therapy Helps after a Concussion:

• Relieves Head, Neck, and shoulder Tension: Injury often causes protective muscles guarding. Gentle, specific techniques help restore mobility and comfort.
• Calms the Nervous System: Soothing Touch can shift the body out of fight-or-flight, reducing over stimulation and supporting sleep, focus, and clarity.
• Improves blood and Lymphatic Flow: Enhances circulation to the brain and surrounding tissues, encouraging natural detox and repair processes.
• Supports Whole-Body Integration: Concussions often disrupt how the body organizes itself. Skilled manual therapy can gently reorient balance, proprioception, and coordination.

What to Expect:

Each session is tailored to your comfort, symptoms, and stage of recovery. Whether you are weeks or years post-injury, treatment can be adapted to support where you are now.

• A calm, quiet environment with minimal light and noise
• Assessment of posture, sensitivity to face and head, jaw movement, neck range, or scar history if applicable
• Gentle hands-on work-often focusing on the head, neck, diaphragm and spine
• Emphasis on grounding, safety, and consent throughout your care

If mobility, temperature or over stimulation are concerns, please mention this ahead of time-your comfort matters.

Who Should Seek Medical Clearance First?

Massage Therapy is non-invasive and generally safe. However, medical clearance may be required before starting treatment if you:
• Are within the first 7-10 days after concussion
• Experience worsening or fluctuation symptoms
• Have been advised  by a physician to rest completely
• Have not yet undergone medical evaluation

You are welcome to contact us for guidance if you are unsure. We are happy to collaborate with your care team when needed.

Precautions & Contraindications

Your safety comes first. While massage therapy can be deeply supportive in concussion recovery, there are situations where care must be modified or postponed:

Massage may not be recommended if you currently have:
• Acute or worsening neurological symptoms (e.g, Vision loss, vomiting, seizure activity)
• Active brain bleeds or skull fractures
• Uncontrolled high blood pressure
• Severe dizziness or balance instability
• Recent whiplash or spinal injury not yet cleared by a medical doctor
• Signs of increased intracranial pressure

Precautions include:
• Light sensitivity, sound sentivity, or overstimulation
• History of seizures or migraines
• Post-concussion anxiety or trauma triggers
• Fatigue or inability to tolerate touch or positional changes
If you are unsure whether massage therapy is appropriate for your stage of recovery, please consult your Physician and obtain medical clearance prior to booking and appoinment.

Medications to Disclose

Massage therapy can interact with certain medications in ways that may increase risk or require treatment adjustments. Please inform your therapist of all current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, and recent injections (e.g., Botox, Corticosteroids).

Why it Matters:

• Blood Thinners (e.g, Warfarin, Asprin, Plavix): May increase bruising or internal bleeding risk.
• Anti-inflammatories and pain killers (NSAIDs, opiods): May dull pain feedback, masking tissue damage.
• Steroids (oral or injected): May weaken connective tissue or thin skin.
• Muscle relaxants or sedatives: Can increase the risk of light-headedness or falling asleep during or after treatment.
• Insulin or diabetic medications: Can impact blood sugar regulation; massage may lower blood sugar levels unexpectedly.
• Chemotherapy or immunosuppressants: Require extra precautions for infection control and lymphatic sensitivity.
• Hormone therapy or antidepressants: May affect tissue response, emotional reactivity, or circulatory response.

If you are Unsure

If you are uncertain how your medications may interact with massage therapy, please consult your healthcare providers for clearance prior to treatment. We are happy to adapt your session accordingly once we understand your current needs and safety requirements.

Advanced Training & Trauma-Informed Approach

This practice includes additional training in concussion-sensitive techniques, scar tissue release, and nervous system regulation. Your experience will always prioritize safety, comfort and collaboration.

Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?

Accepting new patients for Concussion Recovery Care.
Referrals are welcome, but not required.

Online booking with Lotus Chan RMT available at:

www.bellesmeremassage.com