Massage Therapy After a Motor Vehicle Accident
If you've been in a car accident in Portland, you may be dealing with more than just physical pain. Navigating insurance, referrals, and recovery all at once is a lot. At Rose City Massage & Wellness, we try to make at least one part of it simple.
Oregon law requires every auto insurance policy to include Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which covers massage therapy as part of your medical recovery from a motor vehicle accident. We bill your insurer directly, and most clients pay nothing out of pocket.
Book Accident Recovery MassageQuestions? Call us at (503) 974-6002. We're happy to talk through how it works.
Oregon PIP and Motor Vehicle Accidents
Oregon's Personal Injury Protection law means that if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident as a driver, passenger, cyclist, or pedestrian, your auto insurance is required to cover your medical care, including massage therapy. The minimum coverage is $15,000 over two years, and it applies regardless of who was at fault.
Most people don't realize this coverage exists until they need it. If you've recently been in an MVA and are dealing with neck pain, back pain, headaches, or soft tissue tension, you likely have benefits you can use.
How It Works
Book Your Session
Select MVA Accident Recovery Massage when booking online. We'll reach out after to confirm your claim details before your first visit.
Bring Your Referral
Oregon PIP requires a written referral from your doctor or chiropractor before we can bill your insurer. If you haven't seen one yet, do so as soon as possible after your accident.
We Handle the Rest
We verify your benefits and submit claims directly to your insurer. You focus on healing.
What We Treat
After a motor vehicle accident, soft tissue injuries are among the most common and most undertreated. Muscles, tendons, and connective tissue absorb the impact of a collision in ways that don't always show up on imaging, but they can respond well to hands-on care.
Whiplash & Neck Pain
The most common car accident injury. We use targeted techniques to restore range of motion and reduce referred pain.
Upper & Lower Back Pain
Accident-related back pain responds well to hands-on soft tissue work, whether it's sharp or a deep, persistent ache.
Shoulder Tension
Restricted movement and tightness after impact are common. We work to free up stuck tissue and restore your range of motion.
Headaches
Cervical injuries often cause persistent headaches. Releasing tension in the neck and base of skull can bring real relief.
Muscle Spasms
Chronic spasming is a normal trauma response. We help calm the nervous system and release tension held in the affected tissue.
General Soft Tissue Trauma
Even without broken bones, the body carries accident trauma. Massage helps restore circulation and support your natural healing process.
Our Approach to MVA Care
We approach every MVA client the same way we approach all of our clients: with a thorough intake, genuine attention to what your body is telling you, and a treatment plan built around your specific injuries and goals. While motor vehicle accident massage is clinical work (and requires documentation, careful charting, and coordination with your insurer) the session itself is an intentional sanctuary for you and your healing.
What Our Clients Say
“Elexis is very thorough and uses targeted techniques to help relieve my chronic neck/shoulder pain & tension. While relaxing and rejuvenating, I appreciate that I'm also receiving a therapeutic treatment with service and care that exceeds expectations.”
— Faith F.
“My low back pain has been an issue recently but her deep tissue is a layer by layer approach that allowed me to move again when I got off her table.”
— India H.
“Elexis was really good at getting into specific spots to help with my neck and shoulder discomfort. She knew how to find and target the exact problem points”
— Paul F.
What to Bring to Your First Appointment
- Your auto insurance claim number.
- Your adjuster's name and phone number
- A referral or prescription for massage therapy from your doctor or chiropractor
Don't have everything yet? Call us at (503) 974-6002 and we'll help you figure out the next step.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral?
Yes. Oregon PIP requires a prescription for massage therapy from a licensed physician, chiropractor, naturopath, or nurse practitioner before we can bill your insurer. If you haven't seen one yet, do so as soon as possible after your accident.
Will I owe anything out of pocket?
In most cases, no. PIP covers the full cost of treatment up to your policy limit. If your benefits are exhausted before your treatment is complete, we'll notify you in advance. You'll sign a simple financial agreement before your first session outlining how this works.
How many sessions are covered?
Up to your PIP limit, which is typically $15,000 over two years from the date of your accident. The number of sessions depends on your treatment plan and the amount remaining in your benefits. We can work with you to map this out.
What if I've already used some of my PIP benefits?
We'll verify your remaining balance before your first session so there are no surprises.
How soon after a motor vehicle accident should I start massage therapy?
As soon as you have a referral from your doctor or chiropractor. Early soft tissue treatment often leads to better outcomes. Don't wait until the pain feels unbearable. Oregon PIP covers treatment from the date of your accident, and it's typically in your best interest to start your healing journey as soon as possible.
What if I was a pedestrian or cyclist — not in a car?
Oregon PIP still covers you. If you were hit by a vehicle as a pedestrian or cyclist, the driver's PIP applies to your medical expenses.
How do I file a PIP claim with my auto insurer?
Call the claims number on the back of your insurance card and tell them you were injured in a motor vehicle accident and want to file a PIP claim for medical treatment. They'll assign you a claim number and an adjuster. Write down the adjuster's name and phone number. Once you have that information, you're ready to book.
What if I don't know whether I have PIP coverage?
Every Oregon auto insurance policy is required by law to include Personal Injury Protection. If you have Oregon auto insurance, you have PIP. If you were in an accident as a pedestrian or cyclist and don't have your own auto policy, the driver's PIP coverage applies to you.
Begin your healing journey.
Recovering from a motor vehicle accident takes time. We're here to support you in that process without adding more paperwork to your plate. When you're ready, book online or give us a call.
Book Accident Recovery Massage