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Soft tissue damage is the most common physical injury sustained by passengers involved in motor vehicle collisions. Muscles, ligaments, tendons, joint capsules and intervertebral discs are participially vulnerable to the acceleration/deceleration forces inflicted by motor vehicular trauma. Compelling scientific studies verify that damage to the capsular ligaments in the cervical spine can occur at speeds as low as 2.5 mph. Soft tissue injuries, if improperly treated, often result in chronic disability. Some studies verify that up to 70% of injured individuals remain symptomatic 10 years post trauma. 

While fractured bones heal with callus formation and are subsequently stronger at the repair site, soft tissue injuries heal by remodeling with scar tissue formation. This tissue is inherently weaker, stiffer (less elastic) and much more sensitive than original tissue, unless optimal remodeling is achieved. The goal must be to always achieve optimal remodeling, which is not always an easy task.

Originally, conventional treatment for soft tissue injuries involved complete immobilization for 6 to 8 weeks in an effort to regain function. This lengthy rehabilitation process produced disappointing results as it promoted a greater proliferation of disorganized, weaker and more sensitive scar formation. The inferior scar formation created greater disability, and, often, permanent impairment.

It is important to initiate passive motion to the injury site once it has been deemed stable. Manual motion or gentle mechanical motion is utilized to the patient's tolerance. Passive motion prevents joint rigidity and disuse atrophy of muscles by increasing circulation to the injury site, which delivers vital nutrients and removes toxic waste products.

Once the patient can tolerate increased passive mobilization, chiropractic manipulation is performed to areas of restricted joint movement and misalignment. Because a high velocity/low force technique is utilized, the process is virtually painless. The benefit of chiropractic manipulation is the restoration of joint mobility to its para physiological limit (full movement), thus preventing the stiffness and decreased range of motion that often occur with soft tissue injuries.

Once proper motion is restored to the joints and soft tissue, and painful trigger points have been eliminated, a specific therapeutic exercise regimen (active motion) is prescribed to strengthen the soft tissue. The greatest possibility of soft tissue healing is achieved, in summary, through passive, active and para physiological motion.