A car accident leaves more than a damaged vehicle. Whiplash, soft tissue injuries, and the lingering muscle guarding that follows a collision can persist for months — and standard massage alone rarely addresses the underlying dysfunction. MVA Massage at That's The Rub is physician-guided, clinically structured work designed specifically for motor vehicle accident recovery in Bloomington, Indiana.
What Is MVA Massage?
MVA stands for Motor Vehicle Accident. MVA massage is clinical massage therapy focused on the injuries that result from car, truck, and motorcycle collisions: whiplash, cervical strain, thoracic compression, shoulder impingement, and the chronic muscle guarding patterns the body develops in response to trauma. It differs from standard therapeutic massage in that sessions are guided by your physician's treatment plan, targeting the specific injury profile documented in your medical records.
Every TTR therapist is trained in the KI Process™ through The Keplinger Institute — a structured clinical methodology that ensures your MVA sessions are systematic, documented, and coordinated with your broader medical care.
How MVA Massage Works at TTR
Bring your physician's referral or treatment notes to your first session. Your therapist will review your documented injuries, identify compensatory patterns that have developed since the accident, and build a session plan targeting the areas your recovery requires most. Progress is tracked across sessions so your treating physician can monitor outcomes.
Common treatment areas include the cervical spine and suboccipital muscles (whiplash), upper trapezius and levator scapulae, thoracic paraspinals, and the hip and lumbar region when seatbelt or impact forces have affected the lower body.
What Injuries Does MVA Massage Address?
MVA massage at TTR is most commonly used for whiplash and cervical strain, soft tissue injuries to the shoulders and upper back, thoracic compression and rib injuries, chronic muscle guarding and protective spasm, headaches arising from cervical tension post-accident, and limited range of motion in the neck and shoulders following collision.
MVA Massage Pricing — Bloomington, Indiana
MVA Massage is priced at the Advanced service tier, reflecting the clinical preparation and documentation involved in each session:
| Session Length | Rate |
|---|---|
| 60 minutes | $140 |
| 90 minutes | $210 |
| 120 minutes | $280 |
TTR does not bill auto insurance directly. Bring documentation of your accident and physician referral to your first session. Many clients submit for reimbursement through their auto insurance PIP (Personal Injury Protection) coverage after payment.
Book MVA Massage in Bloomington
That's The Rub is located at 205 N. College Ave, Suite 150, Bloomington, Indiana 47404. If you've been in a car accident and your physician has recommended massage therapy as part of your recovery, book online or call to schedule your first MVA session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a physician referral to book MVA massage?
A referral isn't required to book, but it's strongly recommended. A physician referral allows your therapist to align treatment with your documented injury profile and creates the medical record continuity that supports insurance reimbursement. If you haven't seen a doctor yet after your accident, do that first.
How soon after a car accident should I start massage therapy?
After your physician has cleared you for massage — typically once acute inflammation has stabilized, which is usually 72 hours to 2 weeks post-accident depending on injury severity. Starting too soon after a significant collision can aggravate inflamed tissue. Your doctor will advise on timing.
Will my auto insurance cover massage therapy?
Many Indiana auto insurance policies include Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage that reimburses massage therapy when it is part of a physician-directed treatment plan. TTR does not bill insurance directly, but we can provide itemized receipts and session documentation to support your claim. Consult your insurance adjuster and personal injury attorney if you have one.
How many sessions will I need?
Recovery timelines vary considerably by injury severity. Minor whiplash may resolve in 6–8 sessions over 4–6 weeks. More significant soft tissue injuries may require 3–6 months of regular work. Your therapist will reassess progress at each session and adjust accordingly.
Is MVA massage different from regular therapeutic massage?
Yes. MVA massage is structured around a documented injury profile, coordinated with medical care, and tracked across sessions for outcomes. It's not a relaxation session or even a general therapeutic massage — it's clinical treatment work with a specific recovery goal. TTR's therapists are trained in the KI Process™ to deliver this level of care.
