The Top 5 Mistakes People Make After a Car Accident (And How to Avoid Them)
by Dr. Stephen Thompson, LAc, DC
Even when the crash is minor, the aftermath of a car accident can feel overwhelming. The adrenaline wears off, your neck gets stiff, and suddenly you're tangled up in insurance calls, appointments, and uncertainty.
As a licensed acupuncturist, massage therapist, and chiropractor with over a decade of experience in personal injury care and billing, I've helped hundreds of people find relief—and avoid unnecessary stress—after a car accident.
But in those first few days? Most people make the same mistakes.
Let’s break them down so you can heal smarter, not harder.
Mistake #1: Waiting Too Long to Get Care
You may feel "okay" at first, but many injuries—especially whiplash, soft tissue strain, and spinal misalignment—don’t show up until days or even weeks later. Adrenaline can mask pain, and it's easy to assume that minor stiffness will fade. But waiting too long can complicate your case, delay healing, and even jeopardize your insurance coverage.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD:
Book your first visit as soon as possible, even if it’s just to assess how your body’s doing. At Stockheart Whole Health, we know what to look for—even the subtle signs most clinics miss.
We offer comprehensive evaluations that prioritize gentle touch, functional movement assessments, and a trauma-informed lens. Whether you're feeling tender, disoriented, or simply not yourself, our goal is to help you understand what's going on in your body and how to recover with confidence.
Mistake #2: Not Using Your Full Insurance Benefits
Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means your personal injury protection (PIP) benefits can cover medical expenses, even if you were at fault for the accident.
Too many people pay out of pocket or skip care altogether because they’re not sure what’s covered. Others give up after being overwhelmed by insurance paperwork or denied claims.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD:
We make it easy. Our team is deeply experienced in personal injury billing and coding, so you can get the care you need without worrying about insurance. We communicate directly with adjusters and attorneys when needed, and we document your treatment clearly and professionally.
Most importantly, we advocate for you. We want you to get the full care you’re entitled to, and we know how to make sure that happens.
Mistake #3: Only Treating the Physical Symptoms
Car accidents affect more than just your neck and back. Your nervous system takes a hit, too. Stress, anxiety, sleep issues, irritability, and even digestive changes are common post-accident responses.
Why? Because your body went into survival mode. And even if the accident was "just a fender bender," your nervous system remembers.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD:
Choose a care team that treats the whole you. At Stockheart Whole Health, our approach is integrative, which means your physical and emotional wellbeing are both prioritized.
Acupuncture is incredibly effective at calming the nervous system. It helps regulate your stress response, reduce inflammation, and improve sleep and mood.
Massage therapy works on both muscle tissue and emotional regulation. Through safe, slow, intentional touch, it helps discharge tension stored in the body.
Chiropractic care restores alignment and movement, improving nervous system function and reducing pain without aggressive force or cracking.
By addressing the full spectrum of your experience, we help you get back to yourself—faster and more completely.
Mistake #4: Going to a Clinic That Feels Rushed or Generic
Some clinics treat personal injury like a numbers game: get patients in and out, do the bare minimum, and bill the insurance. You deserve better.
You deserve to feel seen, heard, and cared for. And you deserve to know that your recovery is in skilled, compassionate hands.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD:
At our clinic in Uptown Minneapolis, you’ll work one-on-one with Dr. Stephen at every visit. You won’t be passed between providers or rushed through an impersonal system.
Each treatment is customized to your needs that day, and your care plan evolves as you do. Whether you need gentle bodywork, targeted acupuncture, a supportive adjustment, or just a quiet space to breathe—we're here to provide it.
Our focus is on deep, lasting healing, not just checking boxes.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Emotional Trauma
Even if the crash seemed “small,” your body might still be holding onto fear and tension. It might show up as hyper-vigilance, trouble sleeping, unexplained anxiety, or emotional shutdown. And these are real injuries, too.
WHAT TO DO INSTEAD:
Recovery is physical and emotional. That’s why our space is quiet, warm, and trauma-informed. We don’t just treat your symptoms—we help your whole system settle.
Each treatment is a chance to reconnect with your body in a safe, empowering way. We pace our sessions gently, ask before touching, and create space for your nervous system to breathe.
Your healing journey deserves compassion and time.
What Sets Our Clinic Apart
At Stockheart Whole Health, we offer a rare combination of:
Licensed acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care
Over a decade of experience working with car accident recovery
Mastery in personal injury billing and coding
Gentle, trauma-informed treatments tailored to each person
A small, private practice feel with high-level clinical care
We also believe healing should fit your life—not the other way around. That’s why we take a personalized approach to every treatment plan. Whether you need frequent visits for a short burst of care or a slower pace over time, we’ll design a plan that aligns with your goals, your schedule, and your capacity.
Our clinic isn’t flashy or corporate. It’s built for real people who want real healing.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
We know the idea of starting care can feel intimidating. That’s why we make your first visit simple and welcoming:
We listen to your story. We want to understand what happened, how you’re feeling, and what matters most to you.
We assess your whole body. We’ll look at posture, movement, muscle tension, and nervous system balance.
We start treatment right away. Most people leave their first visit feeling relief and clarity.
We help with insurance. We’ll explain your coverage and take care of billing, so you can focus on healing.
Our Services
Acupunture
Acupuncture is a time-tested technique that promotes natural healing by stimulating specific points on the body. It’s highly effective in reducing pain, improving circulation, and accelerating recovery after an accident.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is not only relaxing, it’s also incredibly effective for treating soft tissue injuries, reducing muscle tension, and increasing mobility. Post-accident, massage therapy helps the body heal from both physical and emotional trauma.
Chiropractic Care
Our gentle chiropractic approach restores natural movement and alignment without forceful cracking. Ideal for accident recovery, chiropractic care supports nervous system health, reduces inflammation, and helps your body feel safe, stable, and strong again.
Your Next Step
You don’t have to wait for symptoms to get worse. And you don’t have to figure this out on your own.
If you’ve been in a car accident, now is the time to get support.
At Stockheart Whole Health, we create treatment plans that are personalized to your body, your schedule, and your healing goals. Whether you need more support up front or prefer to take it slow, we’ll work with you to make recovery realistic and sustainable.
Let’s make your healing as smooth, supported, and stress-free as possible.
📍 Conveniently located in Uptown Minneapolis
📞 Compassionate, clear communication
🧾 Insurance billing done for you
💆♂️ Real relief—without the overwhelm
Dr. Stephen Thompson is a licensed acupuncturist, chiropractor, and massage therapist serving the Minneapolis community. He specializes in integrative care for personal injury recovery and is committed to helping clients heal with dignity, comfort, and confidence.