Post–Head Impact Presentation — Observed Response to Gentle Soft-Tissue Care

Overview

This example describes observable symptoms and responses noted during massage therapy treatment following a minor head impact.

It reflects one individual presentation during a single session and is provided for educational purposes only.

Presentation

  • Several days prior to treatment, the patient struck their head on the underside of a table while reaching downward.

  • At the time of the session, the patient reported:

  • Localized head tenderness at the impact site

  • Nausea, particularly with positional changes

  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Cognitive fog and reduced clarity

  • Head pressure or internal heaviness

  • A general sense of autonomic imbalance (“feeling off”)

  • The patient reported no worsening of symptoms since the incident.

  • No red-flag symptoms were present, and orientation and basic observation were within normal limits.

Treatment Approach

  • A single 90-minute massage therapy session was provided, emphasizing gentle, non-provocative contact.

  • Treatment included:

  • Gentle cranial and scalp soft-tissue work

  • Upper cervical and suboccipital soft-tissue contact

  • Techniques intended to support autonomic calming

  • Gentle diaphragm and upper-abdominal soft-tissue contact to support breathing efficiency

  • Slow pacing, minimal verbal input, and predictable transitions

  • No forceful, high-velocity, or aggressive techniques were used.

Observations During and After Treatment

  • Symptom observations By the end of the session, the patient reported:

  • Absence of nausea

  • Absence of dizziness or lightheadedness

  • Resolution of cognitive fog

  • No remaining head pressure or heaviness

  • Markedly reduced tenderness at the impact site

  • The patient reported feeling mentally clear and physically stable upon standing.

  • Breathing and soft-tissue observations

  • Breathing appeared smoother and less effortful

  • Reduced upper-chest dominance was observed

  • Cranial and upper cervical tissues felt less guarded on gentle palpation

  • No adverse responses were noted.

Clinical Context

Following minor head impacts, symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, head pressure, or cognitive fog may be influenced by a combination of cervical tension, breathing patterns, sensory input, and autonomic regulation.

Massage therapy may support comfort and regulation in some individuals.

Responses vary and are influenced by multiple factors.

This example documents observations only and does not establish causation or predict outcomes.

Important Note on Case Examples

This scenario describes a single individual’s presentation and observed response at one point in time.

It does not represent typical outcomes and does not guarantee similar results for others.