How often and how long will I need treatment after an MVA?

Consistency matters most — twice a week is typically most effective. Your practitioner will walk you through the expected length of care as your recovery progresses.

MOTOR VEHICLE ACCIDENT CARE

Recovering from a car accident? ICBC covers your acupuncture care.

If you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in BC, you're automatically pre-authorized for up to 12 acupuncture treatments — regardless of fault. No doctor's referral, no upfront payment. Just bring your ICBC claim number and we handle the rest.

COVERAGE

Getting started is simple

No referral required

You don't need a doctor's note or ICBC adjuster approval to start. Just bring your claim number to your first visit.

No upfront payment

We bill ICBC directly on your behalf. There's nothing to pay out of pocket and no extra charges at the clinic.

Pre-approved coverage

Up to 12 treatments within 12 weeks of your accident are covered automatically. Need more? We can request an extension from ICBC for you.

WHAT WE TREAT

What we treat after an accident

A motor vehicle accident affects more than the body. We treat the physical injury and the nervous system response together, so recovery isn't just about masking pain.

Physical injury Whiplash & soft tissue

Soft tissue injuries — strained muscles, ligaments, and tendons — are some of the most common results of an MVA, and some of the hardest to diagnose. They often don't show up on scans or x-rays, yet can be genuinely debilitating. Left untreated, or managed with pain medication alone, these injuries can drag on for months or years. Acupuncture works directly on the affected tissue to reduce pain and support faster healing.

Psychological impact Drug-free relief

It's common to develop anxiety, sleep problems, or PTSD symptoms after an accident — intrusive memories, being easily startled, or panic attacks. These are a real, physiological response to trauma, not something to push through alone. Acupuncture calms the nervous system quickly, without the side effects or flare-ups that can come with medication.

Common symptoms we see

Neck & shoulder pain, whiplash

Headaches & dizziness

Back pain

Numbness or tingling in arms & legs

Jaw pain / TMJ

Anxiety, insomnia, or appetite loss

TREATMENT PLAN

How treatment works

Most patients receive a combination of acupuncture, cupping, or stone massage, adjusted to the injury and how it's healing. If digestion is affected after the accident — often a sign of nervous system stress — a short course of herbal medicine may be recommended (an additional cost applies beyond 3 days). We find consistency matters most: twice-weekly visits tend to bring the best results, and we'll talk through the expected treatment length as your recovery progresses.

Already seeing a physiotherapist, chiropractor, or massage therapist? Acupuncture combines well with these therapies and can meaningfully speed up recovery.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Do I need ICBC or a doctor's approval before starting treatment?

No. Your first 12 treatments don't require ICBC's approval or a doctor's referral — just your ICBC claim number. If your recovery needs more than 12 treatments, we can request an extension from ICBC on your behalf.

What will this cost me?

Nothing extra. We bill ICBC directly, so there's no additional cost to you for covered treatments.

What kind of treatment will I receive?

A combination of acupuncture, cupping, or stone massage, based on your injury. If your digestion has been affected since the accident, a short course of herbal medicine may be recommended — there can be an added cost for herbal medicine beyond 3 days.

Can I combine this with physiotherapy, chiropractic, or massage therapy?

Yes. Combining eligible therapies often supports a faster, fuller recovery.

How often and how long will I need treatment?

Consistency matters most — twice a week is typically most effective. We'll walk you through the expected length of care as we track your progress.

Since the accident I've lost my appetite, can't sleep, and feel panicked — is that connected? Can acupuncture help?

Yes. The aftermath of an accident isn't only physical. Appetite loss, insomnia, and panic are common nervous system responses to trauma, and acupuncture can address them alongside your physical injuries.

My child was in the vehicle — can they receive acupuncture too?

Yes. For younger children we use the thinnest, fewest needles possible, and often rely on gentle acupressure or stone massage instead of needling if they're nervous about it.