Yes! Like many necks and other musculoskeletal injuries, physiotherapy assists in relieving pain, strengthening and minimising re-occurrence of the injury.
Generally, after experiencing trauma, neck and headache pain clears within a few days or weeks; and most people recover from whiplash in 3 months.
So what is whiplash?
Whiplash or Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) is an injury which results from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces on the neck. The injury can involve structures such as muscle, joints, ligaments and discs.
Whiplash injury. (2019). [Photograph]. Elite Sports & Spine. https://elitesportandspinewi.com/conditions-we-treat/auto-accidents-and-whiplash-injuries/
Symptoms of whiplash
Symptoms vary from person to person, but some common symptoms are:
Pain
Restricted neck range of motion
Cervical spine instability
Dizziness
Loss of balance
Headaches
Shoulder, arm or upper back pain
Physiotherapy treatment
It's important to consult a physiotherapist as soon as possible after your accident or whiplash injury.
After a detailed assessment, the physiotherapist will aim to treat clients based on their specific conditions using techniques such as:
Education of when to resume normal activity
Joint mobilisation
Mobilisation exercises
Deep and superficial neck flexor strengthening
Ultrasound
Bio-feedback retraining
Coordination and correct recruitment of muscle patterns
Neck stability and proprioceptive retraining.
Do you have a neck injury and would like to see a professional physiotherapist for further advice and assessment? Book Here at Breathe Physio & Pilates!