Since whiplash symptoms will often only appear days or even weeks following an injury, if you’ve been in a car accident, it’s important to be examined by both a doctor and a physiotherapist—even if nothing hurts—to be sure that the crash didn’t cause any lasting damage to your body. With a combination of proper medical attention and physiotherapy, you’ll ensure that you’re free from aches and pains.
One of the most common car accident injuries
Whiplash is caused when your head quickly snaps first forward and then backward but your body doesn’t move with it. It’s most common in rear-end collisions, but can also occur in front- and side-impact accidents. Signs of whiplash include:
• Neck pain or stiffness
• Headaches at the base of your skull
• Dizziness
• Constant fatigue.
If left untreated, the symptoms can get worse and cause long-term problems.
How physiotherapy can help those with whiplash
Before beginning physiotherapy, it’s important to visit an Ottawa area doctor to rule out other injuries that may require attention. If you do have whiplash, this is what you can expect from your first physio appointment:
• A review of your medical history. You’ll be asked to fill out some standard medical history forms, just like at a doctor’s office. • A thorough evaluation. A licensed physiotherapist will ask you a series of questions and perform a full evaluation to confirm any injuries the doctor has already diagnosed you with. • A personalized treatment plan. You’ll be presented with a treatment plan that may include exercises to increase your range of motion and strength in your neck and back, hot and cold therapy, stretches, massage therapy (deep tissue massage, Swedish massage) and possibly treatments such as shockwave therapy to speed up your body’s healing process. Your treatment plan will include exercises that have to be done at home regularly.
It’s absolutely essential to do the home exercises prescribed in your treatment plan. Increasing neck mobility and strength allows for a quick and full recovery. As soon as you can look over both shoulders, roll your head all the way forward and backward, and rock your head back and forth with no pain or stiffness, your whiplash will be considered cured. You can then go back to your regular daily life.
Why choose Ottawa-Carleton Physiotherapy & Sports Injury Center
When you receive physiotherapy treatments at our physiotherapy Ottawa clinic, you can be sure you’re getting the best possible treatment. With our expertise, you’ll be able to recover and will likely have no lasting pain due to your accident. Contact us today to make your appointment.