Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden back-and-forth movement of the head, most often in a car accident, but also from falls or contact sports. The quick motion can strain the muscles, ligaments and joints of the neck. Symptoms may appear right away or develop over the following hours or days. You might notice neck pain and stiffness, headaches starting at the base of the skull, pain into the shoulders or upper back, fatigue, or difficulty turning your head. At Blockline Physiotherapy & Wellness in Kitchener, we help people recover from whiplash and other motor vehicle injuries, and we welcome auto insurance (MVA) clients.
Common causes
- Rear-end, side or front collisions in a car, even at lower speeds
- Sudden stops or jolts while driving or as a passenger
- Falls where the head is jolted forward or backward
- Contact sports and collisions during play
- Workplace incidents involving a sudden impact
How physiotherapy can help
Your physiotherapist will first make sure physiotherapy is appropriate. They will ask about the accident or injury, your symptoms since, and any medical assessment you have already had. They will then assess your neck and upper back movement, muscle strength and tension, and check your arms for any signs of nerve involvement. They will explain what they find and talk with you about a plan based on your goals, whether that is sleeping better, driving comfortably or returning to work.
Treatment for whiplash may include:
- Education and reassurance — understanding your injury and what to expect can make recovery less stressful.
- Exercise — gentle movement early on, progressing to exercises that restore neck mobility and build strength in the neck, shoulders and upper back.
- Manual therapy — hands-on techniques that may help reduce stiffness and muscle tension.
- Massage therapy — where appropriate, massage therapy may help ease tight muscles in the neck and shoulders.
- Laser therapy and kinesio taping — your physiotherapist may discuss laser therapy or kinesio taping as additions to your exercise program in some cases.
If your injury happened in a car accident, our motor vehicle accident (MVA) treatment service can help you with your recovery and working with your auto insurance. For more general neck symptoms, see our page on neck pain.
When to see a doctor first
After any accident, it is important to rule out serious injury. Go to the emergency department or call 911 if you have:
- Severe neck pain or being unable to move your neck after an accident
- Numbness, tingling or weakness in your arms or legs
- Loss of consciousness, confusion, or memory problems after the injury
- A severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, dizziness, or changes in vision
- Difficulty speaking, swallowing or walking
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
Even if your symptoms seem mild, it is a good idea to see your doctor after a motor vehicle accident. Your physiotherapist will also screen for warning signs at your first visit.
Frequently asked questions
How soon after a car accident should I start physiotherapy?
Once serious injuries have been ruled out, many people find it helpful to start physiotherapy early. Your physiotherapist will assess you and suggest a pace that suits your symptoms.
Do you accept auto insurance for whiplash treatment?
Yes, we welcome motor vehicle accident (MVA) clients. Contact our team and we can explain what information to bring to your first appointment. We also offer direct billing to most insurance providers.
Do I need a referral to start whiplash physiotherapy?
In Ontario you do not need a doctor’s referral to see a physiotherapist. We still recommend seeing your doctor after an accident, and some insurance plans may have their own requirements, so check with your insurer.
If whiplash is getting in the way of your day, you don’t have to sort it out alone. Book a free 15-minute consultation to talk with a physiotherapist about what you’re experiencing, or book an assessment online through Jane. Prefer to talk to someone? Call us at 519-576-1777. We’re open seven days a week, with evening appointments on weekdays, at our clinic on Block Line Rd in Kitchener.