We see many patients who have been involved in motor vehicle accidents. We treat patients who have suffered whiplash injuries and provide rehabilitation following fractures and major trauma. Physiotherapy is involved in all phases of rehabilitation, from the acute stage through to recovery. During the acute stage, gentle stretching exercises will be provided to prevent stiffness and loss of range of motion. These will be followed by strengthening exercises. As in all forms of therapy, treatment is tailored to the patient’s individual needs.
A common motor vehicle injury is whiplash. After suffering a whiplash injury, the trauma caused to the soft tissues causes pain which can lead to a decrease in the range of movement of the neck and upper back and there may also be pain inhibited weakness in the surrounding muscles. These problems can take quite a while to resolve and may gradually worsen without physiotherapy intervention. We use massage, heat, gentle joint mobilisation and stretching to relieve pain in the early stages while working to restore normal movement and muscular control. Initially, we prescribe stretching exercises to prevent stiffness and loss of range of motion. These will be followed by strengthening exercises of the deep flexor muscles of the neck and the stabilising muscles of the shoulders and upper back to regain correct muscle balance and control.
People who have suffered a whiplash injury need to be aware of a few things. Firstly, the injury is complex and takes time to recover. Research shows that many people are still suffering some symptoms at 6 and even 12 months after injury, but good early management helps to minimize ongoing problems. So you must get in touch with us quickly.
It is important to keep mobile and continue to do as much of your normal activity as is practical. If you are in doubt, we can guide you on what you should be doing. We can also help you recover from many other injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents such as fractures, sprained joints and various muscular injuries. Contact us to see how you can benefit from physiotherapy.