How can Physical Therapy help with whiplash?
Whiplash is one of the most common injuries following a car accident, particularly rear-end collisions. People often times ask how can physical therapy help with whiplash? This injury occurs when your head is forcefully thrown forward and then snapped backward, causing strain on the neck muscles and ligaments. While the effects of whiplash can be immediate, physical therapy is one of the best ways to treat the injury and prevent long-term pain.
At Keystone Medical Group, we specialize in treating whiplash injuries and other car accident-related injuries with a comprehensive physical therapy approach. If you’ve been involved in a car accident, seeking professional care early can help you get on the path to healing faster.
The Impact of Whiplash on Your Neck and Body
When you suffer from whiplash, the forces acting on your neck can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Neck stiffness and pain
- Headaches (often at the base of the skull)
- Shoulder pain and upper back discomfort
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Muscle spasms
For many people, these symptoms can become chronic if not addressed properly. That’s why it’s essential to seek treatment from a personal injury doctor as soon as possible after a car accident. Lance Stevenson, Managing Director of Keystone Medical Group, stresses the importance of early intervention: “Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s crucial to get evaluated early. Whiplash can lead to long-term issues like chronic neck pain or headaches if not managed appropriately.”
Physical Therapy for Whiplash Treatment
Physical therapy for whiplash focuses on reducing pain, improving range of motion, and strengthening the muscles in the neck and upper back. At Keystone Medical Group, we offer customized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs.
Erik Hansen, PT, leads our physical therapy team and uses a variety of techniques to treat whiplash, including:
- Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension
- Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
- Strengthening exercises to support the neck and upper back muscles
- Postural training to help prevent future injuries
These treatments not only help with pain relief but also work to restore function and mobility, ensuring you can return to your daily activities as quickly as possible.
How Long Does It Take to Recover from Whiplash?
Recovery time for whiplash can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Some individuals may start to feel relief within a few weeks, while others may experience symptoms for several months. It’s important to note that proper physical therapy can significantly shorten recovery time and help prevent long-term issues such as chronic pain or recurring headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash Treatment
- How soon should I start physical therapy after a car accident?
It’s best to begin physical therapy as soon as possible after the injury. Early intervention can help reduce inflammation and improve the healing process. - Can whiplash cause long-term pain?
Without proper treatment, whiplash can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and muscle stiffness. Seeking professional care early can help prevent these long-term effects. - What are the signs I need physical therapy for whiplash?
If you’re experiencing ongoing neck pain, headaches, or muscle stiffness following a car accident, physical therapy may be beneficial to help alleviate symptoms and improve your mobility.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are dealing with whiplash, don’t wait to get the care you need. Lance Stevenson and the team at Keystone Medical Group are here to provide you with effective, personalized physical therapy treatment that will help you feel better faster.
