What do physical therapists do for whiplash injury?

Whiplash injury can be painful and debilitating, but physical therapy can help. In this article learn more about how physical therapists can help you recover from whiplash and get back to your normal life.

What is a whiplash injury?

Whiplash injury is a neck injury that occurs when the head is suddenly jerked back and forth, such as in a car accident. This can cause damage to the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck, as well as the joints and nerves.

How do I know if I have whiplash?

You may have whiplash if you experience any of the following:

• A sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck, such as in a car accident, sports injury, or fall

Any of the following symptoms within days of the injury:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating
• Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
• Irritability
• Mood swings

Some people may not experience any symptoms of whiplash until several days or even weeks after the injury. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, it is important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment plan.

What causes whiplash?

Whiplash injury is caused by the sudden, forceful back-and-forth movement of the head and neck. This can happen in a variety of ways, including:

• Car accidents: Rear-end collisions are the most common cause of whiplash, but it can also occur in frontal collisions, side-impact collisions, and rollovers.
• Sports injuries: Whiplash is common in contact sports such as football, rugby, and hockey. It can also occur in non-contact sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and horseback riding.
• Falls: Whiplash can occur from a fall from any height, but it is more common from falls that involve a sudden, forceful jerk of the head and neck.
• Physical abuse: Whiplash can be caused by physical abuse, such as being shaken or choked.

When the head and neck are suddenly jerked back and forth, the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the neck can be stretched or torn. This can also damage the joints and nerves in the neck.

Does physical therapy work for Whiplash injury?

Yes, physical therapy can be very effective in treating Whiplash injury. It is a safe and effective way to reduce pain, improve range of motion, and strengthen the muscles in your neck. Physical therapy can also help to prevent future injuries.

How does physical therapy work for Whiplash injury?

Physical therapy for whiplash typically includes a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and education.

• Manual therapy: This involves hands-on techniques to mobilize the joints and muscles in your neck and upper back.
• Exercise: This helps to strengthen the muscles in your neck and improve balance and coordination.
• Education: This is provided to help you understand your injury and how to manage your symptoms.

What are the benefits of physical therapy for whiplash?

Physical therapy for whiplash injury can help to:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve range of motion
• Strengthen the muscles in your neck
• Improve balance and coordination
• Teach you how to manage your symptoms and prevent future injuries

If your symptoms do not improve within a few weeks, or if you experience any severe symptoms, such as numbness, weakness, or tingling in your arms or legs, or dizziness or problems with your vision, you should see a doctor immediately.

Here are some additional tips for self-treating whiplash injury:

• Avoid activities that aggravate your pain.
• Maintain good posture.
• Use a supportive pillow when sleeping.
• Get plenty of rest.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Manage stress.

Is whiplash self treatable?

Whiplash can be self-treatable in mild cases. it is important to see a doctor to rule out any other possible causes of your symptoms and to get instructions on how to care for your injury.

Some self-care treatments for whiplash include:

• Rest: Resting your neck can help to reduce pain and inflammation. You may need to wear a neck brace or collar for a short period of time to support your neck.
• Ice and heat: Applying ice to your neck for 15-20 minutes at a time can help to reduce pain and inflammation. After a few days, you can switch to applying heat to your neck to help relax muscles and improve your range of motion.
• Over-the-counter pain medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
• Gentle stretching exercises: Once the pain and inflammation have subsided, you can begin to do gentle stretching exercises to improve the range of motion in your neck.

What physical activities should you avoid with whiplash?

There are a number of physical activities that you should avoid with whiplash, as they can aggravate your injury and delay your recovery. These activities include:

• High-impact activities: Any activity that puts a lot of stress on your neck, such as running, jumping, and contact sports, should be avoided.
• Activities that require sudden or repetitive movements of the neck: Activities such as weightlifting, tennis, and golf can aggravate whiplash symptoms.
• Activities that involve overhead reaching or lifting: These activities can put a strain on your neck muscles and ligaments.

It is also important to avoid activities that cause or worsen your pain. If you are unsure whether or not an activity is safe for you, talk to your doctor or physical therapist.

Here is a list of some specific activities to avoid with whiplash:

• Running
• Jumping
• Contact sports
• Weightlifting
• Tennis
• Golf
• Overhead reaching
• Lifting heavy objects
• Jerking or twisting your neck
• Riding in a car without a headrest
• Sleeping on a high pillow
• Sitting at a computer for long periods of time without breaks

It is important to listen to your body and rest when you need to. If you experience any pain or discomfort, stop the activity immediately.

FAQs

What kind of physical therapy is used for whiplash?

Physical therapy for whiplash typically includes manual therapy, stretching, strengthening, and balance and coordination exercises.

How long should you go to physical therapy for whiplash?

The amount of time that physical therapy for whiplash takes will vary depending on the severity of your injury and your individual needs. However, most patients recover within a few weeks or months.

How can I find a physical therapist who specializes in whiplash?

You can ask your doctor for a referral to a physical therapist who specializes in whiplash. You can also search online for physical therapists in your area who have experience treating whiplash.

Is it OK to massage whiplash?

Yes, it is generally safe to massage whiplash, but it is important to see a qualified massage therapist who has experience in treating whiplash. They will be able to use the appropriate techniques to reduce pain and inflammation and improve their range of motion.

Conclusion

If you have whiplash, physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment option. It can help you reduce pain, improve your range of motion, strengthen the muscles in your neck, and prevent future injuries.