Whiplash Recovery

What is Whiplash?

Whiplash, also known as Cervical Acceleration Deceleration Syndrome (CAD) occurs when the neck and head are suddenly forced backward and then forward, putting the cervical spine through quick motions and extreme stresses.

Whiplash most commonly occurs with motor vehicle accidents when rear-ended. However, high impact activities such as skiing, equestrian events, football, bungee jumping, roller coasters, and assault can also cause whiplash or whiplash related injuries. Even a slip and fall can cause whiplash!

Whiplash symptoms may occur immediately after the acceleration-deceleration event or can occur hours to days after the event. Common symptoms include:

• Neck pain
• Headache/migraine
• TMJ/TMD pain
• Neck stiffness or decreased motion
• Shoulder and/or upper back pain
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears, vision changes
• Emotional changes
• Difficulty chewing, swallowing or speaking
• Difficulty sleeping
• Decreased concentration/memory
• Fatigue
• Radiating numbness, tingling, weakness
• Neck instability

The goal of PT for whiplash is to help reduce muscle spasms, increase blood circulation, and promote healing of the neck tissues.

Treatments for Whiplash can include:

• Manual Therapy
• Postural Retraining
• Ergonomics Assessment
• Bracing if necessary
• Ultrasound
• Heat/Cold Therapies
• Dry Needling

Auto and Personal Injury

Generally, auto insurance policies will cover your physical therapy care after you have sustained injuries from an automobile accident. In auto and personal injuries, we focus on pain control and strengthening to help our patients return to a normal lifestyle. We work with local medical doctors in the coordination of care. Freedom PT also coordinates with attorneys to assist their clients in recovering from their injuries. We accept letters of protection (LOP) from attorneys and are able to get medical records returned in a professional, timely manner. If a patient requires auto and personal injury attorneys, we have a list of qualified and experienced attorneys available for referral.