Whiplash Treatment Specialist in Calgary
Whiplash, what is it?
Whiplash injuries are most commonly associated with motor vehicle accidents. Any event that results in the head moving quickly and forcefully can result in whiplash. This sudden hyperextension or rotation of the neck causes whiplash that can significantly diminish an individuals quality of life. With whiplash injuries, the severity can vary greatly, so to help medical professionals treat whiplash more accurately, they are classified on a five-grade scale. Grade 0 and 1 whiplash injuries can cause mild discomfort, while grade 2, 3 and 4 are much more severe, taking months to recover.
Whiplash Symptoms
After an accident, symptoms of whiplash may take longer than 24hrs to show. There are a wide range of symptoms commonly associated with whiplash, including neck pain, stiffness, headaches, shoulder pain, numbness, dizziness, forgetfulness and mood changes. Patients that experience trouble sleeping, blurred vision, rising in the ears and trouble focusing may be experiencing symptoms of a grade 3 or 4 whiplash.
Here is a list of the 4 most common symptoms:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Headaches
- Numbness in the neck, shoulders, or arms
Physiotherapy for Whiplash
Physiotherapy is the primary treatment for whiplash. Patients with whiplash are encouraged to see a physiotherapist in Calgary as close to the date of injury as possible. Physiotherapy works to restore normal function and movement to the soft tissues in the neck that were damaged during trauma. A physiotherapist will begin by evaluating the grade and severity of your whiplash. This evaluation will allow the physiotherapist to create a personalized plan to help alleviate the pain and ultimately fix the issue. A treatment plan will often include pain relief techniques, ultrasound, strengthening exercises, hot/cold therapies, traction, deep tissue massage and acupuncture. All of these treatments work together to reduce pain, increase circulation, and decrease inflammation associated with whiplash.
Brentwood Physiotherapy Specializes in Whiplash Injuries
Brentwood Physiotherapy has a team of physiotherapists in Calgary with experience and expertise in the treatment of whiplash. Each of our registered physiotherapists have been specializing in treating these injuries for 25+ years. We utilize the latest evidence based exercises and treatments to manage each patients unique symptoms. Our personalized physiotherapy treatment programs will first focus on relieving symptoms and reducing pain. Then we will work on improving strength, flexibility, and mobility in the of the neck, in a detailed and effectively manner.
