Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation for Motor Vehicle Injuries

Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) is a term used to describe a set of symptoms that can occur after a person experiences a sudden and forceful movement of their head and neck, often in a car accident. This movement can result in damage to the soft tissues in the neck, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. The symptoms of WAD commonly include:

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating

Some people may also experience shoulder pain, back pain, or tingling and numbness in the arms and hands.

 WAD is classified into four grades:

• Grade I: Mild neck pain and stiffness with no physical signs of injury
• Grade II: Neck pain and stiffness with some physical signs of injury, such as decreased range of motion or tenderness
• Grade III: Neck pain and neurological symptoms, such as weakness or numbness in the arms and hands
• Grade IV: Neck pain and fracture or dislocation of the spine

Treatment for WAD depends on the severity of the symptoms, but typically includes physiotherapy, chiropractic care, massage therapy, pain medication, and/or exercises to improve range of motion and strength in the neck and shoulders. In some cases, a neck brace or cervical collar may be recommended to provide support and restrict movement while the soft tissues heal. 

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience symptoms of WAD after a car accident or other trauma to the neck. Starting physiotherapy as soon as possible can help to promote faster healing and improve long-term outcomes.

Right away! 

Physiotherapists in Alberta are primary healthcare providers, which means that they can assess your condition without a referral from a doctor. If you are experiencing pain or other symptoms related to a motor vehicle accident, you may benefit from physiotherapy treatment.

1. Seek medical attention: It is important to get assessed, even if you feel fine. Some injuries, such as whiplash, may not become apparent until several hours or days after the accident.
2. Contact your insurance company: If you have motor vehicle accident insurance, you may be eligible for physiotherapy coverage. Contact your insurance company to find out what coverage you have and how to submit a claim.
3. Schedule an assessment: our physiotherapists at Body Restoration have experience treating car accident related injuries. Your assessment will consist of a thorough review of your medical history, physical examination, and education on your injury and recovery process. Our physiotherapists will also develop a treatment plan specific to your needs.
4. Attend appointments: Physiotherapy treatment typically involves a series of regular appointments over several weeks or months. These appointments may include manual therapy, exercises, and other techniques to help address your symptoms.

Your assessment will be conducted by one of our licensed physiotherapist’s to determine the extent of your injuries from your car accident, and to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Here is what you can expect during your initial assessment:

1. Subjective examination: The physiotherapist will ask you about your injuries related to the car accident, as well as details of your medical history including any pre-existing conditions or previous injuries that may affect your recovery.
2. Physical examination: The physiotherapist will conduct a physical examination to assess the extent of your injuries, including pain, stiffness, or loss of range of motion. The examination may also include neurological and orthopaedic tests to evaluate muscle strength, joint stability, and reflexes. Any relevant imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRI will also be reviewed. Depending on the nature or severity of your injuries, the physiotherapist may request additional imaging to further evaluate your condition.
3. Treatment plan: Based on the results of the assessment, the physiotherapist will develop a personalized treatment plan that may include a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and other techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility and function, and promote healing.
4. Goal setting: The physiotherapist will work with you to set goals for your recovery that are specific to your needs. These goals will be used to guide your treatment plan and monitor your progress.
5. Education: The physiotherapist will provide education on your injury, how it occurred, how long recovery may take, and what to expect throughout the recovery process.

Overall, a physiotherapy assessment after a car accident is a crucial first step in your recovery journey. By identifying your injuries and developing a personalized treatment plan, you can take the first steps towards healing and getting back to your normal activities as soon as possible.