Patients presenting with Whiplash often have a combination of physical and psychological contributing factors. These may include; reduced neck movements, painful neck joints, altered neck reflexes, loss of arm reflexes and psychological distress.

 

Recent research has shown patients with chronic whiplash have marked changes in the deep neck muscles shown on MRI. This emphasises the role of physiotherapy to help re-train and strengthen these muscles in these patients.

 

Further evidence from the literature suggests that maintenance of normal activities and avoidance of wearing a neck collar as the most effective initial treatment. However, there are a group of Whiplash patients who develop chronic pain and disability.

 

Physiotherapy management  in the first three months includes education to stay active and avoid bed rest, restoration of neck mobility with manual therapy, re-training of the deep cervical muscles, re-training neck and eye control along with general neck and upper limb strengthening.   

 

Al physica staff have received additional training in the assessment and management of whiplash patients. Our goal is to assess your problem and devise a structured plan to return you to full functioning ASAP.