For quality whiplash treatment in New York City, consider a consultation with the experts at Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care—contact us today!
With the prevalence of car accidents in the United States, it’s no wonder that whiplash is so prevalent. Sources like Science Direct quote figures like, of approximately 869,000 auto collision-related spine injuries annually, roughly 841,000 have whiplash, or neck strain or sprain injuries. Perhaps that’s why physical therapy for whiplash is becoming so popular.
Are you one of the many people dealing with the lingering effects of whiplash? Physical therapy in New York might be an excellent long-term relief option for you. Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care explains below how physical therapy addresses whiplash.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a fairly common cervical spine injury that usually happens when a major impact forces your head into a rapid back-and-forth motion. During these forced movements, the neck’s hyperextension sprains and strains the soft tissues around your cervical spine.
Most people experience whiplash after rear-end car collisions. Yet, any forceful impact that jolts the head and neck can result in whiplash, including:
- Physical abuse.
- Sports injuries.
- Falls.
- Trauma.
Common Symptoms and Complications From Whiplash That Physical Therapy Might Address
Despite how common whiplash is, many people recover within a few days or weeks following whatever triggers the condition.
The primary symptoms of whiplash include:
- Neck pain.
- Headaches around the base of the skull.
- Pain that worsens whenever you move your neck.
- Shoulder, arm, or upper back tenderness.
- Dizziness.
- Tiredness.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Blurred vision.
According to a report in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, about 50% of people with whiplash will make a total recovery within three months (the other half have pain that lasts much longer). A 2022 editorial in the National Library of Medicine reports a similar statistic–that about 16% of people with whiplash-associated disorders will have chronic, disabling pain.
If you’re in the unlucky half of accident victims who have ongoing, severe whiplash, you may experience intense neck pain. Other symptoms include radiating pain that goes down your arms and a more restrictive range of motion in your neck. Older people and those who already have neck or lower back pain or a high-speed injury are most at risk.
How New York Physical Therapy Can Minimize or Eliminate the Effects of Whiplash
Sometimes, whiplash symptoms don’t immediately appear. How serious is the problem? It’s difficult to say without more time and a thorough medical examination.
One of the best ways to resolve your ongoing neck, shoulder, and back pain from whiplash is physical therapy treatment. Physical therapy for whiplash starts with a detailed assessment by your physical therapist, which includes discussions about your medical history, the accident, and symptoms. A New York physical therapist like Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care will also perform a hands-on exam to review your condition and create an individualized treatment plan to address pain and restricted motion.
Standard physical therapy treatments after whiplash may include:
- Targeted stretches to improve your neck’s range of motion and flexibility.
- Neck-related strength and stability exercises.
- Manual therapy or massage to break up knotted soft tissues.
- Postural training to better distribute upper body pressure.
- Electrical stimulation to the affected tissues to reduce pain.
- Instructions for at-home exercises and lifestyle changes to improve results.
Types of Physical Therapy for Treating Whiplash
Physical therapy for whiplash is a conservative treatment. On the face of it, this approach helps people who can’t resolve their pain problems avoid surgery and other invasive procedures.
The personalized treatment plans physical therapists create depend on your injuries, pain severity, and health and wellness goals. Most treatments for whiplash involving physical therapy fall into two categories.
- Passive physical therapy: NY physical therapy treatments for whiplash don’t involve your direct involvement. Think massage or heat and ice therapy. Passive physical therapy promotes healing in your neck’s soft tissue by increasing blood circulation.
- Active physical therapy: Stretches and exercises to boost your neck’s stability and muscle strength. These activities can also improve your posture, making it easier to resume your daily activities without additional discomfort.
Contact Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care for Whiplash Physical Therapy–NY
Physical therapy for whiplash is one of the best ways to treat the long-term symptoms of this common condition. Whether you sustain whiplash from a car accident or workplace injury, you can count on Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care to provide you with personalized treatments. Our holistic, hands-on approach to patient care helps reduce chronic pain, which improves each patient’s quality of life.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Call (646) 737-6524 today to make an appointment with Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care!
Learn the importance of physical therapy after a car accident on our blog or call for more answers from our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy and Whiplash
If you are unsure about getting New York physical therapy as whiplash treatment, consider these frequently asked questions.
What Are Some of the Top Whiplash Treatment Options?
Besides physical therapy, the top whiplash treatment options may include medication that reduces pain and inflammation, cold compresses, and temporary neck immobilization. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct extensive spine, nerve, or bone damage.
What Shouldn’t You Do If You Have Whiplash?
If you have whiplash, it’s best not to play contact sports like football or basketball. Avoid doing any heavy lifting or pulling until you no longer have symptoms that are bad enough to limit your daily activities.
What’s the Average Whiplash Recovery Timeline?
Many people recover from whiplash within a few weeks. Unfortunately, others experience long-term effects of the condition, requiring medical treatments like physical therapy.
How Often Should You Have Physical Therapy for Whiplash?
Typically, physical therapy for whiplash takes about six to ten sessions to see results. The actual number of sessions necessary depends on your needs and progress.