One of the most common car accident injuries is whiplash. This type of injury might not seem severe, but it could have lasting consequences without proper treatment. If conservative at-home treatments fail, physical therapy for whiplash may be precisely what you need.
Our professionals at JPM Physical Therapy offer whiplash physical therapy in Queens, NY. We understand how comprehensive physiotherapy can promote healing and recovery in damaged soft tissues around the cervical spine.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash, also known as whiplash-associated disorders, refers to soft tissue injuries affecting the cervical spine, located in the neck. It occurs when the head and neck jerk violently back and forth. The nature of this condition makes it a common injury in rear-end car accidents.
Accident Analysis & Prevention reports that there are an estimated 869,000 auto collision-related cervical spine injuries reported at hospitals nationwide each year. In May 2025 alone, New York City reported over 7,400 vehicular collisions, according to the New York City Police Department. So, whiplash is more common than you may think.
What are the typical symptoms of whiplash? They include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Backaches
- Numbness or tingling sensation in the shoulders
Why You Should Consider Physical Therapy To Help Recover From a Car Accident
Physical therapy is a common auto accident treatment that helps people recover from many injuries. It’s beneficial for soft tissue damage that can produce severe or chronic pain without visible symptoms.
Many people experience reduced range of motion due to sharp pain or general soreness. Physical therapy can restore movement and reduce stiffness through targeted range of motion exercises and muscle strengthening. It also relieves pain naturally by targeting the source of the pain, not just covering up the symptoms.
Long-term or chronic discomfort is common for car accident victims. Scheduling physical therapy appointments soon after an accident reduces the risk of long-term complications. The treatment can minimize the formation of scar tissue and restore soft tissue mobilization.
How Physical Therapy Aids in Whiplash Injury Recovery
Studies reported in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy claim that about 50% of people with whiplash will recover fully. At the same time, the other half will experience ongoing symptoms at varying degrees. The same reports suggest that full recovery is most likely when patients get rehabilitative treatments within their first three months post-injury.
Physical therapy for whiplash can help you recover swiftly from your car accident injury. Here’s how.
Pain Management
Physiotherapists conduct thorough physical examinations to create personalized treatment plans to address the pain that whiplash can cause. Common techniques include heat and ice therapies to reduce inflammation. Manual therapy techniques can also enhance blood flow, thereby relieving muscle tension and discomfort.
Muscle Strengthening
Whiplash physical therapy can also address weakness in your neck muscles and surrounding tissues. Your therapist may introduce you to specific stretches and exercises that strengthen those tissues. Well-worked muscles are less stiff, allowing for a better range of motion.
Functional Training
Physical therapy for whiplash takes time. You may not see results after one or two sessions.
However, your therapist may incorporate functional training into your regimen to help restore your ability to perform daily activities safely with minimal to no discomfort. Functional training may include learning how to move without re-injuring yourself. You might also have exercises that mimic everyday movements.
Range of Motion Restoration
It’s not unusual to experience a limited range of motion with whiplash. Through gentle stretches and range-of-motion exercises, you can regain your ability to move your neck without experiencing pain or stiffness. Your physical therapist will tailor the regimen to your specific needs.
What To Expect With Whiplash Physical Therapy
When getting physical therapy for whiplash, you can expect the medical professional to take your medical history. That includes details of accidents or past neck-related conditions. You’ll also discuss your symptoms and their severity.
This information will help the physical therapist create a customized treatment plan, which may involve passive treatments. These treatments don’t require you to actively participate in them. They include:
- Hot and cold therapies to increase blood flow and minimize inflammation
- Deep tissue massage to release muscle tension
- Ultrasound treatment, which reduces pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms using light heat
Active treatments include activities like gradual aerobic and strength-building exercises. You may also learn stretches and exercises to do at home.
Get Whiplash Physical Therapy in Queens, NY – Contact Us Today
Physical therapy for whiplash is an excellent way to restore your neck’s pain and limited range of motion following an auto accident. Our experts at JPM Physical Therapy provide thorough and compassionate care for patients experiencing acute and chronic pain. We offer holistic, comprehensive treatments that provide lasting relief.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. Call (516) 689-9921 today to schedule an appointment for whiplash treatment or post-accident rehab with physical therapy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whiplash and Physical Therapy
Need more clarification about how cervical spine rehabilitation can aid in your recovery from whiplash? Consider the following answers to popular questions on the subject.
How Long Should I Expect To Need Physical Therapy for a Whiplash Injury?
You may need four to eight weeks of physical therapy to recover from whiplash. However, your precise timeline will depend on the scope and severity of your condition.
What Should I Avoid Doing If I Have a Neck Injury?
If you have a neck injury, you should avoid prolonged immobilization, overexertion, and driving. Any activity that worsens your pain could also delay healing.
How Can I Speed Up My Whiplash Recovery Following an Auto Crash?
Physical therapy for whiplash is a good way to ensure a swift recovery after a car collision. Physiotherapy helps with neck pain management and strengthens muscles, tendons, and ligaments that have been injured.
What Are Common Red Flags for Whiplash Injuries?
If you experience intense neck pain that radiates down to your arms and hands, you may have a severe case of whiplash. Memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty breathing are other warning signs of a serious injury.
