Imagine you’re on your way home from work when, suddenly, another vehicle hits you from behind, causing your head to snap back and forth.
At the scene, the accident appears minor, and your car has only a few scratches and a minor dent. You feel fine, too; that is, until later on, when your neck starts to feel sore and stiff.
Chances are, you’re dealing with whiplash, a common neck injury. Mayo Clinic reports that millions of people suffer these injuries every year, but fortunately, physical therapy for whiplash can speed up healing, reduce pain, and help you get back to your daily activities. While your first instinct when you hear “whiplash” might just be to wear a neck brace and wait it out, seeing a physical therapist in Queens, NY, is a much better idea.
Here’s why.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a sudden jolt or impact. Whenever something happens (like a rear-end collision) that forces your head and neck to move at a higher speed than normal, the muscles, bones, and ligaments must bear the brunt of the impact, resulting in a whiplash injury.
While symptoms may appear immediately, they can also develop hours or even days later.
The most common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches that radiate from the base of the skull
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Shoulder, upper back, or arm pain
- Fatigue or difficulty concentrating
If you don’t take care of yourself, these symptoms can persist and lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility. In fact, research indicates that as many as 40% of people with whiplash injuries still have symptoms a year later. Seeking physical therapy for whiplash early on can reduce these symptoms and prevent long-term complications.
How Physical Therapy in Queen, NY, Helps With Whiplash Recovery
Physical therapy for whiplash can restore function and prevent long-term complications.
Pain Relief and Management
Physical therapists in Queens, NY, have an arsenal of techniques for whiplash pain management, including manual therapy, stretching, and controlled movements. According to a study in the journal Pain, physical therapy with active exercises significantly reduced pain at six weeks and six months post-injury.
Restore Mobility
Through guided exercises, physical therapists help improve the range of motion in your neck. Gentle stretching and movement exercises can prevent stiffness and promote healing.
Muscle Strengthening
You can improve support and reduce the risk of further injuries by strengthening the muscles in your neck, shoulders, and upper back. A custom exercise program helps increase muscle strength and endurance.
Posture Correction
Poor posture can exacerbate whiplash symptoms and slow the neck injury rehabilitation process. Physical therapists provide guidance on proper posture and demonstrate how to make ergonomic adjustments to alleviate neck strain and enhance overall comfort.
Prevention of Chronic Symptoms
By some accounts, as many as 50% of people with whiplash injuries never fully recover, but early and consistent physical therapy can prevent long-term issues like neck pain, persistent headaches, and reduced mobility.
Common Physical Therapy for Whiplash Treatments
Physical therapists in Queens, NY, utilize a combination of treatments to address whiplash injuries and help patients feel better and get back to their routines. Individual treatment plans vary, but might include:
- Manual therapy that mobilizes joints and soft tissues, reducing pain and improving movement
- Heat and cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain
- Ultrasound therapy using sound waves to promote healing in deep tissues
- TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), which involves applying mild electrical currents to reduce pain and improve muscle strength
- Stretching and strengthening exercises tailored to your injury and goals
Additional Tips for a Faster Recovery
One of the most important elements of any physical therapy treatment plan is what you do outside of the in-office sessions. Not following your therapist’s instructions and completing your “homework” can slow your recovery, causing setbacks and plateaus. Consistently practicing your exercises is one of the best whiplash recovery tips, but other ways to get better faster include:
- Staying active: Engage in light activities as recommended by your therapist to promote healing.
- Manage pain: Use pain relief methods, like over-the-counter pain relievers, per your healthcare provider’s instructions.
- Maintain good posture. Be aware of your posture to reduce strain on your neck.
Another important tip for speeding up the whiplash healing process? Avoid prolonged rest. You might prefer to rest or keep your neck as still as possible, but slow, gentle movements can help you recover faster and avoid the stiffness that worsens pain.
Let JPM Physical Therapy in Queens, NY, Help You Find Relief
If you have a whiplash injury, don’t wait for things to get worse. Reach out to JPM Physical Therapy in Queens, NY, at 516-689-9921, and let us help you on your path to recovery.
Our team is here to provide the care and support you need to heal effectively and efficiently. From a comprehensive assessment and treatment plan to a supportive atmosphere focused on your well-being and recovery, we’re here to help at every step of your healing journey.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and Personal Injury Protection (PIP). Same-day appointment may be available.
FAQs About Whiplash and Physical Therapy
Keep reading to learn more about the role of physical therapy in car accident recovery.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From Whiplash?
Recovery time depends on the severity of your injury and individual factors. With appropriate physical therapy, many individuals begin to see improvement within a few weeks.
Is Physical Therapy Necessary for All Whiplash Injuries?
Some mild cases may improve over time, but physical therapy is best for taking care of moderate to severe injuries to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term complications.
Can Physical Therapy Prevent Chronic Pain From Whiplash?
Yes, early and consistent physical therapy can significantly reduce your risk of developing chronic pain and other long-term symptoms after a whiplash injury.
What Should I Expect During the First Physical Therapy Session?
The initial session will involve a comprehensive assessment of your condition and a discussion of your treatment goals. Your therapist will then develop a personalized physical therapy plan for whiplash.
