Whiplash is a common injury in both sports and automobile accidents, and the pain can come on suddenly. Left untreated, whiplash can have a debilitating effect on your physical (and consequently your mental) health. Studies have shown that patients who seek whiplash physiotherapy treatment in Brampton immediately after experiencing the symptoms of whiplash saw lasting results and experienced less recurring pain.

What is whiplash?

Whiplash occurs when your neck and head are thrown back and forth violently, which causes injury to your soft tissue and ligaments. Thanks to the adrenaline that accidents and injuries produce, your body may not immediately feel the painful effects of whiplash—which is why it’s said that you shouldn’t declare yourself okay after a car accident until 72 hours have passed without symptoms. As the adrenaline fades, your body will be more able to feel the pain.

Usually, whiplash pain occurs in the neck and shoulder area, but can include headaches and tingling or numbness down the arm.

With enough force involved, the same movement that caused whiplash can also cause concussion. Those in contact sports, such as football, rugby and boxing, are at special risk for concussions and whiplash. Fortunately, physiotherapy can help. Here’s how:

• Expedites the healing process: The biggest and most obvious benefit to using physiotherapy for whiplash treatment is that it will expedite the healing process. Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques to strengthen the affected muscles and get them back in good working order.
• Decreases pain: As your body has the opportunity to heal properly and strengthen the muscles, this will decrease the physical pain you feel due to your injuries. Your physiotherapist will help you address potential issues in your work, sports or home life that might be exacerbating the injury and pain.
• Prevents secondary injuries: As your body starts to heal, you may notice that your range of motion is limited. Left untreated, your body could simply adjust to this new normal and “lock” into place. This can lead to many conditions such as arthritis and herniated disks.
• Balances the need for pain medication: Whiplash is incredibly painful, but many patients don’t want to overdo it on the medication, or even take it at all. Physiotherapy addresses the pain on a musculoskeletal level so that there’s a decreased need for the patient to take any drugs.
• Addresses lifestyle triggers: Finally, your physiotherapist will discuss your individual lifestyle, in order to evaluate what kind of injury and pain triggers you might be undergoing. At this point, you’ll work together to create a plan to eliminate these triggers and speed up the healing.

Whiplash physiotherapy treatment in Brampton

Paramount Physiotherapy & Sports Injuries Clinic offers comprehensive whiplash physiotherapy treatment in Brampton, including massage, physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Since 2009, our experts have been dedicated to working with each client and their injuries on an individual basis, so we can get you back to work, school or play as soon as possible. Call us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.