Motor Vehicle Accidents

Whiplash

It is the term used to describe the variety of symptoms often reported by people following an acceleration/deceleration injury to the neck, most commonly resulting from a road traffic crash.

It can be very overwhelming to be involved in a Motor Vehicle Accident. It can affect both the Body and the Mind, and for this reason, it is essential to undergo a thorough assessment. It is from here that your therapist can design an individualized treatment plan, targeted to your unique goals and motivations.

Research suggests that most of the healing process for the physical structures occurs within the first 2-3 months following the injury. Starting your rehabilitation during this time frame offers the opportunity to prevent the development of chronic conditions. This is why it is important to seek help during this period!

Healing your injuries from a Motor Vehicle Accident requires early intervention and a Multidisciplinary Approach.

Car repair after MVA. Car accident.
Ambulance, labeled 'EMERGENCY'. Help after a motor vehicle accident
Two LEGO figures, one dressed as a construction worker with a red hat and orange pants, and the other dressed as a police officer with a blue hat and blue uniform, sitting on a black surface with a LEGO vehicle in the background.
Lego minifigure in red and white outfit with a red cap, holding a wrench, standing next to small black and yellow wheels, with a red Lego hat on the surface.

What to do if you were injured in a Motor Vehicle Accident?

  • A legal document labeled 'Insurance Policy' with a small model car on top, a magnifying glass.

    At The Scene

    If you have been in an automobile collision, it is important to protect yourself.

    Contact your insurance company to report the accident. You will be given an Adjustor, their contact information, and your claim number.

    Visit the website below to find more information.

    Alberta Government website
  • Person wearing a white lab coat holding a stethoscope against a black background. Assessment

    See a Primary Health Care Practitioner

    When a motor vehicle accident occurs in Alberta, you have accident benefits coverage regardless of who was at fault.

    See your family doctor or visit a walk-in clinic for a Medical Examination. Doctors will rule out red flags and send you for further investigations, such as X-rays and ultrasounds.

    Your insurance will cover Physical Therapy, Chiro, and Massage. Book for an assessment of your injury. You do not have to get insurance approval to start treatment.

    Book an MVA assessment
  • Person in a gray shirt holding a green elastic band with Physiotherapist standing nearby. Supervision of exercise

    Forms

    You will also need to file an Injury Report with the Police.

    You have 10 days after the accident to complete the AB1 form, which can be downloaded from the link below. You can submit it to your insurance company, or we can support you with this process in our Clinic.

    AB1 Form

Symptoms may develop several days or weeks after. This is completely normal. Even if you feel fine immediately after an accident, it is best to have a Physiotherapy Assessment. We recommend having the assessment 7 to 10 days after the injury. Early intervention is essential for a great recovery.

Here are some common symptoms after a Motor Vehicle Accident:

  • Neck and Back pain and stiffness

  • Rib pain

  • Headache

  • Dizziness

  • Shoulder, elbow or wrist pain

  • Hip, Knee and Ankle Injuries

We will refer you to a psychologist when the assessment indicates the need. This step requires approval from your insurance.

  • Muscle tension and tenderness

  • Tingling and numbness in the arms and legs

  • Temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ)

  • Changes in mood and appetite

  • Poor sleep due to pain and nightmares

  • Flashbacks about the accident

  • Avoidance of driving due to fear

How Can Physiotherapy help you recover?

Therapeutic Exercise is effective in improving pain, increasing range of motion, strengthening, and boosting self-confidence. As you become stronger, we progress your treatment to meet your functional needs and work-related demands.

Manual Therapies, such as joint mobilization and manipulation, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, and visceral mobilization, can be effective tools for improving pain and range of motion.

Acupuncture and Dry Needling are also effective strategies for reducing muscle tension and downregulating the nervous system.

Stay Active! Clinical guidelines strongly recommend that individuals recovering from a motor vehicle accident benefit greatly from staying as active as they can, within their physical limits. Avoiding movement, especially in the early stages of whiplash, can result in prolonged symptoms and delayed recovery.