Whiplash Treatment

Whiplash is a neck injury caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the head, most commonly from rear-end car accidents. This sudden force can damage the muscles, ligaments, discs, and joints of the cervical spine, leading to pain, stiffness, headaches, and sometimes dizziness or difficulty concentrating.

Symptoms do not always appear immediately — it is common for whiplash pain to develop 24 to 72 hours after the incident. Without proper treatment, acute whiplash can develop into a chronic condition with persistent neck pain and headaches that last months or even years.

Early physical therapy intervention is one of the strongest predictors of full recovery from whiplash. The sooner treatment begins, the better the long-term outcome.

Our approach to whiplash evolves through phases based on your recovery stage:

• Acute phase (weeks 1-2) — Gentle range of motion exercises, pain management techniques, and education on activity modification. We help you stay active within safe limits while tissues heal.
• Subacute phase (weeks 2-6) — Progressive manual therapy to restore joint mobility, soft tissue techniques to address muscle guarding, and gradual strengthening of the cervical stabilizers
• Recovery phase (weeks 6+) — Advanced strengthening, return to full activity, and addressing any persistent symptoms like headaches or dizziness

Throughout treatment, we monitor for any signs of complications such as nerve involvement, vestibular symptoms, or concussion-related issues, and adjust your plan accordingly.

Your initial evaluation includes a thorough assessment of cervical range of motion, joint mobility, muscle function, and neurological screening. We will also evaluate for any vestibular or concussion-related symptoms that sometimes accompany whiplash injuries.

Recovery timelines vary based on the severity of the injury. Mild whiplash often resolves within four to six weeks with proper treatment. More significant injuries may take eight to twelve weeks. The key factor is starting treatment early and following a progressive rehabilitation plan.

If your whiplash is related to a car accident, physical therapy is typically covered by auto insurance (PIP). We can help you navigate the process.