The word “whiplash” often conjures images of TV dramas where unscrupulous individuals in neck braces claim false injuries in hopes of a big insurance payout. For the millions of people who experience these injuries every year, the reality is anything but an illusion. Most are more concerned about alleviating the pain of their injuries and getting their normal lives back than getting a big payday.
Physical therapy for whiplash is one effective method for reaching this goal. According to research published in the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, about half of whiplash patients see a full recovery within three months with physical therapy. The manual therapies and exercises can help reduce pain and increase range of motion, allowing patients to continue their typical daily activities.
The New Jersey Department of Transportation reports more than 40,000 motor vehicle collisions that cause injuries every year. Given that, according to the journal Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, over 80% of people involved in car accidents sustain a neck injury like whiplash. Seeing Align Health & Wellness for physical therapy exercises for whiplash in New Jersey can help you manage your symptoms and reduce the impact of the accident on your life.
What Is Whiplash?
According to the Mayo Clinic, whiplash occurs when something causes your neck to suddenly move forward and backward, like the cracking of a whip. The sudden and violent movement can injure soft tissues in the neck and cause a long list of problems, including:
- Pain
- Stiffness
- Limited range of motion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Tingling or numbness in the arms
Although the worst of the symptoms may subside within a few days, ongoing whiplash symptoms can affect almost every aspect of your life. Physical therapy for whiplash aims to reduce these symptoms and put you on the road to recovery.
What To Expect When You See a New Jersey Physical Therapy Provider for Whiplash
If you’re one of the thousands of Garden State residents who need help managing their whiplash symptoms after a car accident, you have options, including chiropractic care and pain management. However, physical therapy in Allentown, NJ, includes treatments and guided exercises that restore neck function and help you regain strength and mobility so you can make a faster recovery.
Physical therapy for whiplash typically includes two types of treatment: passive and active.
Passive Physical Therapy
Passive treatments for whiplash focus on reducing the tension and stiffness in the neck to minimize pain. This helps make it possible for you to engage in more active treatments. Passive approaches include massage, ultrasound, and heat and cold therapy.
These treatments can significantly reduce your pain. For example, a report in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation revealed that ultrasound therapy is a safe and effective method of reducing pain. Swedish researchers also found that massage therapy is instrumental in supporting recovery from neck pain; in a study published in the journal Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, they reported that 35% of massage patients reported total recovery.
Active Physical Therapy
Active physical therapy for whiplash in West Windsor, NJ, includes guided movements and exercises designed to help strengthen your joints and muscles so you can move your neck without pain. In addition to performing the movements during sessions, you’ll do them at home to continue building strength.
Get Help With Whiplash Pain From a Leading New Jersey Physical Therapy Provider
If you sustain a neck injury in a car accident and need physical therapy for whiplash in New Jersey, Align Health & Wellness is here to help. Dial 609-799-8444 to make an appointment. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
We’re also here to provide physical therapy after surgery, chiropractic care, migraine management, and more, so call today to get help.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our experts are here to help you with answers to all your questions about physical therapy and whiplash treatment.
What Are the Best Physical Therapy Exercises for Whiplash?
Physical therapy exercises for whiplash typically include chin tucks, side-to-side rotations, shoulder rolls and squeezes, neck circles, and isometric exercises.
How Long Is Physical Therapy for Whiplash?
Individual treatment plans vary, but most people need physical therapy for whiplash for about two to three months.
Should I Wear a Collar After a Whiplash Injury?
Some people need a foam cervical collar to help support their neck and reduce pain, but most physical therapists recommend not using them. Prolonged use of a collar can weaken the neck muscles and lengthen the recovery period.