Introduction
When we talk about a whiplash injury treatment in Blacktown, we most often relate it to a motor vehicle accident as if this is the only cause. But not necessarily; a whiplash injury can occur on other occasions, including sports injuries, falls, and any other extreme activities such as bungee jumping and roller coaster rides. Hence, whiplash injuries actually happen more often than you think. It is actually one of the most common injuries here at ProCure Physio Blacktown.
So, what are whiplash injuries exactly? We will delve deeper into this topic today to understand whiplash injuries and their presentations and discuss how physiotherapy can help you recover from this injury.
Understanding Whiplash Injuries
Whiplash injuries occur when the head and neck are subjected to a sudden, rapid movement in one direction and then back, resulting in an acceleration-deceleration force that causes overstretching and strain in the muscles, ligaments, and joints involved. Some common symptoms that patients from Blacktown with whiplash-associated disorders present with include neck pain/stiffness, restriction in movement, headaches, shoulder and upper back pain, and, in some cases, dizziness and blurry vision. You might think that whiplash injuries mostly only affect the neck- you are not wrong, but not entirely right either. A lot of the patients who sustained this injury also present with pain/stiffness in the mid back, sometimes extending to the low back, and also symptoms such as numbness and tingling sensations in the shoulder down to the hands.
It is always advised to seek a medical or professional opinion on the injury and treatment instead of waiting for a natural resolution, no matter if it is mild or severe. Sometimes, symptoms do not show right away, and persistent long-term effects may be present without proper treatment. It is also crucial to keep note of whether there was any hit on the head during the injury, which may cause the possibility of a concussion.
Recovery times for whiplash injuries depend on different factors, such as the severity of the injury, the person’s coping mechanism, and their response to treatment. It can take a few days to a week, and in more severe cases, a few months to recover.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Whiplash
As our lives are so occupied by other responsibilities, when we sustain a whiplash injury, we often tend to ‘wait it out,’ ‘rest it out,’ or ‘let it heal on its own.’ However, this might not be the most appropriate strategy in dealing with these types of injuries. If these whiplash-associated disorders are left untreated, you can develop chronic pain, which includes persistent restriction in range, chronic pain and stiffness, and recurring headaches.
Seeking medical assessment and treatment not only can give you peace of mind, speed up recovery, but it can also minimize the risk of developing long-term impairment sustained from the injury. With the professional support, you will be able to build up confidence as you return to your daily routines.
ProCure Physio’s Approach in Blacktown & Your Recovery Journey with Us
Since the whiplash injury involves the anatomical structures such as the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck, shoulder, and back, physiotherapy has much to offer in these aspects.
At ProCure Physio near Blacktown, our main goal is to support our patients and guide them through the whole rehabilitation process to ensure their safe return to their daily routines. In the initial session with us, expect us to take a comprehensive assessment to get to know what happened, how you are feeling, and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
So, what to expect in the rehab journey? Applying the ProCure Physio Standard Model of care, in the initial phases, we will be focusing more on hands-on therapy, including soft tissue releases and manual therapy to help relieve the pain, sensitivity, and stiffness in the areas involved, and introduce some gentle exercises and self-management strategies that you can implement on your own.
As you progress out of that sensitive phase and feel that you can do more, we will incorporate more strengthening and functional exercises that are meaningful to you and your goals. We keep track of your progress and implement appropriate treatment or exercises to your progress and goals, and provide you with the confidence you need to smoothly transition back to your daily routines.
Conclusion
With the right care, recovery from whiplash injury is within reach. If you are looking for some more information or treatment for your whiplash injury, get your initial assessment booked with our team of dedicated and expert physios. Call us on 0283575000 or write to us on admin@procurephysio.com.au
Book your appointment for a whiplash injury.
You can also read about treating neck injuries with physiotherapy
