WHIPLASH
PHYSIOTHERAPY BRISBANE
“Whiplash-associated disorders” (WAD) occurs following a acceleration/deceleration injury to the cervical spine region (neck!). The most common cause is road traffic accidents and they do not need to be high speed. Other events may be sporting or fall related.
Characteristics of Whiplash include:
1. Neck stiffness
2. Paraesthesis/anaesthesia (changes related to sensation)
3. Dizziness
4. Headache
5. Arm pain
The neck related pain maybe associated with notable disability, psychological distress and decreased quality of life. There are significant physical and psychological manifestations to consider with a wealth of evidence demonstrating the effects and therefore implications for management.
Certain prognostic indicators exist and can influence the recover including pain level as initially greater than 5.5/10, increased disability levels early on (NDI >29%), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, high pain catastrophising, negative expectations of recovery and cold hyperalgesia. Having said this, it is therefore important to be reviewed in a timely fashion and be education about the condition, prognosis, rehabilitation involved and potential need for other professionals to be involved.
Physiotherapy assessment
Your physiotherapist will need to assess you for physical signs of neck pain and dysfunction. Musculoskeletal signs indicative of class II whiplash include decreased range of motion and point tenderness, upon subjective complaints of pain. Further neurological signs including decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, sensory deficits and muscle weakness could indicate class III whiplash. Further imaging and evaluation maybe required and early assessment and management is critical for your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome and potential secondary complications.
Physiotherapy management
Appropriate assessment and management will be critical to your outcome. Clinical findings in your objective assessment at the initial review will help your physiotherapist to determine an appropriate rehabilitation plan which will consist of range of movement exercises, postural work, strengthening exercises and motor control exercises to improve overall function and stability. Activity and exercise are superior to immobility, with strong evidence that immobilisation (rest and collars) are ineffective as an intervention for acute whiplash associated disorders.
References:
Sterling, M. (2014). Physiotherapy management of whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Journal of Physiotherapy, 60(1), 5-12
Call us on 07 3706 3407 or email info@articulatephysiotherapy.com.au for a booking or to see if our exercise programs might be right for you!
Characteristics of Whiplash include:
1. Neck stiffness
2. Paraesthesis/anaesthesia (changes related to sensation)
3. Dizziness
4. Headache
5. Arm pain
The neck related pain maybe associated with notable disability, psychological distress and decreased quality of life. There are significant physical and psychological manifestations to consider with a wealth of evidence demonstrating the effects and therefore implications for management.
Certain prognostic indicators exist and can influence the recover including pain level as initially greater than 5.5/10, increased disability levels early on (NDI >29%), symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, high pain catastrophising, negative expectations of recovery and cold hyperalgesia. Having said this, it is therefore important to be reviewed in a timely fashion and be education about the condition, prognosis, rehabilitation involved and potential need for other professionals to be involved.
Physiotherapy assessment
Your physiotherapist will need to assess you for physical signs of neck pain and dysfunction. Musculoskeletal signs indicative of class II whiplash include decreased range of motion and point tenderness, upon subjective complaints of pain. Further neurological signs including decreased or absent deep tendon reflexes, sensory deficits and muscle weakness could indicate class III whiplash. Further imaging and evaluation maybe required and early assessment and management is critical for your recovery to ensure the best possible outcome and potential secondary complications.
Physiotherapy management
Appropriate assessment and management will be critical to your outcome. Clinical findings in your objective assessment at the initial review will help your physiotherapist to determine an appropriate rehabilitation plan which will consist of range of movement exercises, postural work, strengthening exercises and motor control exercises to improve overall function and stability. Activity and exercise are superior to immobility, with strong evidence that immobilisation (rest and collars) are ineffective as an intervention for acute whiplash associated disorders.
References:
Sterling, M. (2014). Physiotherapy management of whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). Journal of Physiotherapy, 60(1), 5-12
Call us on 07 3706 3407 or email info@articulatephysiotherapy.com.au for a booking or to see if our exercise programs might be right for you!
