Whiplash – The facts and the fiction around a speedy recovery - Fighting Fit Physiotherapy Nerang Gold Coast

What should I do if i think I have whiplash?

Depending on the extent of the injury and how it occurred, you must decide whether you need to present to the hospital or whether it can be managed through other medical services. Do not seek treatment with manipulation for whiplash!

If you feel it can be managed through other medical services, you want to get in-front of us, your new Physiotherapist as soon as possible. You must remember Whiplash is a description of how the injury occurred, it does not include any additional information past that. Hence why it is essential to see a Physiotherapist as soon as possible so a comprehensive subjective (questions) and objective (physical) assessment can be conducted.

Health professionals use the Quebec Task Force Classification to Grade the severity of the injury (see the table below). Furthermore, as the injury can manifest in an array of signs and symptoms it is essential to rule in/out other pathology. Due to the mechanism of whiplash things like traumatic brain injury or concussion can be involved. You will not be able to self-identify if there is more at play than just a stiff neck and a headache, so make sure you get yourself in-front of a healthcare professional.

Do I need an X-Ray?

For whiplash, generally speaking ‘No’ you don’t. But if there is trauma, head injury, severe pain or symptoms that just aren’t right. Make sure you seek medical attention.

One of the first things a physiotherapist will do is assess the need for medical imaging.

Medical imaging is a highly debated topic due to numerous pros and cons, therefore, we will follow a well-established assessment process to determine your needs. This process is shown below.

Here at Fighting Fit physio we will either work in conjunction with your GP to get you the necessary imaging (if needed) or alternatively if you do not have a regular GP we can provide the referral for imaging ourselves.

What will be done in the first physio session?

In the first session, as mentioned above, a thorough assessment of symptoms, testing and objective measures (range of motion, strength, and clinical special tests) will be recorded. It will be established whether any imagining or referral on is needed or not.

Following this the best course of treatment will be developed and discussed with you so you know exactly what will be done and for how long you will need to get better.

Should I wear a neck brace for whiplash?

NO! The research suggests that collars are ineffective and compromise the recovery process.

This is because they restrict movement of the spine and reduce strength in the surrounding musculature. The only exception is if you have been informed to wear one by a spinal or orthopedic specialist.

It was a big crash; does this mean my long term outcomes are worse?

As hard as it is to believe the manner in which the crash or injury occurred has weak evidence for long term outcomes. The data shows, for example, that a significant crash can have good prognostic outcomes in a reduced time when compared to a minor crash. There are many factors that do indicate slower or reduced prognostic outcomes, and that is why it is essential to consult us for more information.

What Signs and Symptoms should I watch out for?

There are some predictive factors that indicate the possibility for poor recovery.

Therefore, if you are not seeing a health professional, not improving with care and you are experiencing any of the below you should come into the clinic asap.

Things to look out for following a whiplash injury.

Symptoms
- Higher levels of initial pain
- Higher levels of disability
- Ongoing psychological concerns
Psychological
- Post traumatic Stress Symptoms
- Negative expectations of recovery
- Fear of moving your neck
- Worry & concerns about the future
- Low mood or motivation
- Stress around recovery

Physical
- Reducing neck range of motion
- Weakness and power loss anywhere below your head
- Nausea, dizziness, visual problems, speech issues
- Worsening headache or migraine like symptoms
- Cold hyperalgesia (extra sensitive to cold things on the skin)
  
  If you are suffering a whiplash, concerned about what the future looks like or suffering ongoing problems weeks, months or years down the track. Get into see us at Fighting Fit Physio, as the name suggests we will get you and your neck back to optimal health and peak performance!

What Treatment Options will yield the best results?

Plenty of research has been conducted to try and establish a set of guidelines that will allow clinicians across all fields to provide optimal evidence-based practice that will see the best long term outcomes. The Fighting Fit Physiotherapy team is well read and has comprehensive training regarding these guidelines. Having decades of shared experience between the staff means we have seen a plethora of cases, all providing more exposure to perfecting the skills of managing these injuries. Therefore, you can be reassured you are in safe hands that will help you resolve any issues you have.

Below I have categories some of these treatment options into literature supported groups. This is to be used as a guideline only as each individual is different and each individual will response to different methods. Furthermore, the below only relates to acute whiplash management, as time goes on some of the treatment methods may change in terms of effectiveness (becoming more suitable or less useful)

Consensus (As recommended by professional body)
- Use simple analgesics (pain reliever) as first line pharmacological treatment, ie Paracetamol
- Surgical intervention is not recommended except in rare cases
- It is not recommended to reduce usual activities for more than 4 days
- Practitioners should not prescribe adjunct agents such as anticonvulsants or antidepressants
- Practitioners should not recommend steroid injections
Great (Body of evidence can be trusted)
- Not to use immobilization collar (neck brace)
Strong (Body of evidence can be trusted in most situations)
- Reassure and stay active
- Exercise
Potential (Body of evidence proves some support)
- Manual Therapy
- Manipulations
- Kinesiology Tape
Weak (Body of evidence is weak)
- Acupuncture

In Closing

Whiplash, and Whiplash Associated Disorders, are an extremely complex presentation. You are always better off being safe than sorry. Book in to see one of our experienced team to ensure you get the appropriate assessment and treatment. This will have you reducing pain and increasing function much faster. Do not settle for less, these injuries can wreak havoc if not addressed properly. If you would fix and repair your car, fix and repair your body too.

Brenda Samosa

05:52 07 Nov 24

I had a really bad shoulder and had been seeing a different physio for 3 months (from a different place) I got told Tyson was good. After just a few sessions the movement was coming back. I’m 66 and was worried I would have to stop surfing. But with a lot of help from Tyson I’m back in the waves ( thank you so so much)

Cyana Ferguson

08:16 30 Oct 24

Steve Harris

22:33 15 Oct 24

Great team, all friendly, super helpful and first class clinical advice and a big shout out to my Physio Noah with my shoulder issue

Andrea Bell

05:33 19 Sep 24

These guys are the best in the biz 🎉

Ryan Brockett

04:20 18 Sep 24

Shout out to Max from fighting fit physio. He helped me out massively straight after shoulder surgery and back into work and sports in no time. Couldn’t recommend anyone better!

Scotty

08:31 31 Jul 24

Five star service from Max & the team!
Professional & very thorough, you know that patient outcomes are of the highest priority.
I highly recommend this business.

Riley Wilson

08:27 14 Jul 24

Be AWARE they’ll immediately try to commit you to multiple follow up sessions after your initial consultation. This happened to me and then I later found out that as it just so happens, they have a cancellation policy that says you have to pay 100% of the consultation fee for cancelling. They failed to tell me this when they were pushy in committing me to 6 sessions after my consult, so that was a really nice little surprise.

I was already uncomfortable with how pushy they were in having me commit to so many sessions, so when I heard about the policy I just cancelled all together. So, I can’t speak further to the quality of their service throughout therapy phase. FYI this was also a few months ago now, it’s possible (though unlikely) they may have changed the policy. Just ask the question.

Megan Shelley

06:51 03 May 24

Fighting Fit Physiotherapy is hands down the best physio I've encountered. Having tried multiple physios for various injuries, I always find myself coming back to them. Their expertise consistently exceeds expectations, helping me get back to my sport faster than I thought possible. Their personalized approach and attention to detail make all the difference. I could not recommend a better or more exceptional physio team!

Gina Matthews

08:41 24 Mar 23

Can't recommend this place high enough. I was in so much pain with my knee an had been for months through advise an exercises I'm now looking forward to returning to gym an back riding my horses in endurance thank you so much

Courtney Halse

01:36 29 Nov 22

Kyle was knowledgeable, personable and professional. He saw me through my second pregnancy and continued to work with me until 6 months post partum on issues with my back. Would recommend anyone to go and see him.

Also shout out to Georgia on the front desk. She makes you feel welcome and brings a sense of warmth to the place!

Alli Davenport

08:07 04 Nov 22

After hip replacement surgery in February I wanted toget back into weight training legs, I started with Mitch 18 weeks ago and after a lot of hard work and sweat I am able to safely train again, I cannot thank Mitch enough for his support,encouragement and knowledge. The staff are friendly and helpful and I always looked forward to my session's

Robert Parkinson

10:50 15 Aug 22

This is the second time I have been treated by the team at FFP.
As a health professional myself I have been impressed with the level of care I have received from all members of the team.
The personalised treatment and rehabilitation programs have produced excellent results and I have completed both programs pain free and feeling stronger than before my injuries.
During the program there was constant communication and follow up and they were very accommodating with my work schedule.
All in all it was a very holistic experience and I would highly recommend the service.

Kiri Canavan

07:30 08 Jun 22

Tyson was amazing! We came up with an 8 week plan at my first consultation with weekly check ins and updates to exercises. 8 weeks later, I am pain free and able to train harder than ever. Highly recommend and the staff are all fantastic and super accomodating!

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