Whiplash Injuries from Car Accidents — How Physiotherapy in Calgary Can Help
- Colin Bouma, PT, FCAMPT
- Nov 9
- 3 min read
Car accidents, even at low speeds, can cause significant injury—especially to the neck. Whiplash
is one of the most common and misunderstood injuries we treat at our Calgary physiotherapy
clinic on MacLeod Trail.
If you’re experiencing neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or dizziness after a crash, it’s important to
get assessed by a physiotherapist trained in post-collision care.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when the head is forcefully jerked forward and backward—like a whip
cracking—causing strain to:
Muscles
Ligaments
Facet joints
Discs
Nerves (Sterling et al., 2010)
Whiplash is classified under WAD (Whiplash Associated Disorders) and ranges from minor
strains to more complex injuries involving the nervous system.
Common Symptoms After a Motor Vehicle Collision
Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches (often at the base of the skull)
Dizziness or blurred vision
Shoulder or upper back pain
Tingling or numbness in the arms
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Symptoms can start immediately or appear days later. That’s why early assessment is crucial.
Why Early Physiotherapy Is Essential
Studies show that early active treatment—not rest—is key to better recovery (Kamper et al.,
2015).
At our Calgary clinic, we help you:
Reduce inflammation and pain
Restore neck mobility
Retrain proper muscle function
Prevent chronic symptoms
Our Physiotherapy Approach to Whiplash in Calgary
1. Detailed Assessment
We assess:
Neck range of motion
Neurological signs
Strength and posture
Functional limitations and pain levels
2. Gentle Manual Therapy
Mobilizations and soft tissue techniques reduce stiffness and muscle guarding (Cleland et al.,
2005).
3. Targeted Exercise Program
Deep neck flexor retraining
Postural control
Shoulder and scapular stability
Balance and coordination (if affected)
4. Education & Reassurance
We help you understand the healing timeline and reduce fear, which improves outcomes (Linton
& Shaw, 2011).
5. Return-to-Activity Guidance
We create a graded plan to help you return safely to driving, work, and sport.
Are You Covered Under Alberta’s MVA Program?
If you’ve been in a car accident in Alberta, you may be eligible for funded physiotherapy through Alberta’s Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols Regulation and Section ‘B’. We’ll help you:
Submit the required AB-1 forms
Navigate insurance claims
Begin care promptly without needing a referral
Tips to Support Recovery at Home
Avoid prolonged immobilization (e.g. no long-term collars)
Use heat for stiffness, ice for sharp pain
Practice gentle neck rotations and stretches
Prioritize sleep and hydration
Why Choose Our Calgary Clinic?
We’re located at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW, serving Haysboro, Kingsland, Acadia, and
Fairview. Our physiotherapists are experienced in post-accident whiplash rehabilitation, and
we work closely with family doctors and insurers. We are here to get you better and as close to
pre-accident level as possible. It is worth saying, you have the right to go to any physiotherapy
clinic under the motor vehicle claim process – often insurance will suggest you go to one of their
”preferred providers” within their network; however, there is a reason they are within the
“preferred network” having to meet their time limits and often have goals of discharging cases
quicker to keep the relationship which might not be beneficial for the patient. If this sounds like
you, please don’t hesitate to come get a second opinion!
Book Your Whiplash Assessment Today
Don’t wait for neck pain to get worse. Early treatment can prevent long-term issues. Book an
appointment with our Calgary team today and take the first step toward healing.
Bibliography
Cleland, J. A., Childs, J. D., & Whitman, J. M. (2005). Psychological factors may predict
outcome in patients with neck pain treated with manual therapy and exercise: A
secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial. Manual Therapy, 10(1), 10–17.
Kamper, S. J., Maher, C. G., Menezes Costa, L. D. C., McAuley, J. H., Hush, J. M., &
Sterling, M. (2015). Does fear of movement mediate the relationship between pain
intensity and disability in patients following whiplash injury? A prospective longitudinal
study. Pain, 156(2), 312–319. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.j.pain.0000460334.82303.43
Linton, S. J., & Shaw, W. S. (2011). Impact of psychological factors in the experience of
pain. Physical Therapy, 91(5), 700–711. https://doi.org/10.2522/ptj.20100330
Sterling, M., Jull, G., Kenardy, J., & Vicenzino, B. (2010). Physical and psychological
factors predict outcome following whiplash injury. Pain, 114(1–2), 141–148.
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