A sudden movement injury with a broad range of severity.
Whiplash, or whiplash associated disorder (WAD), describes the sudden forward or backward movement of the neck and head, most often occurring in a motor vehicle accident, though it can also happen during sports or from a sudden side-to-side motion.
A whiplash injury can involve soft tissue injury, bone fractures, and nerve damage. Because so many structures can be involved, bone, spine, brain, nerve, ligament, disc, joint capsule, and tendon, recovery can take several months, though most cases resolve within that window.
The Quebec Task Force classification grades WAD from 0 (no complaints) through 4 (neck complaints with fracture or dislocation), based on the physical and neurological signs present. Your physician may order X-rays or other imaging to rule out fracture.
Physical Therapy can be very effective for managing pain and restoring strength, endurance, and range of motion. Soft collars tend to offer limited benefit, while a rigid collar may help in the earliest stages of recovery for more severe cases.
A graded recovery matched to your injury's severity.
Treatment is tailored to your specific WAD grade, progressing from pain management and gentle mobility work toward full strength, endurance, and range of motion.
No referral needed. Most insurances accepted. In most cases, you can be seen within the same week.
Schedule Your Appointment
No referral needed. Most insurances accepted. Same-week appointments available.
Your first visit is a thorough evaluation: come in, tell us everything, and leave with a plan.
You’re all set.
We’ll reach out within one business day to confirm your appointment. If you need to speak with us sooner, call us directly.