Rec Center Physical Therapy

Aches or Pains limiting your daily activities in life?

Physical Therapists have the most specialized education to improve quality of life without surgery or prescription drugs.

Consider our expert care at Rec Center Physical Therapy as your first line of defense to address any limitations you may be experiencing.

Your First Visit

• Allow at least 1 hour for the first visit
• Child care available
• Arrive 10-15 minutes early
• Bring insurance card and doctor's referral/order if applicable
• All patients under 18 years must be accompanied by an adult
• Front row parking is available for our patients (next to handicapped parking)
• Bring or wear comfortable clothing to allow accessible treatment for your evaluation. (clinic may also provide you with clothing)

Whiplash

Definition

Whiplash, also called neck sprain or neck strain, is injury to the neck. Whiplash is characterized by a collection of symptoms that occur following damage to the neck. In whiplash, the intervertebral joints (located between vertebrae), discs, and ligaments, neck muscles and nerves may become damaged.

Mechanism of Injury

Acute whiplash is caused by an abrupt jerking motion of the head, either backward or forward and often occurs as a result of a motor vehicle accident, sporting activities, accidental falls, blows to the head from a falling object and assault.

Non Acute causes include repetitive stress injuries or chronic strain involving the neck, such as poor posture at the computer or using your neck to hold the phone to your ear.

Child Abuse, particularly shaking a child can result in this injury as well as more serious injuries to the child's brain or spinal cord.

Whiplash Symptoms

Symptoms of whiplash may be delayed for 24 hours or more after the initial trauma. However, people who experience whiplash may develop one or more of the following symptoms, usually within the first few days after the injury.

• Neck pain and stiffness
• Headaches
• Pain in the shoulder or between the shoulder blades
• Low back pain
• Pain or numbness in the arm and/or hand
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears or blurred vision
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Irritability, sleep disturbances, fatigue

Physical Therapy Intervention

Rec Center Physical Therapy can be the first line of defense for those suffering from whiplash by offering treatments such as ice initially, heat and modalities to treat pain and muscle spasm along with massage and mobilization as needed. As pain/symptoms decrease, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the neck and upper back can be added to help return to normal activities. Postural exercises and worksite modifications can also be beneficial.