Auto Accident Physical Therapy for Whiplash in Columbia, MD Howard County.

Whiplash is a term used to describe a set of symptoms following injury to the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash is widely associated with automobile accidents or sports injuries, but it can be caused by any blow to the head that causes an abrupt movement of the neck that is not within the normal range.

Symptoms of whiplash include the following:

  • Headache
  • Muscle spasms, possible inability to move the neck
  • Pain in the neck or along the back of the neck
  • Pain that radiates from the neck down to the shoulders or arms
  • Swelling of the neck
  • Stiffness of the neck

Whiplash symptoms may take time to develop following an injury; however, it may also present very quickly. The faster the onset of whiplash symptoms, the more serious the damage to the neck.

Long-term issues caused by Whiplash Injury:

  • Chronic Neck Pain – Untreated whiplash can cause patients to experience neck pain for an extended period of time.
  • Use of prescription pain medications due to chronic pain from untreated whiplash can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. Medical studies reveal that long-term use can result in gastrointestinal issues and kidney damage.
  • Whiplash can cause an abnormal posture of the neck. 

Whiplash Physical Therapy Treatment

  • Cold and heat therapies which improve circulation and reduce inflammation respectively
  • Deep tissue massage which works to correct the muscle tension that often occurs due to whiplash
  • Ultrasound which lessens muscle spasms, swelling, cramping, and pain
  • TDN or Trigger Point Dry Needling technique to loosen tight and painful muscle problems. Dry Needling helps to improve blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients to injured areas with inflammation and/or pain.
  • PT prescribed exercises are an important part of a physical therapy program for whiplash. Specialized exercise programs based on the patient’s age, medical history, body mechanics, and other factors are carefully considered.Other physical therapy techniques include the use of low level laser therapy which relieves pain, reduces inflammation, and speeds up your body healing process
Whiplash Treatment Program at BEAT Physical Therapy

Our highly experienced physical therapists create individualized exercise programs to improve strength and range of motion. To complement the physical therapy techniques mentioned above, our qualified staff assists our patients under the one-on-one supervision of our compassionate physical therapists.

As a fully equipped rehabilitation facility, physical therapy treatment for whiplash can increase joint mobility, restore functional movement, and reduce pain and inflammation. BEAT Physical Therapists also correct spinal misalignments which contribute to abnormal postures and curvatures in the neck or back.Please contact our Columbia, Howard County MD office at 410-884-0000 for more information on treating whiplash or other neck pain symptoms.