If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident and have injuries as a result, physiotherapy may be a way to reduce your pain and get back to pre-accident levels of functioning. But first, any time you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident you should first seek appropriate medical attention.
The Government of Alberta recognizes the research that supports the value of early treatment following motor vehicle collisions. Alberta government legislation requires an assessment by a primary care practitioner (physiotherapist, medical doctor or chiropractor) within 10 days of the accident.
A misconception is that the driver not at fault doesn’t need to call their insurance company — but this is a mistake! Whether you are at fault or not, your insurance company needs to know because of the legal actions involved and for the cost of rehabilitation services that they can cover.
Table of Contents
What are Section B Benefits that are Available When I Have been Involved in a MVA?
Physiotherapy and MVA Injury Assessment
What is Whiplash?
How Can Physiotherapy Help After a Car Accident?
What to Expect
Recovering from Whiplash and Your Motor Vehicle Accident
Preventing Whiplash
Conclusion
FAQ
What are Section B Benefits that are Available When I Have Been Involved in a MVA?
The Province of Alberta - the Automobile Accident Insurance Regulation outlines Section B Benefits under the Insurance Act. To summarize, Section B Benefits are insurance benefits for individuals who have been injured in an automobile accident or who have loved ones who were injured or killed in automobile accidents.
Any driver or passenger injured in an automobile or a pedestrian, Section B coverage attaches to the vehicle and is mandatory in all auto insurance policies in Alberta. Under section B you are entitled to physiotherapy to help treat your injuries. We recommend you always consult with a lawyer to understand all your rights and available benefits when you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident.
Physiotherapy and MVA Injury Assessment
After a car accident, you may experience pain, reduced range of motion, headaches, or stiffness. There are many, many reasons to undergo physiotherapy after you’ve been in a car crash, as it supports the recovery process and can also prevent long-term damage from a car accident, including migraines and chronic pain.
The first step of treatment involves a thorough assessment in order to determine a treatment plan for your recovery. A physiotherapist will conduct an in-depth assessment of all your injuries in order to determine a treatment plan and set goals for recovery. You will also receive treatment on your first visit for your injuries and the therapist will give you some advice on symptom management for home.
What is Whiplash?
WAD or Whiplash Associated Disorder is the most common injury following a motor vehicle accident. Accessing treatment early for soft tissue injuries is the key to ensure timely recovery and return to pre-accident levels of function.
Depending on the severity of the injury, pain and symptoms can be felt immediately or even a few days later. WAD injuries are categorized in the following way:
- WAD I: Neck pain, tenderness but normal movement
- WAD II: Neck pain and stiffness with point tenderness and loss of movement
- WAD III: Neck pain, reduced mobility and neurological signs (weakness, sensory and / or reflex changes)
- WAD IV: Neck pain with fracture or dislocation
It’s estimated that 30% to 50% of patients who sustain a whiplash injury end up reporting chronic pain and symptoms. People may also report bone fractures and other impact injuries. Strain in the pelvis region from braking too strongly is also a common issue following an MVA.
Following an MVA, people will complain of:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Lower back pain
- Concussions
- Muscle strain and tear
- Restricted movement
- Troubles with memory
- Moodiness and generally not feeling like themselves
How Can Physiotherapy Help After a Car Accident?
Keep in mind that not all symptoms may not appear right after a car accident. Physiotherapy helps you to keep pain symptoms at bay, improve flexibility, increase strength and recover faster.
Specific benefits to physiotherapy after a motor vehicle accident include:
- Reducing Pain
- Restoring Range of Motion
- Restore Function
- Resolve Vertigo
- Concussion Assessment
Types of physiotherapy treatments used to treat motor vehicle accident injuries can include massage therapy, manual manipulation, ultrasound, ice and cold therapy, specific exercises, targeted massage, and stretching.
No matter how minor you may think your injury is, it is important that you be evaluated as soon as possible by a trained health professional like a physiotherapist. Don't make the mistake of letting it go for a week or two before you seek treatment because the longer you wait, the harder it becomes to treat.
What to Expect
Depending on the cause and severity of your whiplash, treatment can include:
- Strengthening and range of motion exercises
- Manual therapy (joint and soft tissue mobilizations)
- Soft tissue massage
- Personalized exercise plan
- Assistive devices to improve neck support, such as therapeutic pillows
- Functional retraining and activity modification
- Pain relieving modalities such as
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Heat and ice therapy
- Electrical stimulation
- Acupuncture
Recovering from Whiplash and Your Motor Vehicle Accident
If you are a Motor Vehicle Accident patient recovering from whiplash, you should expect to see improvements in your neck movements within 4-8 weeks. This is just an estimate and it does depend on the severity of your whiplash, and the other injuries you may have sustained along with whiplash.
Should you have any questions about the recovery plan provided by your Physiotherapist, Chiropractor, Massage Therapist or Acupuncturist, please don’t hesitate to call our Rehabilitation Centre. For any psychological effects that occur in addition to whiplash, please be sure to contact your doctor for medical help.
Preventing Whiplash
Whiplash is often caused by a motor vehicle accident, so it can be hard to prevent, but steps that you can take are:
- Ensure your car head rest is fitted correctly for you
- Wear a seat belt
- Use safe driving practices
Conclusion
In conclusion, Section B Benefits are an important aspect of the Automobile Accident Insurance Regulation in Alberta, providing coverage for individuals who have been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Physiotherapy is a crucial component of the recovery process after a car accident, offering numerous benefits including reducing pain, restoring range of motion and function, and resolving vertigo. Whiplash is the most common injury following a motor vehicle accident and can lead to chronic pain, headaches, and other symptoms. With the right treatment plan, including physiotherapy, patients can expect to see improvements in their neck movements within 4-8 weeks. To prevent whiplash, it is recommended to ensure proper headrest positioning, wearing a seat belt, and practicing safe driving techniques. Contact a Human Integrated Performance physiotherapist who can provide support during your recovery process.
FAQ
What is Section B coverage in Alberta for MVA?
Section B Coverage is a type of insurance benefit in Alberta for individuals who have been injured or have loved ones who have been injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident. It is mandatory in all auto insurance policies in Alberta and covers physiotherapy treatment to help recover from injuries sustained in the accident.
What is whiplash and how is it caused?
Whiplash is a type of injury often sustained in a motor vehicle accident and is the most common injury following an MVA. It is caused by the sudden movement of the neck in a back-and-forth motion, which can result in neck pain, headaches, and stiffness.
How can physiotherapy help after a car accident?
Physiotherapy can help reduce pain, restore range of motion, and resolve other symptoms related to a car accident, such as vertigo and headaches. Physiotherapy treatments used for MVA injuries may include manual therapy, soft tissue massage, exercise plans, and pain relieving modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulation. The sooner you receive physiotherapy after a car accident, the more likely you are to have a pain-free recovery.