Recover From Your Accident. Restore Movement. Get Back to Life.
A motor vehicle accident can result in pain, stiffness, reduced mobility and difficulty returning to everyday activities. Symptoms may affect the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees or other areas of the body and can sometimes become more noticeable in the days following an accident.
At Sterling Physiotherapy & Wellness, we provide individualized physiotherapy for motor vehicle accident injuries in Calgary. Our rehabilitation approach focuses on understanding your symptoms, restoring movement, rebuilding strength and gradually improving your ability to return to work, exercise and everyday activities.
Common accident-related problems such as whiplash, strains, sprains and other soft-tissue injuries may benefit from physiotherapy as part of recovery. Alberta’s motor vehicle accident treatment framework includes protocols for certain minor injuries and is designed to support early and effective treatment and recovery.
Your treatment plan is based on your injury, symptoms, physical assessment, functional limitations and recovery goals. Depending on your needs, treatment may include therapeutic exercise, mobility work, manual therapy, progressive strengthening, movement retraining and functional rehabilitation.
Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
A collision can place sudden forces on different parts of the body. The resulting symptoms can vary depending on the type of accident, position in the vehicle, severity of impact and individual circumstances.
Physiotherapy may help with appropriate accident-related conditions involving:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Whiplash-associated symptoms
- Back pain
- Shoulder pain
- Hip pain
- Knee pain
- Muscle strains
- Joint sprains
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle weakness
- Movement limitations
- Balance or functional difficulties
Whiplash can cause neck pain and stiffness and may also affect the shoulders, chest or arms. Physiotherapy and exercise may be recommended as part of recovery when clinically appropriate.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries After an MVA
Whiplash is one of the more commonly recognized injuries associated with motor vehicle collisions. It occurs when the head and neck experience a rapid forward and backward movement.
Symptoms may include:
- Neck pain
- Neck stiffness
- Reduced neck movement
- Shoulder discomfort
- Upper-back discomfort
- Headaches
- Arm symptoms
Physiotherapy may focus on restoring comfortable neck movement, improving strength and gradually returning to normal activities.
Recovery varies between individuals. Alberta’s health guidance notes that most whiplash improves with conservative care, although more significant injuries may take longer to recover.
What This Involves
- MVA Injury Assessment
- Whiplash Rehabilitation
- Pain & Mobility Management
- Progressive Strengthening
- Functional Rehabilitation
- Return-to-Activity Support
Frequently Asked Questions
What injuries can physiotherapy help with after a motor vehicle accident?
Physiotherapy may help with appropriate accident-related musculoskeletal injuries such as whiplash, neck and back pain, strains, sprains, shoulder problems, stiffness and reduced mobility or strength. The appropriate treatment depends on the individual injury and assessment.
When should I start physiotherapy after an MVA?
The appropriate timing depends on your injury and medical circumstances. Alberta's automobile injury framework is designed to facilitate early treatment for certain eligible minor injuries, while more significant or concerning symptoms may require medical assessment first.
Can physiotherapy help with whiplash after a car accident?
Yes. Physiotherapy may help address neck pain, stiffness, reduced movement and functional limitations associated with whiplash. Treatment may include appropriate exercises, mobility work and progressive strengthening.
What happens during an MVA physiotherapy assessment?
Your physiotherapist reviews the accident, symptoms, medical history and current limitations before assessing relevant areas such as movement, strength, mobility and function. The findings are then used to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan.
Is MVA physiotherapy covered by automobile insurance in Alberta?
Certain motor vehicle accident injuries may be treated under Alberta's automobile insurance and Diagnostic and Treatment Protocols framework, but eligibility, authorization and applicable treatment limits depend on the individual claim and injury. Your insurance and claim details should be confirmed before assuming coverage.
Areas We Serve
Proudly serving Calgary and nearby communities including Airdrie, Okotoks, Chestermere, Cochrane, Langdon, Strathmore, De Winton. Book your appointment today.