Whiplash is a common injury following motor vehicle accidents. It occurs when the head and neck are suddenly jolted backward and forward, straining muscles, ligaments, and joints in the neck. Even mild accidents can cause whiplash, which may lead to pain, stiffness, headaches, or difficulty moving the neck.
I see whiplash from car accidents all the time and have been treating clients recovering from whiplash safely and effectively.
Some people assume that whiplash will heal on its own with rest. While mild cases may improve with time, many clients experience persistent neck pain, headaches, or reduced mobility if the injury is not properly assessed and treated.
Early physiotherapy intervention can:
Reduce pain and stiffness
Restore normal neck movement
Improve posture and muscle function
Prevent long-term complications
Every treatment plan is individualized, based on your symptoms and assessment. Common approaches include:
Gentle neck mobilization to restore joint movement
Soft tissue release to reduce muscle tension and spasm
Rehabilitation for whiplash often involves targeted exercises that retrain the neck and surrounding muscles to function safely and efficiently. These may include:
Craniocervical flexion training – improves deep neck muscle control
Neck extensor strengthening – supports the cervical spine and reduces fatigue
Scapular muscle training – strengthens shoulder stabilizers to support proper neck posture
Posture re-education – teaches optimal sitting and standing alignment
Sensorimotor and proprioception exercises – improve neck coordination, balance, and spatial awareness
These exercises are tailored to your condition and progress gradually to restore strength, control, and confidence with movement.
Range of motion exercises to improve flexibility
Motor control exercises to improve coordination and posture
Guidance on safe return to daily activities
Advice on safe movement and posture
Strategies for managing symptoms at home or work
Gradual return to normal activities
Physiotherapy after a motor vehicle accident is typically covered under ICBC claims. At David Ko Physiotherapy, we guide you through the process and work directly with ICBC to ensure you receive the care you need.
You may not need a doctor’s referral for physiotherapy, but early assessment is important to avoid delays in recovery.
Recovery from whiplash varies depending on the severity of the injury and how quickly treatment begins.
Mild whiplash: may improve in a few weeks with physiotherapy
Moderate whiplash: often requires several weeks of treatment
Chronic or persistent symptoms: may need longer-term rehab, including strength, motor control, and sensorimotor exercises
Physiotherapy is most effective when treatment starts early and includes consistent exercises and activity management outside the clinic.
You should seek physiotherapy if you notice:
Persistent neck or shoulder pain
Stiffness or limited range of motion
Headaches after a car accident
Difficulty performing daily tasks
Early treatment can help prevent your symptoms from becoming long-term or recurring.
If you’ve been in a car accident and are experiencing whiplash, David Ko Physiotherapy in New Westminster, and Simple Clinic in Vancouver provides hands-on treatment, guided exercises, and expert advice to support your recovery.
👉 Book your ICBC physiotherapy assessment today and start moving safely again.