Auto Injuries
The most common auto injury is whiplash of the neck. Whiplash type injuries account for approximately 50% of all auto injuries. Whiplash injuries occur in motor vehicle accidents when the vehicle is hit from behind. Other types of neck and back injuries similar to whiplash occur when the vehicle is hit from the side or front.
Whiplash causes the head to be thrown up and back and then forward from the impact. It happens in a fraction of a second and often people don’t realize it has happened. It causes many of the muscles of the neck and back to be overstretched and possibly torn (strain). It also causes the joints of the neck and back to be sprained with ligaments around the joints getting overstretched and maybe partially torn. A head rest that is the proper height will reduce the amount of whiplash.
Symptoms from auto injuries usually show up within 48 hours but often do not occur for up to two weeks. These are your body’s warning signs and should not be ignored. A vicious cycle can start. Pain causes less activity which causes more stiffness and weakness, which causes more pain and less activity. This delays healing.
Symptoms are usually:
- Pain and aches in the neck and/or back
- Stiffness in the neck, shoulders or back
- Headaches ( front or back of head)
- Fatigue and weakness in the neck and back areas
Other symptoms possible are:
- Tingling in one or both hands or feet
- Lightheadedness
- Difficulty sleeping and concentrating
- Overall fatigue
We can help you!
- Research has proven that the sooner a person starts physiotherapy after their auto accident the quicker they will recover for the short and long term.
- Physiotherapists are university trained and dedicated professionals that must meet strict standards in order to be licensed by the College of Physiotherapists. They must also keep up with the best proven treatment approaches.
- A Physiotherapist is a healthcare professional who has studied the human body and how it works and then applies that knowledge to treating and preventing physical injuries, diseases and disabilities. Physiotherapists are experts in how the body moves and how one area of injury can affect another area. Physiotherapy is the use of proven physical methods such as hands on techniques and exercises to treat patients with diseases or injuries. We help to rehabilitate the body, speed healing and to prevent further complications that could arise by the lack of use of a body part.
- We thoroughly check and diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that best meets your needs and preferences.
What are the benefits?
- Kill and decrease pain
- Return to your life pain free
- Heal faster
- Improve with less or no medication
- Learn how to treat your condition on your own
- Understand your condition and learn there are no mysteries
- Get back to your passions and pursue life!
What are the results?
This information is based on MPI data on 3600 people attending all physiotherapy clinics with whiplash type injuries. The majority of people required 9 to 12 physiotherapy treatments for their recovery. Of course these are average numbers and every patient is unique and may require a lot less or more than the average number of visits to recover.
How do I get started with Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)?
- Call MPI at 985-7000 to make your claim. You must make a bodily injury claim which is separate from your vehicle claim.
For information on how to make a claim visit:
http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/claims/vehicle/vehicle_report.html
For information on the MPI Personal Injury Protection Plan (PIPP) visit:
http://www.mpi.mb.ca/english/claims/PIPP/BI.html - Seek an appointment with our clinic as soon as possible at 925-0380. The faster you begin physiotherapy the quicker you will recover. We should be able to get you in within 24-48 hours. If necessary MPI is required to pay for time off work to attend physiotherapy. You do not need a Doctor’s referral to begin physiotherapy and have it paid for. You should also book an appointment with your family doctor as they are also important in your recovery.
- You must bring in your MPI bodily injury claim number which will enable us to bill MPI on your behalf for treatment.
- In order to save time you may download the patient information form fill it out and bring it to your first appointment. Click here to download the patient information form.