Nose Creek Physical Therapy Home Program for Whiplash Associated Disorders

Physical Therapist Designed Home Program for Recent MVA Injury (Motor Vehicle Accident)

1st and 2nd degree WADS – (Whiplash-Associated Disorders)

ICE- Use ice only the first 3 to 4 days for 15 minutes, 3 to 6 times a day

R.O.M- (Range of Motion) See the illustrations below for gentle slow pain free range of motion exercises to assist with your recovery. These should be done 3 times a day.

HEAT- After the first 3 to 4 days, you can alternate between heat and ice. The best type of heat is moist heat. Hot bath, hot shower, or a heating pad 3 times a day is beneficial to reducing your symptoms. Physiotherapists believe that heat works well in the morning to alleviate stiffness in the muscles.

WALKING- 2 to 3 times a day for 10 to 30 minutes, walking will assist in recovery by getting the blood flowing, keeping you mobile, and reducing stiffness symptoms.

See your Physical Therapist within 1 week of the accident for initial assessment and education on the self management of your specific injuries.

If you manage your injury well in the first 2 weeks, you will progress faster with your recovery and return to normal function sooner rather than later.