Whiplash
Whiplash is an injury that occurs when a person’s head moves back and forth at an extremely high velocity, causing intensive strain on your neck. Because of the damage caused to the soft tissue in your neck, whiplash is often accompanied by pain, concussions, mobility issues and general discomfort. This type of injury is the most common type of injury in motor-vehicle accidents and one that is greatly improved with the benefits of massage therapy. If you have had a car accident within the last three months, you are automatically pre-approved for 12 sessions of massage therapy covered directly by ICBC, so there is no extra cost for you. Learn more about our PAARCC program here.
Whiplash can range from mild to severe and the symptoms can cause an incredible disruption to your daily routine. At Everest Therapeutics, we know just how difficult and frustrating these symptoms can be. We also know that whiplash symptoms manifest in different ways in each person and everybody responds differently to treatments. That is why our approach is unique: we know treating whiplash through a multi-disciplinary approach is the most effective type of treatment. And so, we design a therapeutic team specifically for you, made up of a massage therapist and a kinesiologist. As we are part of the larger multidisciplinary clinic Electra Health, we also have an extensive team of physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and counsellors who can work collaboratively with your team to provide you with multiple types of therapy that are proven to alleviate your whiplash symptoms.
Everest Massage Therapy – Downtown Vancouver
604-633-9593
MZ1- 970 Burrard St.
(mezzanine – Electra Building)
Downtown Vancouver
Massage Therapy appointments available:
7 days a week 8 am to 8 pm
Click to hear Mark explain the treatment protocol for whiplash
What to expect in your first session
At your first appointment, your massage therapist will do an assessment of your injuries before beginning treatment. Our massage therapists make you the number one priority during treatment: because symptoms of whiplash can present in ways such as light and sound sensitivity and difficulties remaining in seated or standing positions, they ensure that your room is quiet and dim. They also treat you in a horizontal position to avoid further tension on your neck. From there, they may recommend specific types of massage therapy, such as myofascial therapy, trigger point massage, or systemic deep tissue massage. With over 25 massage therapists at our clinic with knowledge in very diverse areas of practice, booking these treatments is easy.
Alongside your massage therapist, you will also be paired up with a kinesiologist. This is what sets Everest apart from others: the kinesiologist will be the head of your therapeutic team, designing and implementing a comprehensive treatment plan while monitoring and supporting you in your recovery. This can include active rehab, at-home treatment plans with simple movements and stretches to help you maximize your recovery, as well as the recommendation of other modalities, such as chiro, physio, counselling and acupuncture to help your whiplash recovery. As Everest is a part of the larger multidisciplinary clinic Electra Health, you’ll have access to over 40 practitioners from different fields, which makes getting these treatments easy for you.
FAQs
How can you get whiplash?
Whiplash occurs when your head is forcibly moved forward and backward at a high velocity. This causes damage to soft tissues in your neck and back, and can sometimes cause concussions. This is a common injury for motor-vehicle accidents, but can also occur from sports injuries, physical abuse, even dancing too hard at a concert!
Please note, for ICBC-related claims, please click here.
Is it safe to get a massage after a car accident?
If you’ve been in a motor-vehicle related accident, massage therapy is actually one of the most beneficial types of therapy that you can receive! And because ICBC automatically pre-approves 12 sessions of massage therapy if you have had an accident within the last three months, receiving massage therapy at Everest comes at no cost to you! Massage therapy helps reduce tension and stiffness in your muscles after traumatic shock. It also promotes circulation, which in turn helps reduce swelling and speed up recovery. Lastly, it is also helpful in dealing with any mental and emotional trauma that you’ve experienced from your accident.
What are the symptoms of whiplash?
The symptoms of whiplash can manifest in many ways and varies significantly between individuals. Some common signs to watch for include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Headaches
- Concussions
- Stiff/sore neck, head and back
- Increased stiffness after movement
- Sensitivity to light and sound
- Insomnia
- Vertigo
Can you get permanent damage from whiplash?
Yes, if whiplash is left untreated, permanent damage can occur. Chronic pain and stiffness can form from damaged muscles and tissues. Spinal misalignment can also occur as a result of injured muscles, which can lead to degenerative disc disease.
Does stretching help whiplash?
Yes! Stretching can help restore your range of motion. Stretching works best in combination with strengthening, movement exercises also that help circulate blood, promote healing and strengthen damaged muscles. That is why Everest has you work with both a kinesiologist and a massage therapist!
Summary
At Everest Therapeutics, we understand how traumatic whiplash can be and how much frustration symptoms can cause. We also know that each individual body responds uniquely to the effects, and treatments, of whiplash. That is why Everest’s approach to treating whiplash is different: we approach recovery through a multidisciplinary treatment plan. From the outset of our PAARCC program, you are paired with a kinesiologist who works alongside your massage therapist to develop, implement, oversee and support a recovery program for you. In addition, your kinesiologist and massage therapist may recommend other forms of treatments available at our clinic, such as chiro, physio, acupuncture and counselling. As Everest is part of a larger multidisciplinary clinic with over 40 practitioners from different modalities, accessing the treatment you need is easy, so you can focus on getting back to feeling your best!
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