Tag Archives: Whiplash Treatment Mississauga

Male,Motorist,With,Whiplash,Injury,In,Car,Crash,Getting,Out

Motor Vehicle Accident: Injuries and Insurance

Motor Vehicle Accidents / MVA and physiotherapy.

motor vehicle accident

Motor Vehicle Accident

Injuries sustained from a motor vehicle accident affect your normal function in life differently. It depends on the extent of the impact. Thus, it is very important to address any pertaining issues from the accident to your doctor. Additionally, to start rehabilitation at the earliest to decrease the impact of injury and its effects.

MVA injuries can be as minor as  sprains or strains or it can be extensive that might include concussion, fractures, neurological involvement, other musculoskeletal involvements, etc.

Once you are involved in an accident and you are discharged from your preliminary care, you would contact your auto insurance company for guidance on starting physiotherapy sessions.

 

Physiotherapy sessions for a motor vehicle accident:

Once you decide to attend a physiotherapy clinic, these are the few things to do and to expect  on your first visit.

  •  Book an appointment in a clinic which you decide to proceed with.
  • Once you arrive expect to fill a few Auto insurance forms and clinic specific forms to start your assessment at the clinic.
  • You would be seeing a physiotherapist who could be your primary care provider.
  • The therapist would do a detailed assessment on your situation and would also go over your treatment plan pertaining to your injury.
  • Your treatment session would be patient specific and progressive to get back to your normal functionality.

 

Facts about your treatment plan and coverage:

Once you are in a motor vehicle accident, you are mostly covered by the auto insurance company for treatment sessions.

Your treatment coverage depends on the category that you fall into.

  • Minor injury guideline/ MIG, where your injury falls into  the category of sprains and strains and would need a shorter duration of recovery and treatment sessions. Your treatment sessions could extent up to 4 months or as needed. Reassessments are done as needed to see your progress and to plan further with your sessions.
  • Out of Minor injury guideline, where your injury is more extensive or catastrophic. Where the duration of recovery is longer and so the treatment allotment is longer when compared to MIG.
  • Any multidisciplinary approach needed would be advised and would be recommended to your insurance company for further proceedings.

 

Commonly seen injuries after a motor vehicle accident:

motor vehicle accident

Motor Vehicle Accident Whiplash

  • Whiplash injury to the neck: which can include one or more of the symptoms ; pain, stiffness, swelling, muscle spasm, headaches, tingling /numbness into the hands, weakness, difficulty sleeping.
  • Low back Sprain/ strain or disc related symptoms which includes, pain, stiffness, tingling and numbness into the leg, disturbed sleep.
  • Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle sprain/ strain.
  • Seatbelt or airbag related pains in the chest area and abdominal area.
  • Fractures.
  • Concussion symptoms which might include dizziness, headaches, light and noise sensitivity, blurred vision, nausea, issues with concentration, imbalance, weakness, slurred speech, anxiety, depression, etc.
  • Vestibular symptoms with symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, vomiting, difficulty with positional changes, sense of imbalance, etc.

 

Treatment sessions:

 These are patient specific.

  • Electrical modalities such as IFC, TENS, Ultrasound, LASER, heat or cold packs for pain relief and decreasing muscle spasm, and to improve circulation to the area.
  • Manual therapy which includes soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization, joint traction. Muscle energy techniques to reduce pain, improve function in the joint.
  • Exercises for improving mobility, strength, and also function.
  • Braces and splints for immobilization as needed.
  • Post concussion therapy focusing on your symptoms and additionally presentation, which is provided by a physiotherapist trained in concussion therapy.
  • Vestibular rehabilitation services provided by a physiotherapist specifically trained in vestibular rehab.

Need some help?

Your assessment session would ideally be an hour and treatment sessions would be 45 min to an hour in our clinic.  Here at PhysioNow, we have many highly knowledgeable physiotherapists that can assist you with your injuries. If you think physiotherapy may help with an injury from an MVA, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Headaches? See how Physiotherapy can help you!

How do Headaches occur?

There are many different types of headaches with many different causes. Many people may blame it on the weather, stress, or work, and feel like it is out of their control and that nothing can help their headaches. If this sounds like you, there is treatment available and you do not have to live with your pain. Headaches that stem from your neck or jaw are treatable through physiotherapy and can result in a decreased intensity and frequency or even stop them completely. However, migraines can also be manageable with rehab.

What are headaches from the neck?

Cervicogenic Headache

Headaches that stem from the neck are known as cervicogenic headaches and are a type of referred pain. Referred pain means that the pain actually originates from another part of the body, and not the place where you actually feel the pain. Moreover, the head pain is actually coming from problems in the tissues and/or joints in the neck.

Common symptoms of cervicogenic headaches include:

  • Firstly, one-sided headaches
  • Second, neck stiffness
  • Decreased motion in the neck
  • Radiating pain to the eyes, shoulder, or arms
  • Lastly, they are triggered by certain neck positions or movements

What are headaches from the jaw?

TMJ Pain HeadacheHeadaches stemming from the jaw result from dysfunction in the jaw joint, anatomically known as the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). This joint connects your lower jaw to the skull and is used in actions such as talking and chewing as it allows the opening and closing of the mouth. Therefore, headaches are one of the common symptoms of jaw dysfunction. Though they are lesser known, it is commonly missed as a source.

Common symptoms of TMJ dysfunction include:

  • Clicking on the jaw
  • Pain or tenderness with jaw movements (biting, talking, chewing, etc)
  • Headaches, especially in the morning (due to grinding and clenching of the jaw during the night)
  • Also, neck stiffness

How can physiotherapy help?

Your physiotherapist will provide a comprehensive assessment of your neck and jaw to determine a specific treatment plan for you. The evaluation may include observing your resting posture, and the way your jaw and neck move. Also,  how much movement is available in your jaw and neck, and more.

Your treatment plan may include strengthening weak muscles, correcting posture and faulty movement patterns, stretching and mobility exercises, manual therapy techniques like soft tissue massage and joint mobilizations to reduce pain and increase range of motion. They may use modalities like heat, electrotherapy and acupuncture as well depending on your condition and goals of treatment. Your physiotherapist will work closely with you to develop an individualized plan of treatment including a home exercise program, and education on self-management of your condition at home.  They can also inform you and help you get in contact with other healthcare practitioners that may need to be involved in your care.

If you are experiencing persistent headaches, book with PhysioNow today for your first assessment and treatment!

Whiplash

Whiplash

What is whiplash?

When your neck is suddenly and forcefully jolted forward or backward, there is a possibility that you had a whiplash. It typically causes an intense stretch on the soft tissues around your neck, beyond the normal range of motion. As a result, there is acute pain, stiffness or tightness around your neck.

Whiplash Injuries

Whiplash injury

There are different categories of whiplash. The Quebec Classification of Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD) classifies it as-
• Grade 0: No complaints about the neck. No physical sign(s).
• Grade I: Neck complaint of pain, stiffness or tenderness only. No physical sign(s).
• Grade II: Neck complaint AND musculoskeletal sign(s).
• Grade III: Neck complaint AND neurological sign(s).
• Grade IV: Neck complaint AND fracture or dislocation.


What are the causes of whiplash?

Most commonly, whiplash is caused during car accidents. However, it can also be caused by other reasons like-
-Fall from a height leading to over extension of the neck
-While playing sports like soccer, basketball
-Physical abuse where the neck or head is shaken
-Trauma to the neck with a heavy object
-Accidents during adventure sports


What are the symptoms of whiplash?

The symptoms may or may not start immediately. They can start even after 24 hours and gradually worsen. Mostly, the symptoms settle down in a few days. However, sometimes the symptoms can last for a long time causing significant distress.  Common symptoms of whiplash can include:
-Pain and tenderness in the neck and upper back
-Neck stiffness
-Restricted range of motion of the neck
-Headache typically around the base of the skull
-Dizziness
-Pain, tingling or numbness radiating down to the arm, forearm or hand
-There may be other symptoms including ringing in the ears, anxiety or memory disturbances


How do you diagnose whiplash?

You will be taken to a hospital if you are involved in a serious accident. There, they will assess you and do further investigations, if required. Usually, they will perform an X-ray to check for any bony injuries or to rule out arthritis. They may also do an MRI or a CT-scan to evaluate for inflammation and soft tissue damage. If the symptoms start after 1-2 days of injury and are persistent, you can get in touch with your doctor who will guide you further.
As whiplash is sometimes associated with concussion, a few additional tests may be done to confirm the same. Although, the symptoms of concussion might be more severe than that of a whiplash.


How can you treat whiplash?

Rest and pacing your activities:


It is advisable to rest for the first 2 days. This does not mean you have to be on bed rest but just less activities and resting when possible. Ice pack can give some relief. Applying an ice pack around the neck helps reduce the swelling and pain.
After the first 2 days, you can gradually start being more active. You should also try to return to school or work if possible and not wait for 100% recovery. You can also apply a heat pack now instead of the ice pack.


Medications:

Over the counter medications can help in reducing pain in the earlier stages of whiplash. However, if you have seen your doctor already, they might prescribe some medications for you as well.


Maintaining good posture:

It is very important to maintain a good posture after whiplash.  Specifically, a slouched posture will stretch the neck muscles more, leading to more pain.  Therefore, try to take a break from a sustained position every 30-45 minutes.


Physiotherapy:

Post whiplash, physiotherapy can help with improving the flexibility and strength of your neck muscles.  In addition, physiotherapists can also help with different pain-relieving methods and postural modifications.

Massage therapy:

Massage therapy can help to relieve your muscle tension, improve blood circulation and thus help in pain relief.


How can we help at PhysioNow?

We have a team of experienced physiotherapists and massage therapists that can help you. The physiotherapist will do an assessment and formulate a treatment plan for you. Thus, if you have had whiplash recently or a while ago and are still having persistent symptoms, contact us today at PhysioNow!

Neck related dizziness

Neck related dizziness

Neck related or cervicogenic dizziness is one of the common causes of dizziness and affects 45-80% population. However, while treating the symptoms of being dizzy/light-headed, this diagnosis is commonly missed.

How can it come from the neck?

Nerves from the upper part of the neck connect with the vestibular system(area of the brain responsible for balance). As a result, any injury or impairment in the upper neck like car accident (whiplash), abnormal posture or any inflammatory condition could eventually lead to disturbance in the vestibular system. This, in turn, leads to dizziness.

How to know if your dizziness is related to your neck?

  • If you are experiencing lightheadedness, unsteadiness, feeling imbalanced and above all, feeling like your external environment is spinning
  • Moreover, if your symptoms comes with moving the head quickly in any direction, during sitting or standing up
  • Further, if you are experiencing headache and neck pain
  • In addition, you have a history of neck injury due to a car accident or neck pain due to abnormal posture

Diagnosis:

There is no specific test with good evidence for cervicogenic dizziness. However,  there are tests that will help you rule out other causes of dizziness. This, in turn will help in concluding that cervical spine is the cause for your symptoms.

How could physiotherapy help you with dizziness?

First of all, there will be a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms. Then, the physiotherapist designs a treatment plan incorporating manual therapy , exercises, education and other modalities like acupuncture. Consequently, it will help treat the neck as well as the vestibular system.

Physiotherapy Treatment Etobicoke

Neck related dizziness

Prognosis:

Cervicogenic dizziness usually has good prognosis. It usually resolves with the treatment of neck and the vestibular system. About 75% of patients have reported significant improvement in their symptoms.

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms? Our Vestibular physiotherapists specialize in treating this. Book an appointment today at one of our clinics! We will do an assessment and help you get better.

Accident Rehabilitation

Accident Rehabilitation

Accident Rehabilitation

What is Accident Rehabilitation?

Motor vehicle accidents happen everyday in Ontario.  As a result, they produce a lot of pain, disability and stress for those involved. The impact can be quite debilitating. Accident rehabilitation is treatment that is given after being involved in a motor vehicle accident. It is important to seek out Registered Physiotherapists who are experienced in Accident Rehabilitation to ensure proper recovery. At PhysioNow we offer high quality Registered Physiotherapy and Registered Massage therapy treatments to help you recover from your injuries.

Accident Rehabilitation

Registered Massage Therapy

Who is entitled to receive Accident Rehabilitation?

Any person who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident in Ontario is entitled to receive Accident Rehabilitation benefits . This would include if you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle.  It would also include coverage for treatment if you were involved in an accident outside of Ontario, but reside in Ontario.  However, if you are  injured and do not have your own insurance, you can still apply for accident benefits. The circumstances of the accident will determine which insurance company will pay for the benefits. For instance, you may be covered by the person that hit you or the Motor Vehicle Accident Fund.

How much accident benefit coverage is available?

The amount of the benefits that you are entitled to depends on the severity of your injuries. There are two categories of benefits available:

  • Minor Injury Guideline (MIG)

    • This plan is for people who have minor injuries including whiplash and sprains and strains.
    • The majority of motor vehicle accident injuries fall within this category
    • The MIG plan is standardized across all of Ontario in terms of its entitlement to Treatment benefits no matter where you receive treatment.
    • If you are under a MIG, the maximum benefit under the MIG is $3500

 

  • Major Injury Guideline (non-MIG)

    • This plan is  for people who have suffered serious injuries from an accident
    • Examples include fractures, surgeries, major neurological trauma and concussions
    • The maximum entitlement under this plan will vary depending on your injuries, but could be up to $65,000.

What is the process of receiving accident benefits?

Once the accident is reported to the insurance company, the  adjuster will ask if there are any injuries from the accident.  The adjuster will send you a package of forms that you have to complete and send back. The adjuster will also likely put you in touch with an approved physiotherapy clinic in the area closest to you. The clinic will then contact you to schedule an initial assessment.

1st visits with a Physiotherapist can take place within 1 day of the accident.  You are also able to go directly to your Approved Physiotherapy Clinic to initiate a claim and get started on your treatment.  The Approved Clinic can get the paperwork started for you.

PhysioNow is an approved company for the purposes of Motor vehicle accidents in Ontario.  PhysioNow is allowed to directly bill your treatment to your Auto Insurance company. They can provide all of the forms that you need to get started.

 

Accident Rehabilitation

Whiplash Pain

What are the most common injuries from a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Most car accidents tend to be minor in nature. The most common types of injuries are:

  • Whiplash

    • Happens when the force of the impact pushes your neck back and forth really fast
    • This causes a sprain/strain of the your muscles and ligaments of the neck
    • Symptoms range from pain, stiffness, numbness/tingling into the arms and hands, headache and loss of motion
  • Thoracic & Lumbar strains

    • The impact causes the joints and muscles of the spine to be over-stretched
    • The mechanism is similar to whiplash
    • Symptoms include pain, limited movement, numbness/tingling into the arms and/or legs, weakness
  • Shoulder strains

    • It is common for the shoulder to get injured in a car accident, especially for the driver – this is because their arms are usually holding on to the steering wheel
  • Concussion

    • Concussions are a form of a traumatic brain injury and can vary from mild to severe
    • It is possible for Concussions to occur as a result of either direct or indirect trauma to the brain
    • The most common symptoms of a concussion are dizziness, nausea, sensitivity to light and sound, headache, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and fogginess
    • Accident Rehabilitation

      Concussion

What can I expect from my first visit at the physiotherapy appointment?

During the initial visit, you will have to complete some forms.  These forms are essential to submitting a successful claim. The experienced administrators at PhysioNow can help you to fill them out to make the process easier for you. The good thing about the  paperwork is that you only need to complete it once! After the initial paperwork, you can focus just on your recovery.

What can I expect from my Initial Assessment with the Registered Physiotherapist at PhysioNow?

Your Registered Physiotherapist will meet with you.  We will start by asking some questions to get an understanding of your injuries. For example, some sample questions can include:

  • How did the accident happen?
  •  Questions that will screen you for more serious injuries that could require further medical attention
  • Locating all the painful areas and injuries that have occurred
  • Details about past medical and injury history

Once this information has been collected, your Registered Physiotherapist will do a full assessment. We will check all of your  affected areas for movement and strength. This will start to give us an idea of the severity of your symptoms. We will then use this information to decide whether you will be classified as either MIG or non-MIG.

After this, we will then  fill out the required treatment plan for you.  In conclusion, we will go over what the plan will look like with you. Lastly, they will discuss treatment timelines and treatment goals. At PhysioNow, there will also be  time allocated  to start some light treatment to give you pain relief.

What kind of treatment will be provided for Accident Rehabilitation?

The types of treatment provided after vehicle accidents  will depend on the nature of your injuries.  It will also depend on  what your Physiotherapist feels is most appropriate for  you, taking into account all of your injuries. As a result, your treatment plan may include a variety of different treatments such as:

  • Treatment will start slowly at first and focus first on pain control,
  • Modalities – Ultrasound, Laser, Interferential Current
  • TherapyManual therapy – gentle soft tissue work, mobilizations, assisted stretching
  • Exercises – range of motion, postural and strengthening exercises
  • Concussion Treatment if needed
  • Education – explanations of the injuries and do’s and don’ts to help the recovery process
  • After that, this will be followed by recovery of movement, and then strength.
  • Lastly, we will work on helping you get back to all of your normal activities both at home and work
  • Neck Pain Treatment

    Accident Rehabilitation

How long will the treatment  take to complete for Accident Rehabiliation?

The length of the treatment plan depends on whether you are on a MIG or non-MIG pathway.

  • MIG (Minor Injury Guidleline)
    • 2 phases
      • 1st phase: 12 weeks in length
      • 2nd phase (if required): additional 4-8 weeks
    • Non-MIG ( Non- Minor Injury Guideline)
      • Timeline is at the discretion of your physiotherapist and will vary depending on your injuries
      • For post-surgical cases or individuals with multiple serious injuries, the timeline can be well over 1 year

As a result, it is very important to seek out Accident Rehabilitation as soon as possible when you have been involved in a car accident. The pain and limitations that you experience after an accident can really affect your quality of life. Therefore, scar tissue from injuries starts to form quickly after an injury.

At PhysioNow we want to help you get back on your feet and back to doing things that are important to you!  Give us a call at 289-724-0448 to get started today!

TMJ syndrome

TMJ syndrome

TMJ syndrome is broadly classified into 2 syndromes.
The temporo- mandibular joint (TMJ) is the synovial joint that connects the jaw to the skull. These joints are located just in front of each ear.

TMJ syndrome

Classification of TMJ syndrome

TMD is broadly classified into 2 syndromes:
• Muscle-related TMD (myogenous TMD), sometimes called TMD secondary to myofascial pain and dysfunction
• Joint-related TMD, or TMD secondary to true articular disease

Causes of TMJ syndrome

• trauma
• disease,
• wear and tear due to aging
• oral habits, such as chewing gum, tobacco, candy or ice

  • grinding your teeth or clenching your jaw

 

Signs and Symptoms of TMJ syndrome

• Pain in the jaw
• Clicking and popping sound in the ear
• Pain while chewing the food
• Stiff and sore jaw muscles
• headaches

Treatment for TMJ syndrome

? general

  • • including heat to the joint,
    • nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
    • avoiding chewing gum, candy, ice, or tobacco
    • stress reduction.

    • wear a mouth guard at night
    • avoid activities that require you to keep your mouth open such as fellatio
    • avoid eating food that is hard to chew such as steak

If you are interested in knowing a bit more about this syndrome, check out this link .

 

? Physical therapy techniques for TMJ syndrome may include:

• Jaw exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility and range of motion.
• Heat therapy to improve blood circulation in the jaw.
• Ice therapy to reduce swelling and relieve pain.
• Massage to relieve overall muscle tension.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS),
• Movement of the temporomandibular (TM) joint to release scar tissue that restricts muscle movement and to improve range of motion.
• Ultrasound therapy- to reduce pain and swelling and improve circulation.

If you have any further queries please call PhysioNow. Our experienced Registered Physiotherapists would be happy to help you recover from TMJ syndrome.  There are Registered Physiotherapists at each of our locations that are trained specifically to assess and treat this injury.  Assessment takes about 40-50 minutes and each treatment typically takes about 30-40 mins.  Resolution of TMJ syndrome can be quite rapid with some patients only requiring a few visits for the pain the stop.

Call today!

Heat therapy

Heat and Cold therapy

How it works

When we apply Heat therapy, it improves circulation and blood flow to  that area due to increased temperature. Heat therapy can relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue.

Heat therapy

Types

  • Dry Heat therapy includes sources like heating pads, dry heating packs, and even saunas. This heat is easy to apply.
  • Moist Heat therapy includes sources like steamed towels, moist heating packs, Theratherm heating pads that take moisture from the air, or hot baths. Moist heat may be slightly more effective as well as require less application time for the same results.

Contraindications

  • diabetes
  • dermatitis
  • vascular diseases
  • deep vein thrombosis
  • multiple sclerosis (MS)

 Heat is useful for relieving:

  • osteoarthritis
  • strains and sprains
  • tendonitis, or chronic irritation and stiffness in the tendons
  • warming up stiff muscles or tissue before activity
  • relieving pain or spasms relating to neck or back injury, including the lower back

Cold therapy

How it works

Cold therapy is also known as cryotherapy. It works by Louis- hunting reaction theory. When we apply Ice to an injured site, it reduces the blood flow by vasoconstriction. After some time, it causes vasodilatation and increases the blood flow to the area. This process goes on continuously. This reduces inflammation and swelling that causes pain, especially around a joint or a tendon. It can temporarily reduce nerve activity, which can also relieve pain.

Types of Cold Therapy

There are a number of different ways to apply cold therapy to an affected area. Treatment options include:

  • ice packs or frozen gel packs
  • coolant sprays
  • ice massage
  • ice baths

Cold treatment can help in cases of:

  • osteoarthritis
  • a recent injury
  • gout
  • strains
  • tendinitis, or irritation in the tendons following activity

Contraindications

  • people with sensory disorders
  • uncontrolled diabetes
  • You should not use cold therapy on stiff muscles or joints.
  • Cold therapy should not be used if you have poor circulation.

Here’s a general guide that helps you to decide which to use heat or ice : https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-pain/treating-pain-with-heat-and-cold#cold-therapy

In General,  use ice for the first few days after an injury.  Beyond that, heat usually does the trick.  There is some evidence that suggests that using ice beyond the first few days can actually slow down injury healing.  It pushes away the healing agents that help you to get better.

If you have been injured and need advice or treatment, please call PhysioNow today.  We are always happy to help!

Benefits of massage therapy 

Benefits of Massage Therapy

There are many Benefits of massage therapy.  Below you will find some of the injuries that benefit most from massage therapy.

  1. Whiplash Injury

    A common injury from a motor vehicle accident, whiplash is a neck sprain resulting from the sudden forces typical of a car crash.

    Symptoms

    • Neck stiffness
    • Headache
    • Dizziness
    • Paresthesia
    • Shoulder, back or arm pain

    Benefits of massage therapy

    Massage therapy can be used for the treatment of both acute and chronic conditions. RMTs can work with a wide variety of patients, of all ages, in the treatment of illness, injury rehabilitation and disability.

  2. Fibromyalgia

    Fibromyalgia is associated with widespread chronic pain, fatigue, memory problems and mood changes. It occurs more often in women than in men. It is not a disease, but rather a syndrome that can be managed.

    • Benefits of massage therapy
    • The first will be relaxation to improve sleep.
    • The second benefit is improved muscle tonicity
    • A fifth benefit is diminishing the effects of any anxiety or depression
  3. Low Back Pain.

    The low back is susceptible to strain because of its weight-bearing function. Connection in movements, such as twisting and bending can cause Low back pain. Muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are over-stretched or torn. Inflammation is common at the site of injury.  This is usually accompanied by pain with movement.

    Causes

    • Facet joint disease
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Muscle strain
    • Mechanical pain
    • Degenerative disc disease

    Benefits of massage therapy

    Some benefits of Massage therapy for Low Back Pain include the following:

    • Reduced pain.
    • Improved joint mobility.
    • Improving circulation.
    • Improving lymphatic drainage.
    • Reducing muscular tension.
  4.  

  5. Pregnancy

    Massage Therapy performed during pregnancy can:

    • Reduce anxiety
    • decrease symptoms of depression,
    • relieve muscle aches and joint pains,
    • improve labor outcomes and newborn health.

If you or someone you know could benefit from Massage Therapy,  please call PhysioNow. Our highly experienced Massage Therapists would be happy to help you!

Acupuncture: Neck pain

Acupuncture: Neck pain

Acupuncture: Neck pain

Almost everyone will experience some sort of neck pain or stiffness during their lifetime. However, certain occupations appear to be predisposed to neck symptoms.  Acupuncture: Neck pain may be able to help.

Manual laborers, for instance, have more symptoms than office workers.  The type of work seems to affect the risk. A person’s age and a history of twisting and bending during work can also contribute.

Studies have shown acupuncture: Neck Pain to be effective in relieving certain types of neck pain.  This is especially true for neck pain  caused by whiplash. Some studies suggest acupuncture can treat degenerative neck disorders such as ankylosing spondylosis and cervical spondylosis.  In many cases, acupuncture: Neck pain has worked for patients whose conditions could not be solved using conventional approaches.

¬ Mechanism of action of Acupuncture: Neck pain

  • Release of opioid peptides.Opioids are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that have apain killing effect. The release of these opioids plays a large role in the reduction of pain. There has been lots of evidence to show that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system.  This causes the release of these pain killing chemicals.
  • Alteration in the secretion of neurotransmitters and neurohormones.Acupuncture is said to activate the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. This changes the release of these chemicals. These particular chemicals play a direct role in the feeling of pain. It also affects the activity of an organ . Evidence has shown that acupuncture alters this secretion in a manner that reduces pain.
  • Stimulation of electromagnetic points on the body. The 2,000 points of the body that acupuncture focuses on are thought to be special conductors of electromagnetic signals. Stimulation of these areas is believed to start the flow of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers.¬ Indications for Acupuncture: Neck pain
    • Sudden Force/Automobile Accident
    • Degenerative Disc Disease
    • Overuse/Improper Use
    • Osteoporosis
    • Neck Strain
    • Degenerative Arthritis
    • Whiplash
    • Muscle Tension or Spasm
    • Bone Spur
    • Herniated or Protruding Disk
    • Pinched Nerve
    • Ligament/Muscle Tears
    • Cervical Spondylosis
    • Ankylosing Spondylosis

    ¬ Contraindications of Acupuncture: Neck pain

    There are very few situations where acupuncture is not advised:

    • When someone has a hemophilic condition
    • When a  patient is pregnant – certain acupuncture points and needle manipulations should not be used during pregnancy
    • If a patient has a severe psychotic condition or is under the influence of drugs or alcohol

    Check out this link for a bit more information about the use of Acupuncture: Neck pain.

    ¬ Types of application of Acupuncture: Neck pain

    • Basic needlingNeedles are inserted to a depth of 4–25 mm and left in place for a period of time (from a few seconds to many minutes). There are often 6–12 needles (and sometimes more) inserted at different acupoints at the same time. The sensation is often described as a tingling or dull ache at the entry point. Many people say they feel very relaxed or sleepy, and some report increased energy levels afterwards.
    • Electro acupuncture (EA)A tiny focused electric current is applied to the skin at the acupoints or can be applied to the needle itself.

    If you would like to meet with a Registered Physiotherapist that is trained to do Acupuncture: Neck Pain,   please call PhysioNow today! Our experienced physiotherapists would be happy to help !

Whiplash Mississauga

Whiplash MississaugaWhiplash Mississauga
Whiplash Mississauga is a frequent occurrence. It’s a general term that refers to a neck injury that happens when your body comes to a sudden stop. This type of injury occurs frequently with motor vehicle accidents. The force of the impact causes your neck to quickly bend forward then backward. These sudden movements cause your muscles, ligaments and nerves to overstretch. It results in pain. The severity of the pain depends on the nature of the impact, how old your are and whether there you had any previous neck injury. The most commonly reported symptoms of whiplash Mississauga injuries are pain, restricted range of motion and headaches. It is also possible to have pain and tingling into your arms which can be due to a nerve injury in the neck. In some cases, it is also possible to have dizziness and nausea.

Whiplash Mississauga Assessment
A Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga can assess and help treat whiplash Mississauga injuries. The Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga will first check your range of motion. They will complete a nerve test to determine if anything has been damaged. They will check whether there is any nerve involvement. The Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga assessment will help determine just how extensive the damage is. This information is important to have because it gives a sense of your prognosis. This is a timeline of how long your injuries will take to get better.

If the whiplash was a result of a Motor Vehicle accident, the Registered Physiotherapist Mississauga will also complete the necessary paperwork for your car insurance company. All insured persons involved in a Motor Vehicle accident in Ontario are entitled to receive Physiotherapy Rehabilitation and Registered Massage Therapy Mississauga. The Registered Physiotherapist will be an advocate for you. They will help to guide you through the sometimes complicated process.

Whiplash Mississauga Physiotherapy Treatment
The Physiotherapy Rehabilitation Mississauga treatment plan will consist of a combination of heat and electrical modalities for pain management. This will be followed by hands on techniques to mobilize the joints and stretch your muscles. Rehabilitation exercises will be added as tolerated to increase strength, flexibility and activity tolerance. Registered Massage Therapy Mississauga is added early on to the treatment.

Goals of Whiplash Mississauga Treatment
The goal of treating whiplash injuries Mississauga is to reduce pain. A further goal is to return you to your normal activities.
It is important to get treatment for whiplash Mississauga as soon as possible so that your injuries can start to heal properly. If your injuries goes too long without treatment, your symptoms can become more chronic. This can cause you to take longer to get better. It is therefore important to set up a Registered Physiotherapy Mississauga assessment soon after the injury happens. This helps you to have optimal opportunity for healing. Call PhysioNow to book an appointment Now!