Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation Edmonton

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Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation Edmonton

Motor Vehicle Accident Rehabilitation

Hidden Injuries and Delayed Symptoms- The Importance of Early Treatment

A car accident can shake you up physically and emotionally—even if you walk away without visible injuries. At West Henday Physical Therapy, we help you recover from what’s often unseen through personalized, hands-on care that gets you moving again safely.

Still Feeling Off After a Car Accident? You're Not Alone.

Is it normal to have pain or stiffness days after the accident?
Why does my back or neck feel worse now than it did right after the crash?
What if I didn’t go to the ER? Could I still have hidden injuries?
Do I need physiotherapy even if it was a “minor” accident?

If these questions sound familiar, you’re asking the right things. Many injuries from motor vehicle accidents aren’t obvious immediately, but with the right care, they don’t have to become long-term problems.

From Minor Aches to Major Injuries: Conditions We Treat After a Car Accident

Not all injuries from a motor vehicle accident show up right away and not all are minor. At West Henday Physical Therapy, we treat a wide range of post-accident conditions, from soft tissue strain to complex surgical recovery. Your care is personalized to match the severity of your injury and your stage of healing.

Whiplash and Cervical Strain

Caused by rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, leading to neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or tingling in the arms.

Fractures and Immobilization Recovery

Following bone breaks (ribs, collarbone, wrists, femur, etc.), we support a safe return to movement, mobility restoration, and prevention of compensatory strain.

Post-Surgical Rehab (e.g., ORIF, Spinal Fusion, Shoulder Repair)

After surgery due to accident-related injuries, we help restore range of motion, rebuild strength, reduce scar adhesions, and regain functional movement.

Disc Injuries and Sciatica

Accidents can aggravate or cause disc herniations, resulting in radiating pain, numbness, or weakness in the arms or legs.

Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries

Forceful bracing or impact may lead to rotator cuff tears, dislocations, or shoulder impingement, affecting arm mobility and strength.

Thoracic and Rib Pain

Seatbelt trauma and airbag force can cause deep bruising, rib dysfunction, or upper back stiffness that restricts breathing and movement.

Pelvic Misalignment and Low Back Pain

Sudden jolts can shift the pelvis or lumbar spine, resulting in muscle imbalances, nerve tension, or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.

Jaw (TMJ) Dysfunction and Headaches

Clenching during impact can overload the jaw joint, leading to facial pain, clicking, ear fullness, and postural headaches.

Vestibular Issues and Post-Traumatic Vertigo

Head trauma or whiplash may disrupt your balance system, causing dizziness, unsteadiness, or visual sensitivity.

Nerve Irritation or Compression

Symptoms like numbness, burning, or weakness may be due to nerve involvement, requiring gentle mobilization and desensitization techniques.

Targeted Techniques for Comprehensive Recovery

We blend hands-on therapy, movement science, and nervous system support to create a rehab plan that evolves with your healing. Here are the techniques we use to address the wide range of injuries sustained in car accidents:

Manual Therapy & Joint Mobilization

  • Spinal and pelvic alignment corrections
  • Mobilization of stiff or restricted joints
  • Scar tissue release following surgery or fracture
  • Rib and thoracic mobilizations for breathing and posture

Myofascial & Soft Tissue Techniques

  • Myofascial release for tight or bruised tissues
  • Soft tissue Release
  • Trigger point therapy for muscle knots and referred pain
  • Cupping therapy (as appropriate) to increase circulation and mobility

Post-Surgical & Fracture Rehab Support

  • Controlled range-of-motion progression after immobilization
  • Gradual strength-building post-ORIF or joint surgery
  • Gait retraining and balance re-education
  • Scar mobilization and swelling management

Neuromuscular Re-Education

  • Head, neck, and shoulder coordination drills after whiplash
  • Motor control training for postural stability
  • Proprioception and balance work using foam pads, wobble boards, etc.
  • Core and pelvic floor retraining for postural control and spinal health

Vestibular & Balance Training

  • Canalith repositioning maneuvers (if vertigo is present)
  • Visual-vestibular integration drills
  • Gaze stabilization and balance progression
  • Motion desensitization for dizziness or fogginess

Functional Movement & Return-to-Activity Programming

  • Lifting, twisting, and reaching drills to simulate daily movement
  • Gradual return-to-work or sport conditioning
  • Ergonomic and postural retraining for desk workers or drivers
  • Movement pattern correction to reduce compensation injuries

Pain & Nervous System Regulation

  • Gentle breathwork and pacing strategies
  • Education on pain science to reduce fear of movement
  • Sleep hygiene and stress management integration
  • Relaxation techniques to support nervous system recovery

Your Road to Recovery: What Post-Accident Rehab Looks Like

Here’s what that process typically looks like when you begin Motor Vehicle Accident Physiotherapy in Edmonton at our clinic:

Phase 1: Initial Assessment & Early Relief

Timeline: 0–7 Days After First Visit
We begin with a full evaluation to understand your symptoms, history, and how your daily life is affected.

 What we focus on:

  • Identifying visible and hidden injuries
  • Reducing inflammation and stiffness after a car accident
  • Addressing acute pain, swelling, and muscle tension
  • Supporting rest, protection, and movement without aggravation

Phase 2: Gentle Movement & Functional Activation

Timeline: Weeks 2–4
As pain subsides, we begin to safely reintroduce motion.

What we focus on:

  • Improving neck, shoulder, spine, and joint mobility
  • Addressing seatbelt injury, whiplash, or delayed symptoms
  • Gentle strength-building and stretching exercises
  • Supporting nervous system regulation (for anxiety, sleep, focus)

Phase 3: Strength, Coordination & Postural Correction

Timeline: Weeks 4–8
We start rebuilding strength, correcting imbalances, and preparing your body for real-life movement again.

What we focus on:

  • Core and postural muscle activation
  • Balance and proprioception training
  • Functional movement drills (lifting, twisting, walking)
  • Preventing compensation injuries and chronic pain

Phase 4: Maintenance & Prevention

Timeline: 2+ Months (as needed)
You’re feeling stronger, moving more confidently, and returning to regular activities. Now, we shift to long-term support.

What we focus on:

  • Monitoring for lingering or delayed pain after a car accident
  • Preventing flare-ups or future injury
  • Creating a home plan to keep you moving
  • Progress check-ins and optional follow-up treatments

Your recovery won’t always follow a straight line—that’s okay.

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we adjust your care plan based on how your body responds—not on a rigid schedule.

What If I Don’t Feel Injured Right Away After the Accident?

It’s common to feel fine right after a crash—your adrenaline is high, and your body is in shock. But delayed symptoms like headaches, soreness, and stiffness can appear days or weeks later. Don’t wait until small aches turn into chronic pain. Getting assessed early can prevent longer recovery times and more complicated injuries.

Beyond Pain Relief: Why Rehab Matters After an Accident

Rehabilitation isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about helping you move, function, and live confidently again. At West Henday Physical Therapy, our post-accident programs focus on restoring real-life movement, whether you’re recovering from whiplash, a seatbelt injury, or delayed symptoms.

Here’s how we support your full recovery:

We help you move without fear—whether it’s turning your head while driving or returning to daily tasks.

Personalized exercises and hands-on care target weakness and imbalances so you heal safely and completely.

We address issues like dizziness or fatigue through gentle, progressive training that restores stability.

By starting rehab early, we help you avoid long-term compensation patterns and support lasting recovery.

Let’s Get You Back to Moving, Living, and Feeling Like Yourself

At West Henday Physical Therapy, we understand that recovery isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, too. With our personalized car accident physiotherapy, we help you regain comfort, confidence, and control—step by step.

Ready to start your recovery? Book your appointment with our team today.

Whether it’s your first visit or a follow-up, we’re here to help.