Whiplash physiotherapy: recovering after a car accident in Victoria

Whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a car accident. The neck is thrown suddenly one way and then back, straining the muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. The good news is that most people recover well. Whiplash physiotherapy helps by keeping you moving, easing pain and guiding a gradual return to normal activity, and in Victoria the TAC can help pay for it.

This guide covers the symptoms, when to get urgent help, what recovery usually involves, gentle early exercises, and how TAC funding works. It is general information only, not medical or legal advice. After any accident, see a doctor to be checked, and follow their advice for your situation.

The short answer

• Whiplash is an injury to the soft tissues of the neck caused by the head moving suddenly in one direction and then back.
• Symptoms can start straight away or take hours or days to appear, so get checked by a doctor after an accident even if you feel fine.
• Most people fully recover. Symptoms often improve within a few weeks, though they can take several months to go completely.
• Staying active, adapting your activities and physiotherapy are the recommended approach. Scans are usually not needed.
• For Victorian transport accidents, the TAC can help pay for physiotherapy in the first 90 days without prior approval, if you have a claim number and a health professional recommends it.

Symptoms of whiplash

According to Healthdirect, common symptoms include:

• pain or tenderness in the neck, shoulders and back
• headache
• stiffness and difficulty moving the neck normally

Some people also have trouble sleeping, fatigue, low mood or anxiety after an accident. Healthdirect lists these as possible symptoms too, so mention them to your doctor or physio.

When to seek urgent help

If you or someone else has been in a serious accident, call triple zero (000). Healthdirect advises seeking urgent care after an accident if you have:

• dizziness or feeling light-headed
• numbness, weakness or pins and needles in your arms, shoulders or legs
• difficulty swallowing, or changes in your hearing, sight or smell
• loss of bladder or bowel control

These can be signs of a more serious injury, such as damage to nerves or a fracture. Also see a doctor promptly if pain is severe, getting worse, or you cannot move your neck.

What recovery usually looks like

Your doctor will examine your neck, check your nerves and ask how the injury is affecting your daily activities and driving. Imaging tests are usually not needed unless a broken bone or spinal cord injury is suspected.

Healthdirect’s advice for recovery is to stay active, continue your normal activities as much as you can, and adapt the ones that hurt rather than stopping everything. Pain relief from your pharmacist or doctor can make it easier to keep moving. Most people recover fully, though some have ongoing pain. If you are not improving, ask your doctor or physio for a review.

How physiotherapy helps

Healthdirect notes that physiotherapists commonly use exercise-based treatment, sometimes combined with hands-on (manual) therapy, to improve neck movement and reduce pain. A physio can also:

• check your neck, shoulders and upper back, and screen for warning signs
• explain what is happening, which can ease worry about movement
• set exercises that restore movement and build strength gradually
• advise on sleep positions, desk and car set-up, and pacing daily tasks
• plan a graded return to work, driving and hobbies

Gentle neck exercises for the early stage

These are common early exercises. Only start them once a doctor has checked you after the accident, and ideally with your physio’s guidance.

Safety first: sit in a supportive chair with your feet flat. Move slowly within a comfortable range. Mild stretch or familiar discomfort is fine, but stop if pain is sharp, or if you feel dizzy, sick, or get pins and needles or numbness in your arms, and seek advice.

1. Chin tucks

1. Sit tall, looking straight ahead.
2. Gently glide your chin straight back, as if making a double chin, without tipping your head down.
3. Hold for a few seconds, then relax.

2. Neck turns

1. Sit tall with your shoulders relaxed.
2. Slowly turn your head to look over one shoulder, as far as is comfortable.
3. Return to the centre and repeat to the other side.

3. Side tilts

1. Sit tall and look straight ahead.
2. Slowly tilt your ear towards your shoulder, without lifting the shoulder.
3. Return to the centre and repeat on the other side.

4. Shoulder blade squeezes

1. Sit tall with your arms by your sides.
2. Gently draw your shoulder blades back and down.
3. Hold for a few seconds, then relax.

Repeat each a few times, several times through the day, rather than doing a lot at once.

Whiplash and the TAC in Victoria

If your whiplash was caused by a transport accident in Victoria, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) may cover your treatment. Key points from the TAC:

• Making a claim. A claim generally needs to be made within one year of the accident, and the accident must be reported to police. You can lodge online or by calling the TAC on 1300 654 329. The TAC has 21 days to accept or reject a claim, or ask for more information.
• The first 90 days. The TAC can help pay for physiotherapy without you contacting them for approval first, if you have a claim number, your doctor or another health professional recommends it, and it is for your accident injuries.
• After 90 days. Contact the TAC for approval if it is close to or more than 90 days since your accident, or more than 6 months since any TAC-funded treatment.
• Fees. The TAC pays at its set rate. If a provider charges more, you may be asked to pay a gap.

Physio at home is available for TAC clients when TAC has approved provider travel, for example if pain, mobility or other clinical reasons stop you getting to a clinic. For approved TAC clients, we bill the TAC directly. Our guide to TAC physiotherapy explains the process in more detail, and our TAC mobile physiotherapy page covers how we help.

Frequently asked questions

Should I wear a neck collar?

Healthdirect’s advice for whiplash is to stay active and keep moving within comfort. Only use a collar if your doctor specifically recommends one.

How long does whiplash take to heal?

Symptoms often improve within a few weeks, but can take several months to go completely. If you are not improving, see your doctor or physio for a review.

Can whiplash symptoms appear days later?

Yes. Symptoms can start immediately or take hours or even days to appear, which is why a check-up after any accident is wise.

Do I need a GP referral for TAC physiotherapy?

The TAC requires that your doctor or another health professional recommends the treatment. If you already have TAC approval for mobile physiotherapy, contact us with your claim number.

Recover from whiplash at home

Our physiotherapists visit clients across Melbourne and the Geelong region, bringing the equipment needed for treatment. Learn more about our musculoskeletal mobile physiotherapy, then make a referral or contact our team on 03 8824 0712.

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