Motor Vehicle Accidents

There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding motor vehicle accidents (MVA): whiplash key

The severity of injuries is proportional to the damage done to the vehicle
Few people have residual spinal difficulties following an MVA
Injury claims mostly revolve around secondary gain
Drunks don't get injured as badly
Injuries heal in 6 to 12 weeks
If you don't feel pain right away, you haven't been seriously injured
Bracing for impact increases the damage to the neck
Men and women are equally susceptible to neck injury

The fact is that

Studies involving live humans have demonstrated that a motor vehicle accident of as little as 5 mph can induce cervical (neck) injury. However, other studies have shown that cars can often withstand crashes of 10 mph or more without sustaining damage. Most injuries occur at speeds less than 25km/hr
Most vehicles can withstand forces at this speed without sustaining damage
There is no correlation between vehicle damage and the extent of one's injuries
The peak acceleration of the head during impact is much higher than the peak acceleration of the vehicle due to momentum
research and clinic experience now demonstrate that a delay of symptom onset seems to be the norm. Also, delay of symptom onset does not eliminate the possibility of severe injury.
Bracing before impact may lessen the injuries sustained, causing less ligamentous damage.
The injury threshold for women is lower, and recovery on average takes longer statistically.

At Great Lakes Physiotherapy Clinics we hope to dispell these myths and educate you on the processes of healing and how we can influence that healing to obtain optimum recovery. Although all occupants involved in car accidents undergo the same stages of healing, the physiotherapist can have a dramatic influence on the healing outcome if early education and active management are initiated.

We have advanced education and expert knowledge on how to treat many motor vehicle injuries.

WHIPLASH ASSOCIATED DISORDERS

Kinetics of a Whiplash Injury.
In order to influence the recovery process it is necessary to understand the mechanics of a car accident.

The First 48 to 72 Hours.
You can expect the onset of pain and inflammation. Here's how to best deal with it.

The First Six Weeks.
This is your window of opportunity to influence the strength of healing scar tissue and prevent soft tissue shortening.

Six Weeks to Three Months
Muscle imbalances can occur leading to increasing pain and disability if sufficient exercise does not take place.

After Three Months
Statistics show that 78% of motor vehicle accident victims will be back to their normal activities within three months, 85% are back within 6 months.

Hindrances to the Healing Process
Your rate of recovery may depend on some of the following factors.

The Statutory Accident Benefits Schedule
The laws that govern the motor vehicle insurance industry when you need to make a claim.

Dispute Resolution
Having a problem with your insurance company?

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