August is National Road Victim Month in Australia — a time to shine a light on the physical and emotional effects of road trauma. One of the most common, yet misunderstood, injuries after a car accident is whiplash.
As physiotherapists, we know that even low-speed collisions can cause significant and long-lasting neck pain. The good news? With early assessment, targeted rehab, and the right support, whiplash recovery is very achievable.
Why Whiplash Recovery Matters
While many people recover well from whiplash, around 50% go on to experience ongoing pain, reduced neck movement, and even psychological effects such as anxiety or poor sleep. It’s a bigger problem than many realise — the treatment and rehab of whiplash injuries costs Australians over $1 billion every year.
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash happens when the neck is suddenly forced into a rapid back-and-forth movement — often in a rear-end car crash. This motion can strain or sprain the muscles, ligaments, joints, and discs in the neck and upper back.
Clinically, it’s called: Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD) — a term covering a range of symptoms beyond neck pain.
Common whiplash symptoms include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches (often starting at the base of the skull)
- Shoulder, upper back, or jaw pain
- Dizziness or blurred vision
- Fatigue and sleep disturbance
- Difficulty concentrating or irritability
Tip: Whiplash symptoms can be delayed — appearing hours or even days after the crash.
Whiplash Myths — Busted
🧠 “It’s all in your head.”
False. Whiplash causes genuine mechanical and neurological changes — it’s not “just” muscle soreness.
⏱️ “It will go away on its own.”
Sometimes, yes — but up to half of people still have symptoms 3 months later without the right care.
🚗 “You have to be hit hard to get whiplash.”
Not true. Even low-speed accidents (under 15km/h) can cause significant symptoms.
Physiotherapy’s Role in Whiplash Recovery
The best approach to whiplash recovery is early, active management — not prolonged rest. As physiotherapists, we focus on:
- Education & reassurance — Helping you understand the injury to reduce anxiety and fear.
- Manual therapy — Gentle joint and soft tissue techniques to ease stiffness and discomfort.
- Exercise therapy — Restoring neck, shoulder, and thoracic mobility and strength.
- Postural retraining — Especially valuable if you sit at a desk for long periods.
- Return-to-work and driving plans — Gradual, supported reintroduction to daily activities.
What To Do After a Car Accident
If you’ve been in a crash, don’t ignore even mild symptoms. Early action can speed up your recovery and prevent chronic issues.
- See your GP and report any neck, shoulder, or neurological symptoms.
- Book an appointment with a physiotherapist.
- Keep moving gently — avoid extended bed rest or neck braces unless recommended.
Final Thoughts on Whiplash Recovery
Whiplash might not be visible like a broken bone, but its impact can be just as real. This August, during National Road Victim Awareness Month, let’s recognise these hidden injuries and support recovery through early, evidence-based physiotherapy.
If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms after a car accident, don’t wait — help is available, and recovery is possible.