Make your assessment practical
Bring your claim and medical details.
If you have a CTP claim, bring your claim number and insurer details, plus any GP letter or scan reports. Think about one task – such as checking blind spots, sleeping or working at a desk – that you want to improve.
About whiplash
Whiplash happens when the head is suddenly thrown forwards and backwards, or sideways. It is most commonly linked with rear-end car accidents, but can also follow sport or falls. Symptoms may start straight away or over the following day or two, and can include neck pain and stiffness, headache, shoulder or upper back pain, and tiredness.
Many people recover over weeks to months, and staying gently active is generally recommended. Recovery varies between people.
What happens at your appointment
We talk through how the accident happened, your symptoms and what has changed in your daily life. We assess neck and upper-back movement, strength and any symptoms into the arms. If findings suggest you need medical review or imaging, we will explain why and help you arrange it with your GP.
Care options we may discuss
- Reassurance and a clear explanation of your assessment findings.
- Gentle range-of-motion and strengthening exercises for the neck and shoulders.
- Advice on staying active, pacing, sleep positions and returning to driving and work.
- Hands-on treatment where appropriate and agreed.
- Regular reviews and plan adjustments.
The approach depends on your assessment and preferences. Results vary between people.
When to seek medical help first
See a doctor or go to an emergency department before physiotherapy if, after an accident, you had a head injury or lost consciousness, have severe neck pain, numbness, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs, difficulty walking, dizziness, double vision, or trouble swallowing or speaking.
Physiotherapy is not an emergency service. Call 000 or go to an emergency department for a serious injury, chest pain, sudden weakness or numbness, or if you feel very unwell.
Your physiotherapy appointment.
See Jency Donda, physiotherapist, at our Elizabeth Park clinic – open Mondays 9:00am–5:00pm. Jency speaks English, Gujarati and Hindi. No referral is needed for a private appointment. For a GP care plan, NDIS, DVA, Support at Home, WorkCover or CTP appointment, check the relevant referral and plan information and our fees and rebates page before booking, or contact our team.
Helpful questions.
Should I rest my neck after whiplash?
Gentle movement and staying as active as you comfortably can is generally recommended. Your physiotherapist will tailor advice to your assessment.
Can CTP cover whiplash physiotherapy?
If your CTP claim is accepted, the insurer may cover reasonable and necessary treatment. See car accident (CTP) physiotherapy.
Can whiplash cause headaches?
Yes, headaches are a common symptom after whiplash. See also our neck pain and headaches page.
More information: healthdirect: whiplash. This page is general information and is not a substitute for individual advice.
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