What Injuries Can Happen After a Motor Vehicle Accident?

Even a relatively minor collision can place significant forces on the body. Symptoms may appear immediately or develop over the hours or days that follow.

Common concerns we assess and treat after a motor vehicle accident include:

• Whiplash and neck pain

• Back and shoulder pain

• Headaches

• Muscle and joint injuries

• Reduced mobility and stiffness

• Dizziness and balance problems

• Concussion-related symptoms

• Weakness or difficulty returning to normal activities

Every accident, and every recovery, is different. Your treatment should reflect your specific symptoms, injuries, and functional needs.

What Happens at Your First MVA Physiotherapy Assessment?

Your first appointment begins with understanding what happened during the accident, how your symptoms have developed, and how they are affecting your daily life.

Your physiotherapist may assess your movement, strength, mobility, balance, neurological function, and other areas relevant to your injury.

From there, we develop an individualized treatment plan and explain what you can safely begin doing to support your recovery.

Can Physiotherapy Help With Whiplash?

Yes. Whiplash commonly occurs when the head and neck move rapidly during a collision. It can lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, reduced movement, shoulder or upper-back discomfort, and difficulty with everyday activities.

Physiotherapy treatment is based on your individual presentation and may include education, mobility exercises, progressive strengthening, manual therapy, and a gradual return to normal activity.

The goal is to restore comfortable movement and progressively rebuild your ability to tolerate the demands of everyday life.

What If I Have Dizziness or Concussion Symptoms After an Accident?

Motor vehicle accidents can also result in concussion or disturbances to the systems responsible for balance and spatial orientation.

Symptoms may include dizziness, headaches, nausea, balance problems, visual sensitivity, difficulty concentrating, motion sensitivity, or feeling unsteady.

Strathcona Physical Therapy provides specialized concussion and vestibular rehabilitation in Edmonton. When appropriate, your assessment may include balance, eye movement, gaze stability, and vestibular testing to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

Treatment is individualized and may include vestibular exercises, gaze stabilization, balance rehabilitation, symptom-guided activity progression, and strategies for returning to work and daily activities.

How Does MVA Insurance and Physiotherapy Work in Alberta?

After a motor vehicle accident in Alberta, physiotherapy treatment may be covered through your automobile insurance benefits depending on your injuries, claim, and eligibility.

Our team is experienced with MVA claims and Alberta accident benefit documentation. We can assist with the physiotherapy-related forms and clinical documentation required for your claim and communicate with your insurance adjuster when necessary.

If additional treatment is clinically recommended beyond the initially approved period, your physiotherapist can reassess your progress and provide the appropriate clinical documentation to your insurer for consideration.

Coverage and approval can vary by claim, so our administrative team can help you understand the physiotherapy-related steps involved in your specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral for MVA physiotherapy?

A referral is not always required to be assessed by a physiotherapist. However, insurance requirements can vary depending on your claim, injuries, and the type of treatment required. Our team can help you determine what documentation may be needed.

How soon should I start physiotherapy after a car accident?

There is no single timeline that applies to everyone. An early assessment can help identify your symptoms and functional limitations and provide guidance on safe movement and activity while you recover.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

Bring any relevant insurance or claim information you have available, along with your adjuster's contact information and any medical reports or referrals related to the accident.

Can you communicate directly with my insurance adjuster?

Yes. When appropriate and with the necessary consent, our team can communicate with your adjuster regarding physiotherapy treatment, documentation, progress, and treatment requests.

What if I still need physiotherapy after my initial treatment period?

If you continue to have clinically significant symptoms or functional limitations, your physiotherapist can reassess your progress and determine whether additional treatment is appropriate. Supporting documentation can then be submitted to your insurer for review.

Can you treat concussion, dizziness, or TMJ problems caused by an accident?

Yes. Our clinic provides specialized services for concussion rehabilitation, vestibular physiotherapy, and TMJ physiotherapy. If these concerns are identified following your accident, your physiotherapist can determine whether additional or specialized assessment is appropriate.