--- title: Physical Therapy after a Whiplash Injury description: Learn about whiplash symptoms, treatment options, and how physical therapy can help alleviate neck pain and muscle stiffness in Brookhaven and Atlanta, GA image: https://www.glackinpt.com/hubfs/Toys%20cars%20in%20front%20of%20children%20legs.jpeg --- [Skip to content](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/whiplash-physical-therapy#main-content) [![Glackin_Logo](https://www.glackinpt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Glackin_Logo.png?width=197&height=52&name=Glackin_Logo.png "Glackin_Logo")](https://www.glackinpt.com) - [About](https://www.glackinpt.com/about/) - [About Us](https://www.glackinpt.com/about/) - [Approach](https://www.glackinpt.com/approach) - [Rates and Insurance](https://www.glackinpt.com/fees/) - [Products](https://www.glackinpt.com/products) - [Blogs](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog) - [Conditions We Treat](https://www.glackinpt.com/additional-services/) - [Physical Therapy for Runners](https://www.glackinpt.com/physical-therapy-for-runners) - [TMJ Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/tmj) - [Neck Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/physical-therapy-for-neck-pain) - [Shoulder Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/physical-therapy-for-shoulder-pain) - [Chest Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/physical-therapy-for-chest-pain) - [Back Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/back-pain) - [Pelvic Floor Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/physical-therapy-pelvic-pain) - [Hip Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/hip) - [Knee Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/knee) - [Ankle Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/ankle-pain) - [Additional Services](https://www.glackinpt.com/additional-services/) - [FAQs](https://www.glackinpt.com/faq) - [Online Scheduling](https://scheduling.go.promptemr.com/onlineScheduling?w=1081&s=DL) - [Contact](https://www.glackinpt.com/contact/) - [Neck Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/neck-pain), - [Headache](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/headache), - [whiplash](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/whiplash), - [physical therapy in brookhaven georgia](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-in-brookhaven-georgia), - [physical therapy in atlanta, ga](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-in-atlanta-ga), - [physical therapy near me](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-near-me), - [physical therapy for neck pain in atlanta ga](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-for-neck-pain-in-atlanta-ga) # Physical Therapy after a Whiplash Injury ![](https://www.glackinpt.com/hubfs/Toys%20cars%20in%20front%20of%20children%20legs.jpeg) - November 15, 2021 [Glackin Physiotherapy](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/author/glackin-physiotherapy) As you're driving or perhaps waiting at a red light, you unexpectedly get hit from behind. Wow, what a surprise! You quickly assess yourself for any visible injuries, then step out to check on the other driver and inspect your car. Later that day, you might start to feel some pain in your neck.                                               ![Car accident leading to whiplash](https://www.glackinpt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Toys-cars-in-front-of-children-legs.jpg?width=301&height=202&name=Toys-cars-in-front-of-children-legs.jpg) ## What is whiplash and what are whiplash symptoms? Whiplash is a neck injury that happens when the head is suddenly thrown forward and then backward, like in a car crash or sports accident. This quick movement can stretch or hurt the muscles and tissues in the neck. People with whiplash may feel pain and stiffness in their neck, have headaches, feel dizzy, or have trouble moving their head. Some might also feel pain in their shoulders or upper back, tingling in their arms, or feel extra tired. These problems can start right away or take a few days to show up, and they can last for a short time or even a few months Many people recover on their own with rest and time.  However, some experience symptoms that weeks or months after the injury. If that sounds like you, it's time to seek care from a physical therapist.                                          ![Man holding his neck due to pain from whiplash](https://www.glackinpt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Digital-composite-of-Highlighted-spine-pain-of-man.jpg?width=365&height=286&name=Digital-composite-of-Highlighted-spine-pain-of-man.jpg) ## How can a physical therapist help my whiplash? We start by calming down those, rightfully so, irritated tissues. After a full examination to rule out any red flags, they will perform gentle manual therapy techniques to soothe the neck. There is likely a fair amount of muscle guarding going on in order to protect the spine. We need to remind the muscles it's safe now and they can go ahead and relax.  Gentle stretching. The neck just went through a fair amount of trauma, we don't need to crank hard into a stretch. Light, mild, comfortable stretching is where it's at. ## Should I ice or heat my neck after a whiplash injury? There is conflicting information on whether to ice or to heat a muscle injury.  Generally speaking, we recommend icing during the first 3-5 days of an injury to reduce excessive inflammation and swelling.  After that time frame, we recommend heat to increase blood flow to the muscles of your neck to prevent the sensation of tightness.   Once your acute injury has calmed down your physical therapist will guide you through appropriate postural and deep neck muscle strengthening.  #### Physical therapy after a whiplash injury in Brookhaven and Atlanta, GA If you have neck pain related to whiplash [reach out](https://www.glackinpt.com/contact/) to our office today!  Blog Post ## Related Articles Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. [![](https://www.glackinpt.com/hubfs/Young%20woman%20holding%20her%20aching%20neck.jpeg)](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/forward-head-posture-why-does-my-neck-look-like-this) [forward head posture](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/forward-head-posture), [physical therapy in brookhaven georgia](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-in-brookhaven-georgia), [physical therapy in atlanta, ga](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-in-atlanta-ga), [physical therapy near me](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-near-me), [correct forward head posture](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/correct-forward-head-posture), [forward head posture fix](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/forward-head-posture-fix) ### [Forward Head Posture](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/forward-head-posture-why-does-my-neck-look-like-this) November 8, 2021 Forward Head Posture has become a common concern in our screen-focused world. This detailed guide will help you correct... [Read more](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/forward-head-posture-why-does-my-neck-look-like-this) [![Woman suffering from neck pain in need of physical therapy](https://www.glackinpt.com/hubfs/Woman-suffering-from-stress-or-a-headache-grimacing-in-pain-as-she-holds-the-back-of-her-neck-with-her-other-hand-to-her-temple%2c-with-copyspace-1.jpg)](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/cervical-radiculopathy-whats-pinching-me) [Neck Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/neck-pain), [nerve pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/nerve-pain), [neck spasm](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/neck-spasm), [cervical radiculopathy](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/cervical-radiculopathy), [physical therapy in brookhaven georgia](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-in-brookhaven-georgia), [nerve pain in neck](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/nerve-pain-in-neck), [physical therapy for neck pain in atlanta ga](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/physical-therapy-for-neck-pain-in-atlanta-ga) ### [Cervical Radiculopathy - Neck Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/cervical-radiculopathy-whats-pinching-me) November 22, 2021 Your doctor has said you have cervical radiculopathy and now you're trying to find out why that sounds so ridiculous... [Read more](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/cervical-radiculopathy-whats-pinching-me) [![](https://www.glackinpt.com/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/Scapular-Pinches.jpg)](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/8-neck-exercises-will-make-neck-stiffness-disappear) [Neck Pain](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/tag/neck-pain) ### [Neck Exercises for Stiffness](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/8-neck-exercises-will-make-neck-stiffness-disappear) July 13, 2019 Neck weakness in the gym Everyone has seen the lifter in the gym that is doing dumbbell bicep curls with weight that is... [Read more](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/8-neck-exercises-will-make-neck-stiffness-disappear) Check all articles Blog Post CTA ### H2 Heading Module Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. [GET STARTED](https://www.glackinpt.com/contact/) Subscribe for ### Our Blog Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Suspendisse varius enim in eros elementum tristique. ### Contact Us! [![Glackin_Logo](https://www.glackinpt.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Glackin_Logo.jpg?width=789&height=201&name=Glackin_Logo.jpg "Glackin_Logo")](https://www.glackinpt.com) #### Address **Glackin Physiotherapy, LLC** 2697 Apple Valley Rd NE STE B Brookhaven, GA 30319-3150 [(404) 585-8834](tel:+14045858834) [annie@glackinpt.com](mailto:annie@glackinpt.com) #### Hours - Monday: 7:00AM-5:30PM - Tuesday: 8:00AM-8:00PM - Wednesday: 7:00AM-5:30PM - Thursday: 7:00AM-6:30PM - Friday: 7:00AM-5:30PM Contact Us [Follow us on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/glackinpt) [Follow us on LinkedIn](https://www.instagram.com/glackinpt) [Contact Us](mailto:annie@glackinpt.com) Toggle 1. [Contact Us](https://www.glackinpt.com/contact/) 2. [Plyometric Rehab](https://www.glackinpt.com/blog/the-use-of-plyometrics-in-rehab) 3. [Physical Therapy for Runners](https://www.glackinpt.com/physical-therapy-for-runners) 4. 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