motor vehicle accident MVA ICBC physiotherapy surrey
Certified physiotherapist with years of experience for MVA ( icbc ) claims and Vestibular therapist with expertise in motor vehicle accident ( MVA ) related Muscle injury , whiplash injury , neck pain , back pain , dizziness balance and concussion rehab. It is important to seek icbc physiotherapy quickly after an injury sustained during a motor vehicle accident as results improve with early intervention
Our physiotherapist have in-depth training in assessing and treating injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents. We feel that it is of the utmost importance that an early return to usual activities takes place after a car accident and that prescribed rest should always be limited to a short duration.
Most importantly, the patient with whiplash needs to be informed that usual activities may be temporarily painful but are not harmful. Although whiplash is the most common injury seen after a motor vehicle accident, we also treat a variety of other injuries resulting from an accident, including fractures, sprains and strains of other body parts, and chest or knee contusions that result from impact with the steering wheel, dashboard or airbag.
Common Symptoms After a MVA (Car Accident)
You may not fully feel all your injuries in the moments right after the accident (more on that below), so here are some symptoms to watch out for.
Headaches (Very Common)
Many people experience headaches after a car accident—but not always right away. Maybe you feel okay right after the accident but wake up to a splitting headache the next morning, or even days later.
Headaches after car accidents can be caused by:
- Whiplash
- Neck or should tension
- Concussion
- Traumatic brain injury
- Anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
A headache can range from a minor annoyance to a symptom of something more serious. If you develop a headache at any time after your car accident, see your doctor as soon as possible to make sure all is good.
Neck, Shoulder, or Back Pain
Pain in your neck, shoulders, or back is also common after a car accident. Some of these pains may seem to come out of nowhere after you felt fine. The pain may be in one location or feel like it’s shooting down the arms or legs. Either way, neck, shoulder, or back pain shouldn’t be ignored.
Causes of these pains may be from:
- Stress
- Muscle tension
- Injury to the joints, tendons, or muscles
- Nerve or tissue damage
Bruising
Bruises are caused by damage to your capillaries, the tiny blood vessels beneath your skin. You may not see the full extent of your bruising right away because it can take time for blood from the vessels to reach the surface of your skin.
Most bruising heals on its own, but serious car accidents can cause damage to internal organs that need immediate medical attention. You should especially see a doctor if you have bruising, tenderness, or discoloration that doesn’t improve.
Numbness or Tingling
Nerve or tissue damage can cause numbness or tingling, especially in your back, neck, shoulders, hands, or feet. This can sometimes be accompanied by pain. These symptoms will need treatment, so it’s important to mention them to your doctor as soon as you notice them.
Changes in Mood
Physical injuries are the primary source of compensation in a car accident insurance claim, but emotional damages are very common too. You may notice yourself experiencing extra anxiety, depression, or mood swings after the accident. Concussions can also cause changes in mood after a collision.
Upset Stomach or Abdominal Pain
If you were wearing a seatbelt during the crash, it was likely pulled tight on your body. This can cause bruising or other trauma to the stomach area. If you have pain or nausea, tell your doctor right away to rule out serious conditions like internal bleeding.
Swelling
After trauma to your body from an accident, swelling is very common. You may experience swelling from tissue damage, pulled muscles, sprains (such as whiplash), and more. Swelling can be tricky because it may not reach full effect until hours or days later.
When the area swells, it can cause a lot of stiffness or pain. You can often remedy swelling at home by elevating and icing the area. However, you should still tell your doctor in case you need additional medical attention or longer-term treatment like physical therapy.
Ringing in Your Ears
Ringing in the ears is also known as tinnitus. It can result from loud noises, stress, or a concussion resulting from a car accident. Get your doctor’s opinion on the best way to address tinnitus.
Trouble Concentrating or Remembering
Stress, shock, or head injuries from a car accident can leave you feeling foggy or having trouble remembering things.
While it might sound silly to go to the doctor for a lack of concentration, it’s best to make sure you don’t have serious brain trauma or mental health issues from the accident that need to be addressed.
Blurry Vision or Dizziness
A variety of factors, such as whiplash, concussions, or PTSD, can cause blurred vision or dizziness after a car accident. These symptoms can also take hours, days, or even weeks to fully develop, so get checked out if they continue or worsen.
Why Do Some Car Accident Symptoms Not Show Up Until Later?
Many people feel shocked or even confused right after being in a car accident. As a driver in the accident, your mind is instantly preoccupied with how to handle the situation. You’re probably worried about the damage the crash caused, whether or not those involved are okay, how you should report the accident, what it will cost you, and more.
Plus, your body is being pumped with “fight or flight” hormones like adrenaline. These hormones help you stay alert to handle the accident while also suppressing pain. You might not feel the full pain from your injuries (or any pain at all) until after the stress hormones have balanced back out. This is why it’s important to monitor yourself for worsening pain hours and days after the accident.
why choose Dynamic Balance Physio
How ICBC Physio Coverage Works ?
If you have coverage through ICBC, and you are entitled to treatments, you may begin physiotherapy immediately after you report your claim to ICBC. Visit the ICBC website to learn how. The physiotherapist does not need to check with ICBC for prior approval – up to the established limit of 25 visits. Provide your physiotherapist with your ICBC claim number, your adjustor’s name, and the phone number of your adjustor to begin treatment.
ICBC provides coverage for Physiotherapy & Kinesiology treatments for drivers, passengers, or pedestrians that have been injured in a motor vehicle accident (MVA). For many injuries resulting from an accident, it is important to start physiotherapy as soon as possible to avoid future complications. we have the expertise to rehabilitate a wide range of car accident-related injuries. Our goal is to make your rehabilitation fast, convenient, and comprehensive.
We bill ICBC directly for authorized treatments. We team up with your Family Doctor and your ICBC adjuster to make sure you get all of the treatment you need.
The aim of our active rehab and physitherapy
To help you correct movement patterns and posture that have been lost as a response to your ICBC MVA injury or pain. Our goal is to help you return to your pre-accident activities regarding work, home, and recreation. Our icbc Physiotherapists will work to help you regain your flexibility, strength, power, muscular and cardiovascular endurance, balance, and coordination. Our exercise programs are individually designed and will be progressively managed. We will consider factors, such as your injury, functional limitations, and the requirements of your job and daily needs while developing your program.
