Here are the answers to some of the most common queries we receive. If the information you are seeking is not here, please Contact Us or our Online Enquiry service.
Please choose from the following:
What should I do if I have just had a car accident? [back to top]
If you have recently suffered a motor vehicle accident we recommend you consult your local doctor for initial examination and appropriate diagnostic testing. The information contained on this website is not intended to replace information gained from a medical examination of your condition. It is to be remembered that over 60% of all whiplash injuries will fully recover with time, appropriate treatment and management from a qualified health practitioner. Should your symptoms persist for three or more months then you should consider consultation and assessment at a specialised whiplash facility. For a list of facilities specialising in the assessment and treatment of whiplash please view our Other Locations.
What exactly is Whiplash? [back to top]
Traditionally, the commonly used term "Whiplash" describes an injury to the neck whereby it has sustained a sudden acceleration then deceleration force – the head is "whipped" back and forth on the neck as shown below. The latest research on whiplash indicates that typically in a rear end collision the body moves forward rapidly leaving the head behind. This causes a "shearing" motion in the neck that can lead to both bony and soft tissue injuries. It is most common in motor car accidents, but there are many other causes such as sporting accidents or blows to the head.
What type of symptoms do you see after a Whiplash injury? [back to top]
The symptoms associated with whiplash can vary, and may include headaches, neck or arm pain, dizziness, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, inability to concentrate, blurred vision, or a feeling that the head has to be supported (what we call "heavy head syndrome"). More info...
Will a Whiplash injury show up on x-ray? [back to top]
Often the damage caused by a Whiplash injury will not show up on standard medical tests such as x-ray or CT scans. One of the most difficult problems to identify is weakness in the muscles supporting the neck – weakness cannot be identified by these tests, but may cause chronic problems for many years.
Is it the weakness that causes many of these problems? [back to top]
What we have found is that as we strengthen patient’s neck muscles, many symptoms are resolved or settle considerably. Pain medication can be reduced, and many activities can be resumed. At our clinics, 75% of our patients achieve significant improvement – that is a great outcome! Strengthening has been used previously with other joints such as the lower back, the knees, ankles and shoulders, but we are now able to strengthen the neck muscles. It is common sense – if your muscles are too weak, strengthening them can only improve your function.
How can I tell if I have neck weakness? [back to top]
Many people suffer from chronic neck pain, either following a whiplash injury or from some other cause. In many cases, medical testing will not identify the cause of this pain. As mentioned earlier, weakness will not show up on any of these tests. However new technology is now available which will show specific areas of weakness in the neck. The BTE Multi-Cervical Unit allows us to objectively test the mobility and strength of the neck, thereby enabling us to determine the functional loss and weakness associated with chronic neck pain.
How does the Multi-Cervical Unit identify the problem? [back to top]
An assessment involves 2 one-hour sessions with a fully qualified therapist and the Multi-Cervical Unit. The assessment involves the accurate measurement of neck movement and strength, and investigates how this condition affects the patient’s daily life. These measures are compared to so-called "normal" values, and a treatment program is customized for the patient. Each patient will receive a comprehensive computer-generated report detailing the results of their assessment.
How does the treatment work? [back to top]
Each treatment program is specifically designed according to the results of the assessment. The core of the program generally involves 3 x 30 minute strengthening sessions per week, with a qualified therapist and the Multi-Cervical Unit. The program is designed to strengthen the muscles of the neck, and the patient is re-assessed after each three-week phase to measure progress. Other treatments may be prescribed as required. The average treatment phase is 6 - 9 weeks, depending upon the nature of the problem.
How does the patient tell if it is working? [back to top]
At the end of every three weeks, the patient will be re-assessed, and their results again compared to "normal" values, and the values obtained in the initial assessment. When the results of testing match the expected values, the patient is discharged.
Won’t the neck become painful again once the program is stopped? [back to top]
No. As the neck muscles becomes stronger and less symptomatic, patients will begin to do more. As they start to do more housework, resume playing sport, or lifting the kids their neck muscles will be getting a "mini-workout". We are returning the neck muscles to normal strength levels – normal activity should maintain this. Otherwise everybody would have to attend our clinic to keep their necks strong! We do free-of-charge follow-up assessments on all of our patients 6, 12 and 24 months after their final assessment. We have found that improvements in both neck strength and daily lifestyle have been maintained over this time
Is this a conventional method of treatment? [back to top]
Yes. Throughout the program you will be under the supervision of a tertiary qualified practitioner, who has had specialized training on the Multi-Cervical Unit. Strengthening has long been considered an essential part of rehabilitation for many other parts of the body – it is only now that we have the technology to accurately assess and treat the neck in this way.
What does the assessment offer? [back to top]
A detailed two hour assessment at our Centre provides you with a comprehensive functional report of your neck. The Multi-Cervical Unit objectively assesses the strength and range of motion of your neck. Further, our sophisticated computer analysis compares your results to expected values.
How is this different to other tests? [back to top]
Tests such as x-rays or MRI involve a static analysis of your neck bones and tissues. The Multi-Cervical Unit offers a dynamic functional assessment - never before has it been possible to accurately define where the weakness is in your neck. Muscle weakness and imbalance leads to pain and dysfunction.
What next? [back to top]
Once the weakness in your neck is defined the next step is to strengthen it. This involves a rehabilitation program on the Multi-Cervical Unit. This program is individualised for YOU and designed to correct any weakness or muscle imbalances in your neck.
How effective is the program? [back to top]
Our research indicates that a stronger neck leads to increased mobility and function with a reduction in pain and symptoms. Over 75% of patients attending our facility feel significant improvement after only 6 to 9 weeks of treatment.
Do I need a referral to be assessed? [back to top]
No, not if you are paying for your assessment privately. If your treatment is covered by Workers Compensation or a Third Party, you must be referred by your doctor and have your treatment approved by the insurer.
Can I claim for treatment with my Private Health Cover? [back to top]
Yes, the assessment and treatment are billed as physiotherapy consultations, so you may claim these privately.
What can I do now? [back to top]
Contact Us to make a booking to obtain a detailed, objective functional assessment of your neck, or to book for a free information seminar. |
