Motor Vehicle Accidents
A motor vehicle accident can cause discomfort and disrupt your life, limiting your usual activities. Common complaints after an accident include:
- Neck pain
- Back pain
- Jaw pain
- Dizziness and headaches
- Whiplash
Treatment options:
At Blackfalds Physiotherapy we take a well-rounded approach to your recovery after a motor vehicle accident. Depending on your injuries and needs we can use manual treatment, massage, modalities and therapeutic exercise to help get you feeling like your usual self again.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, please ensure that the accident has been reported to your motor vehicle insurance provider. If there are any immediate medical concerns, please see your physician to assess these concerns and ensure that there are no contradictions to beginning physical therapy.
Physical therapy coverage:
In October 2004 the Alberta government introduced new legislation to deal with minor injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents (MVA). Under the new legislation, if you are injured in an accident and suffer a minor injury (whiplash, neck or back strain, contusion, TMJ issues, dizziness, etc) your treatments will be covered by your automobile insurance regardless of who was at fault.
It is necessary to be assessed by a primary health care provider (physiotherapist, general practitioner, or chiropractor) within 10 days of your accident to ensure the claim is processed correctly. These treatments will be billed directly to your insurer with no-out-of-pocket expenses to you, for up to 90 days following the accident.
Please notify the clinic if you have been assessed by another health care provider prior to your appointment.
For more serious injuries, claims will go through your section B coverage or your extended health benefits. More information is available on the following link.: www.finance.alberta.ca/pubications.insurance/info_consumer_auto.html
What to expect on your first MVA Appointment:
A physiotherapist will conduct an in-depth assessment of all your injuries in order to determine a treatment plan and set goals for recovery. You will also receive treatment on your first visit for your injuries and the therapist will give you some advice on symptom management for home.
WAD or Whiplash Associated Disorder is the most common injury following a motor vehicle accident. Accessing treatment early for soft tissue injuries is the key to ensure timely recovery and return to pre-accident levels of function.
Treatment may consist of postural correction, the range of movement or stretching exercises, modalities (heat, ice, IFC, TENS), IMS, massage, or manual therapy.
If possible please have the following information ready prior to scheduling your appointment:
- AB-1 Form completed: The form provided by your insurance company which is needed to open your claim
- Date of Accident
- Name of Insurance Company
- Claim number