Whiplash Assessment & Care in Chatswood
Qualified Assessment & Personalized Care for Car Accident Injuries in Chatswood
CTP Eligible | AHPRA Registered | Evidence-informed Assessment
What is Whiplash?
Understanding car accident injuries and soft tissue damage
Whiplash is a common injury resulting from car accidents, typically caused by the sudden acceleration and deceleration forces that force your neck and head to move rapidly backward and then forward. This rapid movement can cause damage to muscles, ligaments, nerves, and other soft tissues in the neck, upper back, and lower back regions. While primarily a neck injury, whiplash can affect your entire spine as your body compensates for the initial trauma.
Common Whiplash Symptoms
Note: Studies show up to 60% of whiplash patients experience lower back symptoms, even though whiplash primarily affects the neck. This occurs because the entire spine compensates for the initial injury.
Neck & Head Symptoms
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Reduced neck mobility
- Headaches at base of skull
- Symptoms may worsen over days
Upper & Lower Back Symptoms
- Shoulder and upper back discomfort
- Lower back symptoms (60% of patients)
- Mid-back stiffness
- Radiating sensations down legs
Neurological Symptoms
- Tingling or numbness in arms/hands
- Weakness in limbs
- Radiating sensations
- Vision difficulties (sometimes)
General Symptoms
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Sleep disturbances
- Difficulty concentrating
When to Seek Assessment
Seek assessment if you experience:
- Any neck, shoulder, upper back or lower back symptoms
- Headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness
- Reduced range of motion in your neck
- Tingling, numbness, or radiating sensations (arms, legs, or back)
- Unusual fatigue or difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems or muscle tension
- Even if you feel well initially - symptoms often develop 24-48 hours after accident
Our Evidence-informed Assessment Process
Comprehensive evaluation designed to identify and properly document your whiplash injury
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We discuss the accident details, your symptoms, medical history, and current health concerns. This consultation duration varies depending on your injury complexity.
Step 2: Physical Examination & Assessment
Comprehensive physical assessment including posture analysis, neck and spine range of motion tests, neurological evaluation, and manual assessment to identify affected areas in your neck, upper back, and lower back. Whiplash often affects multiple areas of the spine, so we assess your entire spinal system. Examination is tailored to your individual condition.
Step 3: Detailed Patient Records & AHPRA-compliant Documentation
As an AHPRA-registered chiropractor, we meticulously document your condition according to professional standards. We prepare comprehensive patient records including your injury history, clinical examination findings, assessment conclusions, and recommended management plan. These records are organized and maintained according to professional standards, ready to be provided to your CTP insurer whenever required.
Step 4: Findings Discussion & Management Plan
We explain our findings in detail, show you what we discovered, and discuss your personalized management plan with realistic recovery timelines.
Step 5: CTP Claim Management
We assist with CTP insurance documentation and communication with insurers on your behalf, helping ensure your claim is properly processed.
Car Accident Injury Recovery Phases
Understanding recovery phases based on clinical experience
Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)
What to Expect: Initial symptoms and inflammation begin immediately. Symptoms may worsen as swelling develops.
Recommended Action: Rest, avoid sudden movements, seek evidence-informed assessment within 48-72 hours.
Phase 2: Early Recovery (Week 1-2)
What to Expect: Initial swelling may peak, but with proper care begins to reduce. This is often an uncomfortable phase.
Recommended Action: Begin gentle assessment-based care, 2-3 times per week, avoid heavy activities.
Phase 3: Active Recovery (Week 2-6)
What to Expect: Gradual improvement with consistent management. Symptoms typically decrease noticeably.
Recommended Action: Graduated care program, 1-2 times weekly, gradually increase activity levels under professional guidance.
Phase 4: Late Recovery & Return to Normal (Week 6-12+)
What to Expect: Transition back to function. Majority of symptoms resolved, though some residual sensations may persist.
Recommended Action: Maintenance care as needed, preventative exercises, full return to activities under professional guidance.
CTP Insurance & Your Whiplash Claim
Understanding your insurance coverage and claim process
In New South Wales, whiplash injuries from motor vehicle accidents may be covered by CTP (Compulsory Third Party) insurance. You may have the right to claim assessment and management from healthcare providers accepted by CTP insurers, including our AHPRA-registered clinic.
What is CTP?
Mandatory vehicle insurance that covers assessment and management for people injured in motor vehicle accidents, regardless of who was at fault.
What's Typically Covered?
- Professional assessment
- Physical assessment & management
- Management planning
- Professional documentation
Our Status
We are accepted by CTP insurers and AHPRA-registered to provide whiplash assessment and professional documentation.
CTP Claim Process - 5 Steps
1. Report & Claim
Report the accident to the insurer as soon as possible. Lodge your CTP claim within 3 months from the date of accident.
2. Receive CTP Notice
You'll receive a CTP notice letter from the insurer. Keep this safe - you'll need it when seeking assessment.
3. Choose Provider
Select an AHPRA-registered healthcare provider accepted by CTP insurers for your assessment.
4. Schedule Assessment
Contact us to schedule your evidence-informed assessment appointment. Bring your CTP notice.
5. Begin Management
We assist with CTP insurance documentation. You focus on assessment and recovery.
Important CTP Information
⏰ Claim Deadline
You must lodge your CTP claim within 3 months from the date of accident. Report to the insurer as soon as possible after the accident.
✅ Our Status
We are accepted by CTP insurers and AHPRA-registered to provide whiplash assessment and management.
🔗 Insurance Companies
NRMA, QBE, GIO, Allianz, AAMI, YOUI, and other CTP insurers.
Why Choose Our Chatswood Clinic?
Qualified assessment and care focused on your individual needs
Evidence-informed Assessment
Experienced chiropractors specializing in whiplash and car accident injury assessment.
CTP Eligible
Accepted by CTP insurers for whiplash and accident injury assessment.
AHPRA-compliant Documentation
Detailed assessment reports that support your insurance claim and management planning.
Personalized Approach
Assessment and management plans tailored to your specific condition and circumstances.
Comprehensive Assessment
Thorough approach to assessing all aspects of your whiplash injury.
Local Location
Conveniently located in Chatswood, serving the Chatswood and Northern Beaches area.
Schedule Your Whiplash Assessment Today
Prompt assessment following a car accident is recommended. Our evidence-informed assessment can help identify your condition and plan appropriate care.
Book Your Assessment NowImportant Information: Individual assessment is required to discuss whether chiropractic care may be suitable for your circumstances. Results and outcomes may vary between individuals. No specific outcomes can be guaranteed.
This information is educational in nature and does not constitute healthcare advice or diagnosis. Chiropractic assessment and care is not intended to substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment where indicated. If you have health concerns, please consult an appropriate healthcare professional.
Information provided is based on chiropractic practice guidelines and clinical experience. For more information about chiropractic regulation in Australia, visit Chiropractic Board of Australia or AHPRA.