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Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance
Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance is attached to the registration of your vehicle and provides protection to the at-fault driver against compensation claims from people injured in a motor vehicle accident.
Some individuals recover from their injuries and resume their usual activities without the need for treatment or rehabilitation, while others may require rehabilitationāsuch as physiotherapyāto support their recovery.
The goal of rehabilitation is to help the injured person to return to their pre-accident condition.
It is well established that if rehabilitation is necessary, it should begin as early as possible following the injury. Speak with your doctor or medical practitioner to find out whether rehabilitation services are appropriate for you.
The Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC) regulates Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance in Queensland to keep premiums affordable and support people injured in motor vehicle crashes. Refer to the MAIC for:
Information about the Queensland CTP scheme
Rehabilitation Advice, including:
What the CTP insurer funds
How Rehabilitation Treatment is Arranged
Payment of Rehabilitation or Treatment Expenses
Whiplash is a type of neck injury that commonly occurs after a sudden acceleration-deceleration force that transfers energy to the cervical spine, typically experienced in motor vehicle accidents. The name "whiplash" refers to the whipping motion of the head and neck that occurs during the injury.
Mechanism of injury:
Initially believed to comprise neck hyperextension.
Now acknowledged as a complex buckling of the cervical spine with concomitant tension, shear, flexion and extension at different levels.
āSā Shaped curve ā lower segments extend as upper segments flex in an abnormal non-physiological movement.
When someone sustains a whiplash injury, they may present with several signs and symptoms, which can vary in severity. Common symptoms include:
Neck pain and stiffness: This is the most prevalent symptom
Restricted range of neck movement.
Headaches: Tension-type headaches or cervicogenic headaches (originating from the neck) are common after whiplash.
Shoulder and upper back pain: The impact of the injury can cause pain and discomfort in the shoulders and upper back.
Arm pain: Some individuals may experience pain that radiates into the arms or upper back due to nerve irritation.
Upper limb neurological compromise: pins/needles and numbness in the arms.
Dizziness and vertigo: Whiplash can affect the vestibular system, leading to feelings of dizziness or a spinning sensation.
Visual and auditory disturbance
Fatigue: Many people with whiplash report fatigue and difficulty concentrating.
Cognitive and psychological symptoms: In some cases, individuals may experience memory problems, irritability, depression, or anxiety.
Physiotherapists play a crucial role in the treatment of whiplash injuries. Their primary goal is to alleviate pain, promote healing, restore function, and prevent long-term complications. Here are some common physiotherapy treatments for whiplash:
Muscle facilitation and re-education:
Motor control retraining: deep neck flexor muscles
Postural re-education: Physiotherapists educate patients about maintaining proper posture and ergonomics to reduce strain on the neck.
Kinaesthetic re-education
Range of motion exercises: Gentle exercises and stretches are prescribed to improve neck mobility and reduce stiffness. Muslces that may be targeted include scalenes, upper traps, levator scap and pectoral
Manual therapy to help alleviate pain and restore joint function:
Massage
Pain-free joint mobilization
Strengthening exercises: Specific exercises are prescribed to strengthen the neck and shoulder muscles, improving stability and preventing further injury. Muscles that may be targeted include rhomboids, rotator cuff, deep neck flexors and serratus anterior.
Education and advice: Patients are provided with information about self-management strategies, including activity modification and home exercises.
Rehabilitation programs: In severe cases or when symptoms persist, physiotherapists may develop comprehensive rehabilitation programs tailored to the individual's needs, incorporating various treatment modalities.
Prognosis: Most recovery occurs in first 2-3 months ā little significant change happens after this point.
Find out more about our treatment modalities:
Book an appointment at our West End or Albion clinics here: