Whiplash is a condition that describes post-motor vehicle accident symptoms. Symptoms often appear several hours after the actual incident. You may experience significant muscular tension. Pain often refers up to the head. Neurological symptoms such as pins and needles and numbness can often be felt down to arms.

Why so much pain after a car accident?

At the moment of the hit, impact force transfers through the car to your body within a split of a second. Your cervical spine (neck) being the most vulnerable suffers from sprains caused by the sudden jerk. Ligamentous and cartilaginous structures of your neck may tear from the sudden motion. The muscles around the neck spasms to guard the injured spot, causing whiplash symptoms that we have mentioned above.

Do I need rehabilitation after a car accident?

Without treatment, symptoms may worsen over time. Research shows around 60% of all individuals may suffer from long-term symptoms post car accidents. The “wait and see” approach hinders your recovery. It is best to seek medical assistance to prevent any long-term symptoms.

What should I do after a car accident?

1. Early intervention equals early recovery and regains in function.

2. Consult your doctor for the appropriate use of pain killers and anti-inflammatories.

3. Try to obtain a good neck-head-shoulder posture at least for the first 2 months post-motor vehicle accident.

4. Seek a check-up and professional advice from your physio.

Most motor vehicle accidents, allow you to claim Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance. This also applies to people under overseas working visa. You will be covered whether you are the one at fault or not for the incident.

Our team at Sydney Health Physiotherapy can help guide you through the claim process and we are happy to answer any questions you may have.

The steps of making a CTP claim:

1. Obtain the Police Event Number by calling the police assessment line 131 444

2. Contact the CTP insurance company to notify them about this incident by providing your license plate number and your details. Obtain their email

3. See your GP in regards to your condition (commonly known as “whiplash”) and ask your GP to complete the Certificate of Fitness form

4. Download and complete the application for personal injury benefits form

5. Upload the completed documents mentioned in steps 3 and 4 to support the claim and email it to the insurance company

After you have lodged your claim

Once you have done that, you will be able to continue treatment from us with no out-of-pocket cost.

• If you need the details of the insurance company, you can obtain them from our physiotherapists or receptionist staff.

• If you don’t know the at-fault insurance company is, you can start with the following options:

  • Using the CTP online tool

  • Call CTP Assist on 1300 656 919

  • Email ctpassist@sira.nsw.gov.au

• If you need further help, please do not hesitate to contact us.