Whiplash Physiotherapy in Vancouver
Clinically reviewed by Chris Connolly, Registered Physiotherapist (Physical Therapy), CHCPBC. Last reviewed September 2026.
Neck pain after a collision can be unsettling. Symptoms may start right away or build over the next day, and they can affect sleep, concentration, driving, work and exercise. Whiplash physiotherapy begins with a careful assessment and a check for any symptoms that need medical attention. From there, we build a plan to restore comfortable movement and function without treating you as fragile. Whiplash care is part of our ICBC physiotherapy service.
Is whiplash physiotherapy right for me?
Whiplash is a common term for a neck injury caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration, often during a motor vehicle collision. People may have neck pain or stiffness, shoulder and upper-back discomfort, headaches, reduced movement and sensitivity to activity. Dizziness or difficulty concentrating can also occur. These need careful assessment because they may relate to concussion or another condition.
Physiotherapy can be appropriate once serious injury has been ruled out and neck symptoms are affecting daily life. It can help with education, movement, strength, pacing and returning to work or activity. It is not a substitute for emergency assessment.
Seek urgent care for new or worsening weakness or numbness, loss of coordination, severe pain in the middle of the neck after major trauma, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, seizure, increasing confusion, slurred speech, a rapidly worsening headache, difficulty breathing or significant chest pain. If you think you may have a concussion, see a physician or nurse practitioner.
What does whiplash feel like?
Symptoms vary from person to person. Some people feel stiffness across the neck and shoulders. Others have pain turning the head, headaches that seem to come from the neck, or discomfort that makes driving and desk work difficult. Sleep can be disrupted, and worry about moving the neck is common.
Whiplash covers a range of symptoms and severities. How much pain you feel doesn’t necessarily show how much tissue has been injured. That is why an assessment focuses on how your neck is moving and functioning, rather than assuming which tissues are involved.
Who provides whiplash physiotherapy at VPH?
VPH’s rehabilitation team for motor vehicle accident injuries includes:
- Chris Connolly, who has extensive private-practice experience treating motor vehicle accident and musculoskeletal injuries.
- Christina Wong, who has advanced training in vestibular rehabilitation and concussion management.
- Rajveer “Rickey” Singh, who began his career in active rehabilitation for people injured in motor vehicle accidents before completing an MSc in Physiotherapy.
- Simina Toma, whose clinical interests include concussion and whiplash.
- Gabriel Sarta, Liese Dagenais, Karim Hilali and Peter Dastych.
When you call, our reception team will match you with an available physiotherapist whose experience fits your symptoms.
What happens at the first appointment?
For an ICBC claim, call 778-727-0810 with your claim number and Personal Health Number (PHN) before booking. Under current ICBC program rules, your first visit includes an assessment and a standard treatment session. If you have medical instructions, imaging reports or a medication list, bring them along. Wear comfortable clothing that lets your neck and shoulders move freely.
Your physiotherapist will ask about the collision, which symptoms appeared right away and which came later, and any medical care you have already received. They will also ask about headaches or dizziness, sleep, driving, work and your normal activities. They will check carefully for neurological symptoms and other warning signs.
The physical examination may include gentle neck and shoulder movement, strength, sensation, reflexes, balance and everyday tasks. The pace will match how sensitive your symptoms are. Your physiotherapist will explain each test and ask for your consent first, and you can ask to stop at any time.
Afterward, your physiotherapist will explain the findings in plain language. Early treatment often includes reassurance, advice about moving within comfort, practical strategies for sleep and work, and a short home exercise program. Hands-on treatment may be included where appropriate. It should always be comfortable to tolerate and should support your active rehabilitation, not replace it.
As symptoms improve, your plan may progress to building neck and upper-body strength, endurance and balance, and returning to work, exercise or driving. If you have dizziness, vision changes or concussion symptoms, your physiotherapist may coordinate with your medical providers or with a physiotherapist who has vestibular and concussion training. You can read more about vestibular physiotherapy at our clinic.
Will whiplash physiotherapy hurt?
The assessment may briefly bring on familiar symptoms when you turn or load your neck. Your physiotherapist will never force your neck or ask you to push through severe pain. Exercises start in a comfortable range and progress gradually. A small, temporary increase in symptoms can happen. A major or lasting flare, new neurological symptoms, or worsening headache or dizziness means your plan should be reassessed.
How physiotherapy can help
Clinical guidelines for whiplash and neck pain support early education, staying active or gradually returning to activity, and exercise matched to the individual. Depending on your findings, physiotherapy can help you:
- understand which symptoms are expected and which need medical review;
- restore neck and shoulder movement;
- build strength and endurance for desk work, lifting or driving;
- manage headaches linked to neck movement, when appropriate;
- reduce unnecessary fear and avoidance of movement;
- return safely to work, exercise and recreation; and
- coordinate care when dizziness, concussion or emotional symptoms need additional expertise.
Recovery looks different for everyone. Some people also benefit from massage therapy, kinesiology or counselling, but these are recommended only when they meet a real need for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prolonged immobilization is not usually advised for uncomplicated whiplash. Once serious injury has been ruled out, gentle movement and a gradual return to activity are commonly encouraged. Your plan will depend on your symptoms.
Not everyone does. Whether you need imaging depends on the collision, your age, your examination and any warning signs. A medical provider or physiotherapist can tell you whether you meet the criteria.
Yes, but these symptoms can also have other causes. Dizziness, vision changes or difficulty thinking clearly should be assessed carefully, especially if a concussion is possible.
Recovery varies. Many people improve substantially, while others have symptoms that last longer. The severity of the injury, previous health, sleep, stress, work demands and other injuries can all affect recovery.
Hands-on treatment can help some symptoms in the short term, but it is not a cure on its own. Education, movement, strength and a gradual return to activity are usually the core of recovery.
Drive only when you can turn your head enough to check your surroundings, react safely and are not affected by dizziness, severe pain, medication or concussion symptoms. If you’re unsure, ask your medical provider.
No. ICBC generally does not require a physician or nurse practitioner referral for eligible pre-approved treatment in the first 12 weeks. You need a claim number and your PHN.
No. There is no user fee for ICBC-approved physiotherapy at VPH. We bill ICBC directly.
What does whiplash physiotherapy cost?
There is no user fee for ICBC-approved physiotherapy at VPH. We bill ICBC directly for your eligible treatments, so you won’t pay anything out of pocket for those visits.
Under current ICBC rules, eligible people generally have up to 25 pre-approved physiotherapy treatments in the first 12 weeks after a crash. You do not need a referral from a physician or nurse practitioner for these early treatments. You do need an ICBC claim number and your PHN. After 12 weeks, or once the pre-approved visits are used, further treatment may require ICBC authorization. Our team will help with that process.
Where is VPH?
Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub is at 970 Burrard Street, Suite 209, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R4, serving downtown Vancouver, the West End, Yaletown and Coal Harbour. The clinic is open Monday through Sunday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Burrard and Granville Stations on the Expo Line and Vancouver City Centre Station on the Canada Line are all nearby. The Electra Building entrance is on Burrard Street. Metered street parking is available outside peak-hour restrictions. Paid underground parking is available at Scotiabank Theatre, 900 Burrard Street, and at the IGA across the street. The building has bike racks, an accessible ramp, an elevator and an accessible washroom.
The building doors are locked after 6:00 PM on weekdays, and all day on weekends and statutory holidays. At those times, use buzzer 001 to enter.
Start whiplash physiotherapy
Call 778-727-0810 with your ICBC claim number and PHN, and our reception team will set up the right appointment and billing for you.
References: Neck Pain: Revision 2017 Clinical Practice Guidelines, Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy; ICBC guidance on accessing treatment during the first 12 weeks of recovery and the 2026 Physiotherapy Program Guide; Living Concussion Guidelines.
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What Our Clients Say About Us
Google Reviews
Such a great team! Rickey has helped me in recovery from a car accident and I'm doing so much better thanks to his expertise.
Karim and Ricky both helped me so much through my car accident recovery. Karim has the gentlest touch (yet effective) with the IMS needles and Ricky’s vestibular therapy helped me so much with my concussion recovery. Definitely recommend these two!
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