Physiotherapy After a Car Accident in Newmarket

A car accident can leave you sore, stiff and shaken, even when the collision seemed minor. Pain from whiplash and other soft-tissue injuries often shows up hours or days later. Physiotherapy can help you manage the pain, get moving again and return to work and daily life. At FIT Physiotherapy in Newmarket, we treat motor vehicle accident (MVA) injuries one-on-one, and in most cases we bill your auto insurer directly.

Getting help early matters. About half of people diagnosed with whiplash-associated disorders still reported neck pain a year after their injury, according to a 2008 review by the Bone and Joint Decade Task Force on Neck Pain, as reported by the Institute for Work & Health. Staying active and starting the right exercise early can help lower the chance of pain lingering.

What to do in the first days after a collision

1. Get checked by a doctor or at the hospital if you have any concerns, especially after a high-speed collision.
2. Call your auto insurer. In Ontario, you should contact your insurer within seven days of the accident, and send in your application for accident benefits within 30 days of receiving it, according to SickKids AboutKidsHealth.
3. Keep gently moving within your comfort level. For most whiplash and back strains, gentle movement helps more than rest.
4. Book a physiotherapy assessment so your injuries are assessed and documented early. No doctor’s referral is needed, although your insurer may have its own requirements.

Go to emergency right away if you have a severe or worsening headache, repeated vomiting, confusion, new weakness or numbness in an arm or leg, or severe neck pain after the collision.

Car accident injuries we treat

• Whiplash and neck pain, including stiffness and headaches that start in the neck
• Back pain in the upper or lower back
• Shoulder, hip and knee injuries from bracing or impact
• Dizziness and balance problems, including vertigo
• Concussion symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness and trouble concentrating (see physiotherapy for concussions)
• Sprains, strains and recovery after fractures

How we treat car accident injuries

1. A thorough first assessment. Your first visit takes about an hour. We look at the injured areas and, where needed, check balance, eye movement and sensation, since a collision can affect more than muscles and joints.
2. Pain relief. Hands-on treatment and drug-free options help calm pain and stiffness.
3. Active rehabilitation. Progressive exercise, one-on-one and in our on-site training facility, helps restore movement and strength.
4. Getting back to your life. We plan your return to driving, work and everyday activities step by step.

Our hours make it easier to fit treatment around work: we open at 7:45am on Wednesdays and Fridays, stay open until 7pm Monday to Thursday, and are open Saturday mornings. There is lots of free parking at our clinic at 20 Charles Street.

Auto insurance and paperwork

In Ontario, physiotherapy after a car accident is usually covered through accident benefits from your own auto insurer, whoever caused the collision. In most cases, FIT bills your auto insurer directly, so you do not have to pay up front and wait to be reimbursed. Insurers have different rules, so we will confirm the details for your claim.

When you book, please have ready:

• The date of the accident
• Your auto insurance company and claim number
• Your adjuster’s name and contact details, if you have them

Your insurer may need a treatment plan before approving physiotherapy. Ask us when you book and we will explain the next steps. If you also have extended health benefits, we direct bill most insurance plans.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a referral for physiotherapy after a car accident?

No. You can book with a physiotherapist directly in Ontario. Your auto insurer may have its own requirements, so it is worth calling them too.

Will my auto insurance pay for physiotherapy?

Usually, yes. In Ontario, accident benefits from your own auto insurer typically cover physiotherapy after a collision. In most cases FIT bills your auto insurer directly. Each insurer is a little different, so we will confirm the details for your claim.

How soon after a car accident should I start physiotherapy?

As soon as you have been checked for anything serious. Starting gentle, guided movement early can help with pain and stiffness and lower the chance of problems lingering.

The accident was weeks ago. Is it too late?

No. Physiotherapy can still help if your pain has lasted weeks or months. Your physiotherapist will assess where you are now and build a plan from there.

Do you treat concussion symptoms after a car accident?

Yes. Our physiotherapists treat concussion symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and balance problems as part of your recovery plan.

Book an assessment

If you have been in a car accident, we can help you recover. Call 905-235-5360 or book online. FIT Physiotherapy is at 20 Charles Street in Newmarket, serving drivers and passengers across York Region.