Whiplash
Neck pain and stiffness after the head is jolted, often from a car accident.
By Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist · Reviewed July 2026
What it is
Whiplash, or whiplash associated disorder, happens when the head is whipped quickly back and forth, most often in a car accident. It can strain the joints, muscles and ligaments of the neck. Symptoms sometimes start hours or a day after the event.
Signs and symptoms
Everyone is different, but these are common with whiplash. You may have some and not others.
How physiotherapy helps
Guided movement and treatment usually beat rest for whiplash. We assess the neck thoroughly, ease pain with hands on therapy, and progress movement and strength at a sensible pace. If your injury came from a motor accident, we can manage the CTP claim and reporting for you.
- Thorough neck assessment
- Hands on therapy and mobilisation
- Graded movement and strengthening
- CTP claim management and reporting
How we treat it
The right mix depends on your assessment. These are the services we most often draw on for this.
Spinal and joint mobilisation
Gentle, controlled movement to improve a stiff joint and ease the pain that comes with it.
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Exercise and rehabilitation
Tailored programs to rebuild mobility, strength and confidence in the movements that matter to you.
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Workers compensation and CTP physiotherapy
Focused care for work and road injuries, billed directly to the insurer, with same day reports.
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Trigger point dry needling
Fine needles into trigger points to release muscle tension and ease referred pain. A core focus at PACT.
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What you pay, with or without cover
Every appointment is a full, unhurried session with the time to work through complex, persistent problems. The fee is $165 for an initial visit and $142 for a follow up, and if you have Medicare, private health extras or an accepted claim, here is what you pay.
Paying privately
No referral or paperwork needed. Every visit is a full, unhurried session with the time it needs.
With a Medicare plan
A GP Chronic Disease Management referral rebates $61.80 on every visit, up to 5 a year.
With private health extras
Claim on the spot through HICAPS. The gap depends on your fund and level of cover. See all health funds
Workers comp & CTP
Accepted workers compensation and CTP claims are billed straight to your insurer, and we handle the paperwork.
Every bar is drawn to the same scale, from $0 to the standard fee. Private health gaps vary with your fund and your level of extras cover.
Other problems we help with
Pain rarely sits in one neat box. These are commonly linked, and we treat them all.
Good to know before you book
I was in a car accident, do I pay for treatment?
How much will it cost?
Do I need a referral?
Can it be managed by telehealth?
Sources and further reading
Written and reviewed by Andrew Ellis, AHPRA registered physiotherapist. Last reviewed July 2026.
This page is general information about whiplash, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are concerned about your symptoms, book an appointment or see your GP.
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Same day appointments often available at our Miranda clinic, or by telehealth across Australia.