Whiplash Treatment
Whiplash Treatment in Wasilla, Alaska
Northern Edge Physical Therapy is the right choice for your Whiplash treatment in Wasilla, Alaska. We are the only physical therapy practice in the state of Alaska that offers clients excellence in whiplash physical therapy in Wasilla with specialized programs such as; Dry Needling, Redcord, AlterG Anti-gravity Treadmill, Low-level Laser Therapy, and Massage Therapy.
Whiplash is a broad description of the incident, injury, syndrome, and events associated with the head being jerked or whipped forward and back. Notice that it is not a term to describe the actual condition or problem causing the pain and limits suffered when someone experiences a sudden impact. Why is this important? It sets the tone for diagnosis and treatment. Typically, whiplash syndrome indicates that the condition is multi-factorial, indiscriminate, and unpredictable.
Multifactorial – more than one structure is injured or impaired which means that symptoms are poorly patterned and injured structures are difficult to isolate.
Indiscriminate – only 10% of those involved in motor vehicle accidents actually develop whiplash.
Unpredictable – most people recover without any treatment, others develop chronic whiplash that affects every aspect of their lives.
The challenge with whiplash is pinpointing which structures are injured and determining the most promising treatments. Lack of specific diagnosis and treatment may be the reason whiplash tends to become chronic. Northern Edge Physical Therapy understands the challenges faced by those suffering whiplash. Our examination is designed to be specific allowing us to identify structures which are either causing pain or delaying healing. Our whiplash treatment is directed towards the pain and the barriers to healing. We offer specialized programs for whiplash physical therapy in Wasilla to help achieve pain-relief and enhance performance.
WHY DO I HURT?
- Here is what happens: Sudden acceleration and poorly controlled deceleration causes tissue and joint trauma. Just like what goes up must come down, what goes fast must slow down. The problem is that this process occurs so rapidly that the supporting structures (muscles, ligaments and joints) don’t have enough time to react to the adverse stress caused by the quick acceleration/deceleration cycle. This delayed reaction can be altered by the type of impact, level of awareness, body position and general health (physical and emotional) condition upon impact.
- Until you get better: Movement is the fuel of all life and promotes healing. Some movement is better than none especially in the case of whiplash. Healing is often delayed in situations where anxiety and fear of re-injury prevents movement.
- Repeat injury: Inflammation prevents nutrients from reaching injured tissues. Some inflammation is natural during the healing process but it can become excessive and persistent due to inactivity, stress, repeated trauma and lack of treatment. Other weakened or deconditioned areas not affected by the original injury can become painful and limited due to persistent inflammation and lack of movement.
- Trigger pain reflex: Pain triggers a reflexive change in movement patterns. Movement becomes un-natural and leads to imbalanced posture, uncontrolled motion and excessive guarding. Pain can easily become a training aide that reshapes movement patterns and alters muscle activation in efforts to protect and shield tissues/joints from further injury. However, just like inflammation this pain driven reflex can become excessive and persistent.
Meet Your Provider
Dr. Garrick Herr
Physical Therapist
PT, DPT, CMTPT
I have always been known as someone who genuinely cares for everyone I meet, and will go the extra mile to help people achieve their goals.
I have been a physical therapist in the MatSu valley since 2006 and have helped thousands of MatSu residents overcome their injury and get back to life. Whether it is recovering from surgery, suffering from migraines, low back pain, stroke, vertigo, ATV or sports injuries, I have worked with them all to help Alaskans to get back out there and enjoy what they love to do best.
I went to Graduate school at Loma Linda University whose motto is “To make man whole.” I believe that this is the key to healing, not just addressing one body part at a time, but rather restoring the whole YOU. Helping your body to heal from physical injury, gaining confidence that you can overcome this hurdle limiting your potential, and seeing you return to the things that define who you are is what I find the most rewarding. When we work together we can accomplish great things.
Get The Care You Need
Booking an appointment is easy. Either give us a call or click the button below to fill out a new patient form. We look forward to seeing you soon!