Treatment Options
The following quotes are all taken from the research article Grade II whiplash injuries to the neck: what is the benefit for patients treated by different physical therapy modalities?
Grade II whiplash injuries to the neck: what is the benefit for patients treated by different physical therapy modalities
For study inclusion, patients had to fulfill the criteria for QTF II whiplash injury (patients with neck pain and musculoskeletal signs) (table 1). Patients who had suffered previous injuries of the cervical spine or who had muscular, neurological or mental disorders were excluded from participation in the studies
Table 1
All patients were initially given a standard prescription for a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent (NSAID) to be taken for seven days twice a day and were provided with a soft cervical collar for the same duration.
At this point, patients in the APT and PPT groups started a standardized physical therapy program provided through the clinic's physical therapy department three times per week for a period of seven weeks
At this point, patients in the APT and PPT groups started a standardized physical therapy program provided through the clinic's physical therapy department three times per week for a period of seven weeks
"Act as usual" (AAU)
In a detailed consultation session, the benign nature of the injury was explained to the patients. Patients were given the recommendation to resume their usual activities without modification. No therapeutic measures were recommended.
"Passive" therapy (PPT)
The treatment consisted of the application of moist heat [22,23], classic massage [22] and electrotherapy [22,24].
"Active" therapy (APT)
Week 2
Soft-tissue treatment [25], trigger point treatment [22-24], joint mobilisation without involvement of the cervical spine, posture training and electrotherapy.
Week 3
As above, with addition of coordination training [26], training of the trunk and extremities and stabilization techniques with short, segmental leverage [23].
Week 6
As above, with addition of three-dimensional training with the head's own weight as the limit of resistance.
Week 8
As above, with addition of specific joint mobilization of the cervical spine, if necessary
In a detailed consultation session, the benign nature of the injury was explained to the patients. Patients were given the recommendation to resume their usual activities without modification. No therapeutic measures were recommended.
"Passive" therapy (PPT)
The treatment consisted of the application of moist heat [22,23], classic massage [22] and electrotherapy [22,24].
"Active" therapy (APT)
Week 2
Soft-tissue treatment [25], trigger point treatment [22-24], joint mobilisation without involvement of the cervical spine, posture training and electrotherapy.
Week 3
As above, with addition of coordination training [26], training of the trunk and extremities and stabilization techniques with short, segmental leverage [23].
Week 6
As above, with addition of three-dimensional training with the head's own weight as the limit of resistance.
Week 8
As above, with addition of specific joint mobilization of the cervical spine, if necessary
Results
Pain Score (PS)
In the APT group, there was a significantly greater median improvement in pain than in the PPT group
The AAU group showed no median change in PS
In the APT group, there was a significantly greater median improvement in pain than in the PPT group
The AAU group showed no median change in PS
Period of Disability (POD)
In both physical therapy groups the median POD was 14 days compared to 49 days in the AAU group.
In both physical therapy groups the median POD was 14 days compared to 49 days in the AAU group.