MVA Physiotherapy Methods That May Help You Return to Daily Activities

Manual Therapy

 Manual therapy forms a core part of MVA physiotherapy Edmonton at our clinic. Our physiotherapists use hands-on methods to reduce pain, restore movement, and address soft tissue restrictions that develop following a motor vehicle accident.

• Joint Mobilization applies gentle, controlled movements to stiff or restricted joints in the neck, back, and shoulders to restore the normal range of motion and reduce discomfort during everyday movement.
• Soft Tissue Release targets tight muscles and adhesions around the injured area, improving circulation to the tissue and restoring normal muscle length and function.
• Myofascial Release works on the connective tissue surrounding the affected muscles. When fascia becomes tight or restricted following an accident, this technique eases that tension and improves how your body moves overall.
• Trigger Point Therapy applies targeted pressure to tight, painful spots within the muscle that are contributing to referred pain and restricted movement in the neck, shoulders, and back.

Therapeutic Modalities

We use therapeutic modalities to support tissue healing and manage pain at different stages of your recovery.

• Ultrasound Therapy promotes soft tissue healing and reduces localized swelling in the early stages following a motor vehicle accident.
• TENS Therapy delivers gentle electrical impulses to disrupt pain signals, keeping you comfortable during the more physically demanding phases of your rehabilitation.
• Shockwave Therapy is used for persistent soft tissue and tendon injuries that require a stronger stimulus to kickstart the healing response.

Targeted Exercise Rehabilitation

Progressive exercise is central to post-accident injury rehabilitation. Our physiotherapists structure your car accident physio program through specific exercises introduced at each stage based on your injury and recovery progress.

Reducing Stiffness and Maintaining Circulation

• Diaphragmatic Breathing — Helps relax the muscles of the chest, neck, and shoulders, reducing overall muscle tension that builds up following a motor vehicle accident.
• Isometric Neck and Shoulder Holds — Gentle muscle activation exercises that maintain strength without placing load on the injured tissue during the initial recovery phase.

Rebuilding Strength and Stability

• Scapular Retraction Exercises — Strengthen the muscles around the shoulder blade to improve posture and decrease strain on the neck and shoulder joints.
• Glute Bridges — Rebuild strength in the glutes and lower back, which are frequently affected following a rear-end collision or sudden braking impact.

Functional and Activity-Specific Training

• Romanian Deadlifts — Reintroduce posterior chain loading through the hamstrings, glutes, and lower back to prepare the body for lifting, bending, and daily functional demands.
• Shoulder Press Progressions — Gradually reintroduce overhead movement and shoulder strength for individuals returning to work tasks that involve reaching or lifting above shoulder height.

Education and Self-Management

Our MVA physiotherapists provide guidance on:

• Activity modification — avoiding high-impact activities, prolonged sitting, and heavy lifting while gradually reintroducing walking, light stretching, and daily tasks as your recovery progresses
• Postural awareness — maintaining a neutral spine during sitting, adjusting your car seat and headrest to reduce neck strain while driving, and using a supportive pillow to keep your neck aligned during sleep
• Home exercise program — chin tucks, gentle neck rotations, shoulder blade squeezes, and pelvic tilts to maintain mobility and support your progress between sessions
• Load management — alternating between short periods of activity and rest, avoiding sudden increases in physical demand, and gradually building your activity tolerance as your body heals