Your history and medical findings
We review the accident, symptoms, previous care, medical instructions, and the activities that have become difficult. Bring any relevant reports or restrictions.
Car Accident & MVA Care
A clear plan for symptoms after a car accident.
Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, or pain through the back and shoulder can make daily life difficult after a motor vehicle accident (MVA). Once injuries requiring urgent medical care have been addressed, physical therapy can help assess symptoms and guide recovery.
At Nick Rinard Physical Therapy in Portland, we use Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), also known as the McKenzie Method, to understand symptom behavior and select care according to your findings.
How we evaluate symptoms after an MVA
Movement and symptom response
We establish a baseline for pain, motion, and function. Testing may include repeated movements or sustained positions, with the amount of testing matched to your irritability and medical precautions.
Reassessment and next steps
We retest symptoms and meaningful tasks to see what changes. Findings help guide classification, treatment, and whether further medical evaluation is needed.
Whiplash and neck symptoms
Whiplash is a neck injury associated with sudden head movement. Symptoms can include neck pain, restricted movement, headaches, and shoulder or arm discomfort, and may develop hours after the injury.
The evaluation considers your overall presentation and any precautions. When appropriate, we look for movements or positions that improve symptoms and function, then use the findings to guide self-treatment. Read about our neck pain care.
Treatment selected for your presentation
Targeted self-treatment
If testing identifies a useful movement direction, we teach you how to use it and what response to monitor. The plan changes as your findings change.
Daily activity guidance
We address the tasks that matter to you, such as sitting, turning your head, driving, sleeping, or lifting. Activity changes and progression are based on your response.
Measured progress
We track symptoms, movement, and function. Hands-on procedures or progressive exercise may be added when the classification and stage of recovery support them.
Still having symptoms after the accident?
An evaluation can be useful for persistent symptoms as well as a recent injury. We review what has changed, what care you have tried, and what currently affects your symptoms. Your examination guides the next step and whether coordination with a medical provider is needed.
Auto insurance and PIP: contact us before your visit
Accident-related care may be covered through Personal Injury Protection (PIP), subject to the policy and claim. Coverage has limits and applies to eligible medical expenses; it is not an automatic promise of payment for every service.
Call our office with the accident date, insurer, claim number, and adjuster details if available. We can review the claim information and explain the next steps for scheduling and billing. See insurance and payment information.
Common questions about MVA care
Should I see a medical provider first?
Seek medical assessment for injuries or concerning symptoms after an accident. Share any instructions or restrictions with us so the physical therapy plan can follow them.
Do I need a referral?
Requirements depend on your situation and claim. Contact our office and review our referral information before scheduling.
How many visits will I need?
The plan depends on your examination and progress. We reassess your response and adjust the frequency, treatment, or recommendations as needed.
Symptoms that need urgent medical assessment
After a neck injury, seek urgent medical care for severe pain, new weakness, tingling, trouble walking or sitting upright, or an electric-shock sensation into the back or limbs. Routine physical therapy is not the first step for these symptoms.
Related resources
The MDT / McKenzie Method →Neck Pain Physical Therapy →Back Pain Physical Therapy →All Conditions We Treat →
Patient information: NHS: Whiplash · Oregon auto insurance FAQs
Southwest Portland
Ask about physical therapy after a car accident
Nick Rinard Physical Therapy is located at 9700 SW Capitol Hwy, Suite 140, Portland, OR 97219.