Motor vehicle & sport

Whiplash treatment in Perth

A rear-end collision or sudden head snap can injure your neck and brain at the same time. We treat whiplash with structured physiotherapy, not weeks of doing nothing while pain and fog persist.

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Physiotherapist treating neck and shoulder muscles after whiplash injury

Written & reviewed by

Jimmy Milligan

Director & Senior Physiotherapist · BSc Physiotherapy, Curtin University · Complete Concussions certified

Whiplash and concussion often overlap

Whiplash is a rapid acceleration and deceleration injury to the neck. You do not need to hit your head on the dashboard to have a concussion. The brain can move inside the skull during the same event. That is why neck pain, headache, dizziness, and brain fog frequently arrive together after a car accident or heavy tackle.

Prolonged rest is outdated advice. Current guidance supports early, guided movement and physiotherapy when serious injury is ruled out. At Heads Up, whiplash treatment is delivered by concussion-trained physios who understand both cervical and brain injury recovery.

We follow Complete Concussions multi-modal principles. Start with concussion assessment if you have not had one since the accident.

What whiplash treatment involves

We document the accident mechanism, symptom timeline, and any imaging you have had. Examination covers neck joints, muscles, nerve sensitivity, balance, and concussion-related symptoms.

Treatment may include manual therapy, mobility and strengthening exercises, pain education, and graduated return to driving, work, or sport. If symptoms have lasted beyond the usual window, care often expands into Post-Concussion Syndrome management alongside neck rehabilitation.

We communicate with your GP, insurer, or lawyer only when you ask us to. Our focus is clinical recovery and clear next steps.

How to book and what to bring

Book online or call 0401 498 498. Mention whiplash or motor vehicle accident when booking so we allow enough time.

  • Accident date and brief description of what happened
  • Current symptoms: neck pain, headache, dizziness, memory or sleep issues
  • Imaging reports (X-ray, CT, MRI) if available
  • Insurance or compulsory third-party claim details if relevant (we focus on treatment; you manage claim paperwork)

Fees and transparency

Concussion initial appointments are $139; follow-ups $115. Standard physiotherapy consultations apply where clinically appropriate ($115 initial / $106 standard follow-up). We explain fees before treatment. Private health rebates apply on the spot for eligible in-clinic visits.

When to seek emergency care first

After a car accident, attend hospital if you have loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, severe neck pain with limb weakness, or worsening confusion. Healthdirect lists warning signs after whiplash.

Once medically cleared, book physiotherapy so recovery is active and structured.

No referral required

Fees

Initial appointment

$139

In-person or telehealth

Follow-up appointment

$115

In-person or telehealth

Private health insurance rebates available on in-person appointments (claimed on the spot). Telehealth rebates via invoice to your insurer. Sport and club injury insurance may cover ongoing concussion care. Check your registration policy with your club.

Further reading

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Can whiplash cause a concussion without hitting my head?

Yes. Rapid head movement can cause concussion even without direct impact. We assess both neck and brain injury contributors.

How soon should I start whiplash treatment?

Once serious injury is ruled out, early guided physiotherapy is usually better than prolonged immobilisation. We tailor timing to your case.

Do you treat insurance or CTP patients?

We provide physiotherapy treatment. Bring any insurer details you have; billing follows our standard fee schedule unless other arrangements apply.

Will I need imaging?

Not always. We screen for red flags and refer for X-ray or other imaging when clinically indicated.

Where is the clinic?

8/531 Hay St, Subiaco WA 6008. Convenient for Perth metro patients recovering after motor vehicle accidents.