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Physical Therapy
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Services & Specialties
Specialties: Whiplash
Persistent pain following a whiplash injury is very common. One study followed subjects for over 12 years after a car crash and found that 70% continued to have pain and functional limitations! Dr. Jan Dommerholt is one of few health care providers nationwide with an advanced degree in biomechanical trauma, which can be described as the “study of car accidents.” In addition, he has completed courses in biomechanics of low speed motor vehicle accidents sponsored by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine (AAAM) and is a graduate of the “Whiplash Injury Biomechanics and Traumatology” courses offered by the Spine Research Institute of San Diego with Dr. Arthur Croft, D.C., M.S., M.P.H. In fact, Dr. Dommerholt is the only physical therapist in the entire United States with this credential!
Dr. Dommerholt has published articles and a book chapter on whiplash injury and muscle pain in the prestigious book Muscle Pain edited by Drs. Siegfried Mense and Robert Gerwin.
Read a recent article on car crashes and persistent pain (pdf) »
We prefer to use the term “cervical acceleration-deceleration injuries” and document many components that may have contributed to the symptoms. We don’t limit ourselves to the physical findings, but include an analysis of the motor vehicle, the head restraint, seat belt, and the accident mechanics. We have developed an extensive report format to assist persons dealing with the unpleasant consequences of a motor vehicle accident (car crash). We provide not only outstanding physical therapy, but will also prepare unparalleled documentation of the circumstances that can later be used in court proceedings and settlement arrangements. Attorneys have shared with us how impressed they are with our comprehensive medico-legal documentation.
In addition to working directly with patients involved in car accidents, Dr. Dommerholt consults with personal injury attorneys and provides expert testimony in court. He can review biomechanical reports prepared by accident reconstructionists or mechanical engineers and provide fully-referenced reports. Many accident reconstruction reports of low speed crashes contain incorrect analyses, a flawed use of references, and conclusions that are not supported by scientific data. Read a testimonial of an attorney who retained Dr. Dommerholt (pdf) »
To learn more about our clinical approach to patients involved in car accidents, or to discuss a particular case, please contact Dr. Jan Dommerholt at 301.656.5613 or
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Persistent neck pain is common after whiplash injuries.
