What Is MVA Physiotherapy?
Motor vehicle accident (MVA) physiotherapy is assessment and treatment specifically for injuries sustained in a car accident, most commonly whiplash, soft tissue strains and sprains, and reduced mobility in the neck, shoulders, and back. In Alberta, physiotherapists are recognized as primary care practitioners for MVA claims, so you can begin treatment right away without a doctor's referral.
At Bolder Health, your first appointment is a 60 minute initial assessment and treatment. Your physiotherapist will review with you how the accident happened, discuss and examine your current symptoms, and classify your injury so your care plan lines up with your insurance coverage from the start. Whether you're dealing with whiplash, a strained shoulder, or ongoing stiffness weeks after the accident, treatment is built around your specific injury and recovery timeline.
How Bolder Health Approaches MVA Recovery
MVA physiotherapy assessment and treatment at Bolder Health is delivered by Kayla Eagle, PT, MScPT, BKin, CAFCI, Helmut Becker, MScPT, CMT, FDN/IMS, BPE, and Tanielle Garcia, MPT, BKIN (Hons). Between them, the team brings manual therapy, dry needling, eeucation on your injury along with self management strategies, and a progressive active based exercise approach to post-accident recovery, along with experience helping active patients return to daily activity and sport, not just get out of pain.
Treatment typically combines hands on manual therapy with a progressive exercise plan tailored to your injury, so you regain strength and range of motion at a pace that matches your recovery.
What to Expect From MVA Physiotherapy at Bolder Health
Initial Assessment
Personalized Treatment Plan
Ongoing Care and Insurance Coordination
Recovery Outcomes for MVA Patients
Reduced Pain and Muscle Tension
Patients typically report noticeable relief from whiplash and soft tissue pain within the first few treatments.
Improved Range of Motion
Targeted manual therapy and exercise work to restore neck, shoulder, and back mobility affected by the accident.
Return to Daily Activity and Sport
Treatment is designed to get you back to work, training, and the activities you were doing before the accident, not just pain free at rest.
Frequently Asked Questions About MVA Physiotherapy
Have a specific question about billing, coverage, or getting started? Visit our full FAQs page for more detailed answers on motor vehicle accident treatment and insurance.
No. Alberta recognizes physiotherapists as primary care practitioners for motor vehicle accident claims, so you can book an assessment directly.
As soon as possible after the accident. Getting assessed quickly supports your recovery, and you'll also need to submit an AB-1 Proof of Loss form to your insurer within 10 days. We're happy to submit that form on your behalf.
Yes. Depending on your diagnosis, you're initially entitled to either 10 or 21 rehabilitation treatments within 90 days of the accident, covered by your auto insurer. We can direct bill your insurance company so you're not paying out of pocket.
If you're not back to your pre-accident health by the end of your treatments or the 90-day window, your physiotherapist can request additional coverage, called Section B benefits, directly from your auto insurer on your behalf.
Kayla Eagle, Helmut Becker, and Tanielle Garcia all provide MVA initial assessments and ongoing treatment.
Book Your MVA Physiotherapy Appointment
In protocol assessments available, no referral needed.
If you've been in a car accident, getting assessed early makes a real difference in your recovery. Kayla Eagle, Helmut Becker, and Tanielle Garcia are currently accepting new MVA physiotherapy patients at our SE Calgary clinic, and can start coordinating with your insurance from your very first visit. Book your initial assessment below to get started.
