Michael Faulkner's article suggests insurers are wasting money on physiotherapy (22 May, Insurance Times).
I don't think there's any doubt that, following a whiplash, early intervention and mobilisation under supervision of a suitably qualified therapist increases the chances of a full recovery.
I applaud insurers who have actively implemented early intervention policies.
In other words don't sit around moaning, get moving, get active and get back to work. This is one of the rare areas where claimant's solicitors, defendant's insurers and the medical profession would agree.
Equally physio and rehabilitation following more serious injuries is of unquestioned value.
However, if acute symptoms following whiplash do not resolve but turn into chronic long term soft tissue injuries then physio may be only part of the picture.
Those of us that attended the excellent Whiplash Conference in Bristol heard speakers from a comprehensive range of backgrounds. There is an awesome range of causes of chronic pain. Physio is plainly not the answer in every case; this can and should be the subject of ongoing informed debate.
But this should not detract from the basic message for soft tissue injuries; get the inflammation down, get moving and get back to work. Both sides of our industry need to facilitate this, lest we encourage chronic illness.
For further information on early intervention, google BICMA.
Andrew Sharpe
Penmans
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