University of Queensland researchers are trialling a new treatment to help solve a major pain in the neck.
UQ’s Professor Michele Sterling and her team are seeking more than 40 participants for a project to enhance whiplash recovery.
The project aims to significantly improve health outcomes for injured people through a new treatment approach.
Participants will receive a free six-week physiotherapy treatment program and may also be offered additional strategies for managing stress following a motor vehicle accident as this has been found to be an important factor in assisting in recovery.
Physiotherapists and psychologists will collaborate to examine the physical and stress-related aspects of whiplash injury.
“Previous research conducted at UQ has identified whiplash as a complex condition, involving both physical and psychological factors,” Professor Sterling said.
“We want to take this knowledge to the next level with a new treatment approach for individuals identified at risk of not recovering well.
“Specially trained physiotherapists will include stress management techniques into a standard physiotherapy exercise approach and we hope this approach will enhance recovery in injured people.”
UQ's Centre of National Research on Disability and Rehabilitation Medicine (CONROD) will provide vital data and resources for the study.
“We are really excited by the possibilities of this research and we are calling on all people with a recent whiplash injury across the greater Brisbane area to contact us,” Professor Sterling said.
“If they meet the criteria, they will receive free physiotherapy assessment and treatment as part of the study.”
To be involved, participants should be aged 18 to 70 years and be experiencing neck pain as a result of a motor vehicle accident within the last six weeks.
Volunteers will be asked to complete a set of questionnaires and attend UQ's Herston Campus for assessment sessions.
To volunteer or for more information please contact the Whiplash research team via phone 3365 5383 or email whiplashinfo@uq.edu.au.
Media: Michele Sterling, 07 3365 5344 or m.sterling@uq.edu.au
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