Gunnel AL Berry
Association of Reflexologists, UK
Title: Whiplash injury: Science and clinical practice - Can we bridge the gap?
Biography
Biography: Gunnel AL Berry
Abstract
A whiplash injury commonly occurs at a high or low velocity motor-vehicle accident with an un-expectant occupant subjected to acceleration and deceleration G-forces with physiological, neuroplastic and pathological consequences. Victims of whiplash injury complain of multisite and variable pain during or after an accident. Although the cervical spine is most commonly affected thoracic and lumbar spines should be included as sources of pain. Biopsychosocial therapy has been found to reduce central nervous system hyperexcitability in chronic pain patients. Extensive investigations to understand pain has been carried out. Attempt to apply modern neuroscience in clinical practice and Worsfold offers interventions to rehabilitate whiplash injury patients. Founded on the principle of ‘counter-irritability’ of neuroplastic activity adapted reflextherapy has been found to alter subjective and objective whiplash symptoms. This presentation introduces a hypothesis supporting a practical application which may offer clinical value in treatment of whiplash injury patients.