Why whiplash needs a prompt, thorough assessment
Whiplash is a strain injury to the neck caused by a rapid back-and-forth motion, most often from a car accident, but also from sports or falls.
The tricky part about whiplash is timing — symptoms sometimes don't peak until a day or two after the incident, once inflammation sets in. A thorough assessment soon after the event, and a documented recovery plan, matter both for your health and for any insurance or claim process you may be navigating.
Signs you might be dealing with it
- Neck pain and stiffness that started after a car accident, fall, or impact
- Headaches, especially at the base of the skull
- Pain or stiffness that's worse a day or two after the incident, not immediately
- Reduced range of motion in the neck
- Shoulder or upper back tension that showed up alongside the neck pain
The V-A-S-T Approach to get you out of pain
Vision
Discover the root cause: A thorough exam soon after the incident, with clear documentation of what's affected and how.
Alignment
Restore balance: Gentle adjustments and soft tissue work matched to how acute the injury is, to reduce pain and restore motion.
Strength
Build lasting capacity: Rehab and strength work to fully restore neck function and prevent the lingering stiffness whiplash can leave behind.
Transformation
Live without limits: You turn your head, check your blind spot, and move through your day without the stiffness whiplash tends to leave behind.
What relief looks like
"I've been a patient of Dr. Mae Li for over 3 years and I highly recommend her - she is fantastic. Dr. Mae is professional, thorough, empathetic, and fun! She's gotten me through multiple injuries, always with a gentle touch, even keel, and appropriate sense of humor. I'm so grateful to work with her."
"Dr. Mae Li DC, cured my left shoulder pain in only four visits. I was blessed to have received such exceptional care which included spinal adjustments- manipulations, exercises to improve my posture and help control my stress. Thank you Dr. Li."
"Dr. Li is magnificent. Kind, smart, gentle. She diagnosed my problem correctly before the x-ray came in, and is teaching me how to take care of myself."
"Dr. Mae Li is great! She provided very specific guidance for a hamstring issue, which improved it materially in the first month. Thanks!"
"Visiting with Dr. Li is always a highly positive, multi-faceted experience. Not only was the issue for which I was visiting quickly and accurately diagnosed, we discussed diet and proper squat form as well. Though I often fail, Dr. Li, I promise to do the exercises you prescribed!"
"Dr. Mae Li is really wonderful. She is thorough, effective and a great listener. She gives great suggestions about stretches and preventative exercises. She also really gets to know her patients."
"When I was diagnosed with sciatica at age 50 my doctor sent me to see these incredible sports medicine experts so they could tailor my rehab and exercise to my very active lifestyle. I didn't have a sports injury but they helped me heal & rehab through prescribed activity (so I didn't need to go to a PT) and I got stronger than ever while healing! They also taught me how to prevent reoccurrence. Being in my late 50s now, I've contended with various issues -- radiculitis, broken foot, knee strain, back pain -- and I always feel relief even after one visit. The primary technique they use (Active Release) feels amazing! They really listen and explain everything and it's all very easy to understand. Dr Mae Li is brilliant, funny, and extremely effective. (I'm always a little sad when she says I don't need to come back.) I'd recommend this woman to anyone in a heartbeat."
"Dr. Mae Li is absolutely wonderful. I've been going to her for the better part of two years to manage my back and neck pain and stiffness and she's been a valuable part of my physical therapy and maintenance routine."
"I am a former collegiate tennis player, I have had knee tendinitis for the past 6 years. After seeing five physical therapists, I was almost convinced there was no fix for my ailment. In a matter of four visits, Dr. Li discovered a simple solution to the problem, involving a slight modification to my movement pattern while playing. This was without time-intensive rehabilitation exercises. I am forever grateful to Dr. Li for keeping me on the court."
"I love Mae! She's a fanatic listener and clinician. She's the best."
"Have a leg injury getting worse over time. Dr. Mae Li helped me first relieve the pain and then have been constantly helping me in recovering and getting better with PT homeworks! Highly recommended."
"Dr. Mae Li is caring, professional, friendly and knows how to apply the right technique at the right time. She takes the time to explain the details and her care is genuine."
"Dr. Li is the absolute best! She has taken care of my neck and more recently my broken elbow, she takes the time to understand what my issues are and works magic. I had been struggling to find help for my elbow and Dr. Li scheduled me in ASAP and has provided great care and I can see tremendous improvement with her!"
"Dr. Li was super-helpful with effective adjustments, exercises, and advice that kept me moving."
"Mae did a great job (again) getting a hurt part back in order. Good insights and advice on what to do as well as therapy."
"Mae listened carefully as I described my pain and worked with me through a series of questions and motions, to determine my flexibility. She quickly assessed the situation, and began treatment. After that, she gave me some "homework" exercises, so I could address my pain on my own at home. All the while, Mae was attentive, interested, and focused. I felt very comfortable with her, and I'm looking forward to my next treatment."
"Mae has done amazing work for me. I had a debilitating upper back issue that left me writhing in pain during a long run where I had to limp about two miles home. After three procedures I am back to nearly 100% normal, which I find remarkable. Thank you for the great work, Mae!"
Whiplash, answered
Click a question for the answer — or see the full FAQ for pricing, insurance, and what to expect.
How soon after a car accident should I get checked for whiplash?
As soon as possible — ideally within the first few days, even if symptoms feel mild at first, since whiplash pain and stiffness often peak a day or two after the incident.
Will you document my visit for an insurance claim?
Yes — we keep a clear record of your assessment and treatment, which you can use for insurance or claims purposes.
Is it safe to get adjusted right after a whiplash injury?
Yes, with technique matched to how acute the injury is — early visits are often gentler, focused on calming things down before more hands-on work begins.
How long does whiplash recovery take?
It varies with severity, but many people see significant improvement within several weeks of consistent care; some cases take longer, especially if there was already neck stiffness beforehand.