Concierge physiotherapy · UK
Physiotherapy for whiplash - moving, not waiting.
Early, active, evidence-based rehab after a road traffic collision or sporting impact. WAD grading at assessment, graded movement from session one, serious injury screened out first - and no soft collars, ever.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A physiotherapist who treats whiplash weekly
HCPC-registered, CSP-chartered physiotherapists with genuine whiplash caseloads - familiar with WAD grading, early mobilisation and the evidence, not collar-and-rest habits from decades ago.
- 02
Movement early, collars never
The evidence is unambiguous: early, graded movement recovers whiplash faster than rest and soft collars. Your plan is active from session one - and we explain why.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic and take no insurer instruction, so the recommendation - physio now, imaging first, or a specialist opinion - is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private whiplash treatment costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options, with cover checked - including motor-insurance rehab funding.
In short
A typical course in our network: £270–£650 over 4–6 sessions.
| Session | Indicative range | Typical duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial whiplash assessment (45–60 min) | £65–£130 | 45–60 min | Plan same visit |
| Follow-up treatment session (30 min) | £50–£95 | 30 min | Same visit |
| Extended follow-up (45 min) | £70–£115 | 45 min | Same visit |
| Block of 6 sessions (prepaid) | £270–£520 | 30–45 min each | Over 6–8 weeks |
| Cervical spine X-ray (if clinically indicated) | £100–£200 | 15 min | Report in 24–48 h |
| Cervical spine MRI (if clinically indicated) | £350–£700 | 20–30 min | Report in 24–72 h |
| Consultant spinal or pain opinion | £250–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by city and clinic - central London sits at the top of the range. If your whiplash follows a road traffic collision, treatment is often funded through motor insurance rehabilitation cover, and it does not have to wait for the claim. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
Screened properly, moving early, and reviewed before it turns chronic.
Whiplash care goes wrong in predictable ways - serious injury missed, movement delayed, chronic pain drifting in unnoticed. We fix all three before you book.
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Rule out the serious first
WAD III–IV - neurological signs, fracture risk - is screened at assessment using established criteria, with same-week imaging when needed.
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Move within days, not weeks
Early graded movement is the best-evidenced treatment for whiplash. Every week spent resting in a collar is a week added to recovery.
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A hard review at twelve weeks
Symptoms persisting at three months define chronic whiplash. That triggers a plan change - imaging, pain-medicine input - never more of the same.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery - what happens, in order.
One named physiotherapist from first message through assessment, active rehab, progression and discharge.
Phase 1 · Before your first session
Triage, screening, booking
Phase 2 · First session
Assessment and treatment
Phase 3 · After
Progression, discharge
- 01
Before
You tell us what happened
A short, confidential form. The accident, when symptoms started, headaches or arm symptoms, any A&E or GP review so far, and whether a claim is involved.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right physiotherapist, an indicative price - and if your symptoms suggest anything beyond soft tissue (WAD III–IV features), a medical review first.
- 03
Before
Booking, usually within days
Early treatment matters after whiplash. First assessments are typically available within 2–4 working days across our network.
- 04
Before
Anything to bring is confirmed
A&E discharge letters, any X-ray or scan reports, insurance or solicitor details if a claim is running. Wear a top that lets your neck and shoulders be examined.
- 05
First session
Assessment and first treatment
45–60 minutes. History, neck movement and strength testing, neurological screening of the arms, WAD grading - and treatment starts in the same session.
- 06
First session
Your plan, in writing
You leave with a graded neck exercise programme, posture and activity advice, reassurance grounded in the evidence, and an honest session estimate.
- 07
After
Progression, review and discharge
Follow-ups to progress range, strength and confidence. Most whiplash settles in 6–12 weeks. Persistent symptoms at 12 weeks trigger a structured review, not more of the same.
Typical start: 2–4 working days from enquiry to first assessment. Typical recovery: 6–12 weeks for WAD I–II.
When it helps
When whiplash physiotherapy is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means urgent imaging and medical review rather than a physio booking.
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Rear-end road traffic collision
The classic mechanism - sudden acceleration–deceleration of the neck. Symptoms often appear 12–48 hours after the accident, not immediately.
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Neck pain and stiffness after impact
Restricted, guarded neck movement with muscular ache across the neck, shoulders and upper back - WAD grade I–II, the group physio helps most.
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Whiplash-associated headaches
Headaches rising from the base of the skull, often with jaw or facial ache - commonly cervicogenic and very treatable with neck rehab.
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Dizziness and visual strain after whiplash
Unsteadiness, visual fatigue or poor concentration can follow neck injury - vestibular and sensorimotor rehab is part of modern whiplash care.
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Symptoms not settling after 4–6 weeks
Most whiplash improves steadily. A plateau at a month is the moment for structured physiotherapy rather than waiting and hoping.
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Fear of movement after the accident
Guarding and avoidance predict chronic whiplash better than the crash itself. Graded exposure and confident movement are core treatment.
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Sports and fall-related whiplash
Rugby tackles, horse falls, skiing and cycling crashes produce the same acceleration injury - and respond to the same active rehab.
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Red flag: arm weakness, numbness or severe midline tenderness
Progressive arm weakness, marked numbness, severe midline bony tenderness or symptoms after a high-energy crash need urgent imaging and medical review first - not a physio booking. We route you there.
Treatment options
What modern whiplash rehab actually includes.
What each element involves - from WAD grading at assessment to graded movement, strength work, vestibular rehab and the escalation route if you plateau.
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Assessment and WAD grading
Whiplash-associated disorder is graded 0–IV. Grades I–II are soft-tissue and physio-led; grade III (neurological signs) needs medical input; grade IV (fracture or dislocation) is emergency care.
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Early graded movement
The single best-evidenced treatment. Gentle, frequent range-of-movement work from the first days, progressed steadily - collars and prolonged rest delay recovery.
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Strength and endurance rehab
Deep neck flexor and scapular endurance training - the deficit that most reliably follows whiplash and most reliably responds to targeted exercise.
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Manual therapy
Joint mobilisation and soft-tissue release for short-term pain relief and to restore movement - always paired with the exercise programme.
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Vestibular and sensorimotor rehab
Gaze stability, balance and neck-position-sense retraining for the dizziness and unsteadiness that can accompany whiplash.
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Headache-focused treatment
Upper cervical mobilisation and specific exercise for cervicogenic headache - often the most disabling whiplash symptom.
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Pain education and reassurance
Understanding that whiplash is a soft-tissue injury with an excellent prognosis measurably improves outcomes. It is treatment, not a pep talk.
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Escalation where needed
Persistent arm symptoms, severe unremitting pain or plateau at 12 weeks triggers MRI and a consultant spinal or pain-medicine opinion.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of physiotherapists, we picked them.
Chartered physiotherapists experienced in whiplash and neck trauma across London and the major UK cities. Introductions are made privately, once we understand your injury.
Selection criteria
How we choose every physiotherapist in our network.
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HCPC-registered, CSP-chartered physiotherapists experienced in whiplash and neck trauma
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Evidence-based, movement-first practice - no soft collars, no open-ended passive courses
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Direct pathways to cervical imaging and consultant spinal opinion when grading demands it
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First appointments within 2–4 working days, with medico-legal reporting experience where a claim runs
Safety and recovery
What to expect - honestly.
Whiplash has an excellent prognosis when treated actively and early. The things worth planning are the screening, the first fortnight of movement, and the twelve-week review.
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Physiotherapy for whiplash is very low risk
Expect some short-lived soreness after early sessions as your neck starts moving again - normal, and a sign of progress rather than harm.
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Most whiplash recovers well
The majority of WAD I–II recovers within weeks to three months. Early activity, reassurance and graded exercise are what shift the odds.
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Serious injury is screened first
Canadian C-Spine Rule criteria - high-energy mechanism, midline tenderness, neurological signs - are checked before hands-on treatment. Imaging comes first when they are present.
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Collars and rest make it worse
Soft collars, prolonged rest and avoiding movement are associated with slower recovery and higher rates of chronic pain. Modern care is active from day one.
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Manual therapy cautions
Forceful end-range neck manipulation is not used in acute whiplash in our network. Gentle mobilisation is adapted to irritability and your comfort.
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Watch the 12-week mark
Symptoms persisting beyond three months define chronic whiplash and need a plan change - imaging review, pain-medicine input, or psychology-informed rehab.
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Claims and treatment can run in parallel
Physiotherapy does not have to wait for an insurance claim to conclude. Our clinics provide compliant records and reports where solicitors need them.
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Driving and work
You may drive once you can comfortably check mirrors and blind spots. Most people continue or quickly return to desk work; heavy manual work is graded back over weeks.
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Red flags after starting
New or progressive arm weakness or numbness, difficulty walking, bladder or bowel change, or drop attacks need same-day medical review - not the next physio session.
Reading your assessment report
Your report in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever clinic you attend - and whether or not a claim is running - the report your physiotherapist writes keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Clinical and medico-legal language can read coldly - we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the assessment findings or a medico-legal report before your next session, just ask.
- 01 Header
Mechanism, WAD grade and problem list
What happened, when symptoms began, the whiplash-associated-disorder grade, and the problems treatment will target.
- 02 Findings
Objective assessment findings
Neck range of movement, strength and endurance measures, neurological screening results and any balance or dizziness findings - your measurable baseline.
- 03 Plan
Treatment plan and exercise programme
The graded exercise programme, in-clinic treatment, expected session count, and return-to-work and driving guidance.
- 04 Impression
Prognosis and escalation criteria
Read this first: the expected recovery timeline, recovery markers to watch, and the agreed triggers for imaging or a consultant opinion.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Whiplash physiotherapy is covered by most UK health policies, and after a road traffic collision it is often funded through motor-insurance rehabilitation cover instead. We confirm the right funding route before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about whiplash.
Quick answers on recovery time, collars, imaging, cost and insurance claims.
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How long does whiplash take to recover with physiotherapy?
Most whiplash (WAD grade I–II) improves substantially within six to twelve weeks, and early graded movement is the strongest predictor of a good outcome. A typical physiotherapy course is four to six sessions across that period. Symptoms persisting beyond three months need a structured review rather than more of the same treatment.
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Should I wear a soft collar after whiplash?
No. Soft collars and prolonged rest are associated with slower recovery and higher rates of chronic pain, and UK guidance has advised against them for years. The evidence supports staying active, moving the neck gently and often from the first days, and building up gradually - which is exactly what your physiotherapy programme is designed to do.
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Do I need an X-ray or MRI before starting physiotherapy?
Usually not. Imaging is only needed when specific criteria are met - a high-energy mechanism, midline bony tenderness, neurological signs such as arm weakness or numbness, or age and mechanism factors under the Canadian C-Spine Rule. Your physiotherapist screens for these at assessment and we arrange same-week private imaging if any are present.
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How much does private whiplash physiotherapy cost in the UK?
Typically £65–£130 for the initial assessment and £50–£95 per follow-up, with a usual course of four to six sessions - so roughly £270–£650 in total. If imaging or a consultant opinion is needed, a cervical MRI runs about £350–£700 privately. We confirm firm figures within one working day, and many motor insurance policies fund treatment.
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Can I claim physiotherapy costs through my car insurance?
Often, yes. Rehabilitation after a road traffic collision is commonly funded through the at-fault party’s insurer or your own policy’s rehabilitation cover, and treatment does not need to wait for the claim to settle. Our clinics are experienced with insurer-funded rehab and provide the compliant treatment records solicitors and insurers require.
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Why do whiplash symptoms appear a day or two after the accident?
It is the normal pattern. The acceleration–deceleration strain triggers inflammation in the neck’s muscles, ligaments and joints that builds over 12–48 hours, so many people walk away from the crash feeling fine and wake up stiff two mornings later. Delayed onset does not mean the injury is more serious - but new arm symptoms or severe pain at any point deserve prompt review.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Neck physiotherapy
Dedicated neck pain assessment and rehab.
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Physiotherapy for muscular aches
Assessment-led rehab for muscle pain.
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Clinical Pilates
Physio-led Pilates for control and strength.
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Epidural steroid injection
For nerve-root pain that persists.
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Massage therapy
Soft-tissue work as an adjunct to rehab.
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All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more