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Background: Whiplash associated disorder is the most common outcome of non-catastrophic motor vehicle accidents with individuals developing persistent symptoms following whiplash injury requiring physical therapy intervention. Recent evidence regarding physical therapy intervention for whiplash disorder has been placing an emphasis on incorporating aerobic exercise, strengthening, education and return to usual activities. The purpose of this case study is to describe the successful implementation of an exercise program emphasizing return to usual activities as part of the physical therapy treatment for a patient with acute whiplash associated disorder. Case Description: The patient was a 65-year-old African American female who came to physical therapy following a motor vehicle accident leading to bilateral shoulder, neck, thoracic and lumbar pain. The patient presented with decreased and painful cervical and shoulder range of motion that extended down to her middle back, as well as notable changes to her functional mobility. Intervention: The patient was seen once a week for seven weeks. The treatment consisted of an emphasis on return to usual activities, patient education regarding course of recovery and nature of injury, and interventions targeting cervical muscle impairments as well as general functional and aerobic exercise. Outcome Measures: The primary outcome measures used were the QuickDash and active range of motion of the shoulder and neck as well as subjective reports. Discussion: This case report supports the implementation of a return to usual activity as the primary intervention to decrease pain resulting from whiplash associated disorder and in turn restore overall function.