Car Accident Physical Therapy

Any type of motor vehicle accident can cause a serious injury to the neck, legs, back, head, arms, or spine. Injuries ranging from broken bones to whiplash can result in a range of symptoms from pain, stiffness, tingling, and numbness. Surgery is an option, but it is not always effective. 

After a car accident, many people turn to physical therapy to heal from their injuries. It is one of the most effective recovery methods that does not involve pain medication or surgery. 

Common Car Accident Injuries

Despite improvements in seatbelt, airbag, and other vehicle safety, car accidents are still the cause of hundreds of thousands of injuries per year. If you are in a car accident, one of the first things you should do is seek medical attention. You never know what kind of injury may be lingering. 

Some of the most common injuries after a car accident are:

• Whiplash
• Sprains and strains of the neck and back 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI), including concussions
• Spine injuries
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue injuries 
• Internal bleeding 

Again, it is very important to see a doctor after an accident. Your doctor will run the necessary tests and scans to determine any injuries you may have suffered, as well as refer you to specialists or physical therapists for further evaluation. 

What Does a Physical Therapist Do?

After an injury, your doctor may suggest that you receive physical therapy as part of your recovery process. A licensed physical therapist (PT) is a medical professional who helps people improve their physical abilities and quality of life through various exercises and hands-on care. There are various types of physical therapy, including orthopedic physical therapy and neurological physical therapy. 

Their job is to assess your condition, design a personalized treatment plan, teach you exercises and techniques to do at home, monitor your progress, and modify your plan as needed. They also provide techniques on how to prevent further injury and maintain your health. 

Benefits of Physical Therapy Treatment

Now that you know what a physical therapist does, it’s time to learn the many benefits of physical therapy. Physical therapy can help reduce pain symptoms, improve mobility and movement, and restore function.

After a car accident, it’s crucial to begin physical therapy immediately to get the best results. Here are just some of the benefits of physical therapy treatment:

1. It can help you heal faster and prevent secondary injuries.

Car accident injuries can take months or even years to fully heal. Physical therapy can help a car accident victim recover faster and prevent further complications or secondary injuries.  

2. It can restore your range of motion and function.

One of the main goals of physical therapy is to restore a person’s range of motion and function. This is true for recent car accident victims or even those who suffer from old car accident injuries.

3. It can strengthen your muscles and prevent weakness.

When an injury prevents someone from doing their daily activities or exercise, it can lead to muscle weakness. Gentle, low-impact exercises target specific muscles to increase strength.

4. It can reduce your reliance on pain medication.

A crucial advantage of physical therapy is that it does not involve painkillers. Rather, physical therapy focuses on pain relief through healing the body itself. It can also help those suffering from chronic pain.

5. It can boost your mental and emotional health.

After a car accident, your mental health can suffer along with your physical health. When you lose your ability to live your life the way you normally did, you may be feeling sadness, anxiety, and a lack of enjoyment in your life. Physical therapy can give you a boost of serotonin and help you feel happier, less stressed, and more motivated. 

How Long Is Recovery After a Car Accident? 

Unfortunately, there is no easy answer to this. Depending on the type of injury suffered, recovery could be weeks, months, or even years. Some of the factors that affect the recovery time are:

• The person’s health before the accident: Pre-existing conditions or injuries may worsen or complicate the recovery process. 
• The injuries sustained in the accident: The type and location of the injuries can influence how long it takes to heal. Head injuries will take longer to heal than bone fractures or sprains.
• The amount of time before seeking treatment: The sooner someone seeks medical attention after a car accident, the better the chances of recovery. Delaying treatment can lead to more complications, infections, or chronic pain. 
• Type of treatment received: The type of treatment you receive can also affect your recovery time. Those who undergo surgery will need more time to recover. 
• Cooperation with the treatment plan: Following a doctor’s advice on medication, exercise, diet, and rest will lead to a faster recovery. Similarly, patients who undergo physical therapy sessions regularly and doing the prescribed exercises at home can improve mobility and function more quickly. 

Who Will Cover My Physical Therapy Costs? 

If you were injured in a car accident, your physical therapy costs may be covered by your car insurance, the other driver’s car insurance, or your health insurance, depending on who was at fault and what kind of coverage you have. 

You may also need to file a car accident claim against the other driver with the help of an experienced car accident lawyer. In a claim, your lawyer will seek compensation for your medical expenses, including physical therapy bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related losses. 

October Is National Physical Therapy Month 

Physical therapy has numerous benefits for people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents. That’s why we want to celebrate the amazing work of physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and PT and PTA students during October, which is National Physical Therapy Month! 

Our personal injury law firm in California works closely with physical therapists, chiropractors, and other medical professionals to help our clients recover fully from their injuries. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges that car accident victims face, and we are committed to helping them get the compensation they deserve. If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, contact us today for a free consultation.