Common injuries from a car accident include:
Following an accident, people can also have trouble with:
Signs You Need Physical Therapy Even If You Seem Okay
Car accident symptoms sometimes take a few days, or even weeks to show up. These are called “invisible” or “delayed onset” injuries. Here are some symptoms to watch out for that may indicate an underlying problem.
Physical Therapy Benefits for Car Accident Trauma, Injuries and Pain:
Injury Rehabilitation:
Physical therapy uses targeted exercises to help restore function, mobility and strength.
Pain Management:
Several techniques are used in physical therapy to effectively manage acute or chronic pain without relying on pain medication, such as, dry needling. Heat and cold are also used for pain and inflammation.
Prevents Long-Term Complications:
Physical therapy focuses on the root cause of the injury and promotes healing.
Education for self-care:
Patients are educated about their injuries, proper body mechanics, and strategies for self-care.
Home Exercise:
These supplement in-clinic treatment and support a patient’s continued progress.
Improves Quality of Life:
Physical therapy enables patients to safely return to their normal activities as soon as possible.
The Impact of Untreated Injuries
Pain from untreated injuries can get worse over time, or possibly be life-threatening. Problems can include nerve damage, spinal cord issues, chronic pain, or mental health struggles. It may be necessary to take time off work or avoid hobbies and sports you normally participate in. Many people mistakenly believe symptoms will just go away on their own with time. However, ailments that aren’t addressed can lead to bigger problems down the road.
Injuries that aren’t taken care of can lead to secondary injuries. For instance, if you sprain your wrist in a car accident and don’t get it treated, it may not heal properly. This can lead to instability and additional soft tissue injuries. A physical therapist will help you strengthen the muscles around your wrist and make it more stable, avoiding additional harm.
Failing to treat your injuries following a car accident could cause them to get much worse. Physical therapy has proven to be an effective way to avoid surgery for various injuries and ailments. Surgery can result in side effects, and invasive treatments rarely restore the body to its’ original state pre-injury.
Seek medical attention immediately following a car accident, preferably within two weeks. Getting an early start can lead to a faster and more thorough recovery.
