Neck pain physical therapy methods helpful after a car crash

Whiplash is a violent forward and backward movement of the neck and head, and this injury commonly occurs during car accidents. It’s also the most likely reason you’re feeling pain in your neck after your accident. If you’re feeling car accident-related neck pain, there are three physical therapy methods that can help reduce your pain. 

1.   Therapeutic stretches

One thing that typically happens after you get whiplash in a car accident is your neck muscles become tight. This muscle tightness is an issue because it can make it harder to move your neck, and it can also increase your neck pain. Therapeutic stretches are a type of neck pain physical therapy commonly used to treat car accident victims, and some of these stretches can be easily done at home or work. 

For example, the side tilt stretch is both easy to do and can be very effective. To do this stretch, stand up with your head centered over your shoulders. Next, slowly bend the head to the left like you’re trying to touch your left ear to your left shoulder. Hold the stretch for 10 to 15 seconds, and then return your head to the starting position. Repeat these steps to stretch the other side of your neck, and continue to repeat until you’ve stretched each side of your neck five to eight times. 

2.   Strengthening exercises

After a few days of rest and light stretching, most people can move on to doing some strengthening exercises as physical therapy for neck pain after car accidents. Such exercises should help strengthen the neck muscles, and they can also provide better support for your neck and head. 

The chin tuck is an example of an easy strengthening exercise that can help with neck pain. The first time you try this exercise you may want to stand with your back against a door frame or wall. Then, begin the exercise by tucking your chin to your chest and push your head back until it’s resting against the door frame or wall. Make sure your spine is in contact with the flat surface and your chin stays tucked during the movement. Hold your head against the surface for about five seconds before releasing the tension and returning to the start position. For best results, you should do eight to 10 reps per session, and try to do three to five sessions per day. 

3.   Soft tissue mobilization

For people who need expert neck pain physical therapy after a car accident, soft tissue mobilization is a technique that can help. This therapy method can be performed by a specially trained physical therapist, and it involves them using their hands to massage and manipulate muscles. In cases where you’re dealing with neck pain, these hand movements will typically be focused on your neck, shoulders and upper back. The movements are designed to reduce tension in these muscles, which can lead to a decrease in your pain. They can also release endorphins that naturally help relieve pain.

Advent Physical Therapy offers neck pain physical therapy for car accident victims

Are you dealing with neck pain after a recent car crash? Advent Physical Therapy is here to help you. We offer free screenings to help determine the source of your pain, and we can also build a personalized treatment plan to treat the root cause of neck pain.

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment if you’re ready to get help with your neck pain.