What treatment methods may be used in physical therapy after a car accident?

Car accidents can be traumatizing — not only mentally, but physically as well. When your body is in a motor vehicle accident, your whole body is subject to some serious physical stress — even if your accident was minor. In many car accidents, your body is exposed to excessive force, which can cause both significant and minor injuries. Physical therapy may be able to offer you relief from your pain after a car accident.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, your first step should be to seek medical attention. Once your doctor has ruled out any significant health scares, you should consider seeing a physical therapist after your car accident. 

Common injuries

The type of injury you sustained often depends on the type of car accident you were involved in. Here are some common injuries that physical therapy can help treat after a car accident: 

• Shoulder injury.
• Neck and back pain.
• Leg pain.
• Whiplash.
• Vertigo.

If you’re experiencing pain or discomfort related to a car accident, physical therapy can help you. 

Physical therapy after a car accident

Physical therapy is a good choice to help you heal from pain or discomfort associated with a car accident. Your physical therapist will perform a physical evaluation and make an assessment of your injuries and then work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. Your physical therapist will take into consideration your goals and your availability when crafting your care plan. Here are some treatment methods that may be included in your treatment:

• Therapeutic exercise — These types of exercises will help you build strength in your muscles, improving flexibility and decreasing your pain.

• Manual therapy — This is a form of therapy that utilizes hands-on treatment to help the body function more effectively. This is commonly used with auto accident injuries, especially if there is pain associated with a joint or soft tissue. Your physical therapist may use this technique to work with you to help alleviate your pain.

If you’ve recently been involved in a car accident, physical therapy can help you begin the healing process. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.