Motor Vehicle Accidents
Every day, more than 7,500 people in the United States annually sustain various car accident injuries. Regardless of which kind of motor vehicle accident (MVA) injury you have, physical therapy after a car accident can help accelerate your recovery. Discover the treatment options and exercises that can help you and the benefits you’ll experience with therapy.
Top Injuries After a Car Accident
When most people think about injuries related to car accidents, whiplash is usually the first thing that comes to mind. Other problems you may encounter include injuries to your back, shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles, or hands. These injuries can be as simple as muscle strains and sprains or as complex as broken bones and fractures.
These injuries can range from minor to severe, but all of them can cause pain and restricted movement. Many of them can significantly interfere with your daily life and make it difficult to do things you enjoy. Therapy can help you retain or regain mobility in affected limbs and reduce pain from the injury.
Treatment & Exercises for MVA-Related Injuries
The therapy necessary for your condition may incorporate several treatment options. Manual therapy is one of the most common techniques therapists use. This may involve kneading and manipulating muscles and using joint mobilization or manipulation. Massage therapy is another technique your Physical Therapist may include in your treatment plan. This more intense form of muscle manipulation can help prevent restricted movement.
Additionally, your Physical Therapist may have you perform specific and directed exercises during therapy sessions and later at home. These may include stretches with a yoga ball or strength-building with resistance bands. Exercises like the bird dog, bridge, seated neck release, and behind-the-back stretch may also be included. Your specific treatment plan will depend on the location and severity of your injury.
Benefits of Seeing a Physical Therapist After an Accident
One of the first goals of therapy after a car accident is to help reduce the pain and discomfort resulting from your injuries. Most techniques in therapy help stimulate increased blood flow to the injured area, which can help reduce inflammation and pain. Additionally, the therapy following a car accident helps strengthen muscles, maintain or improve mobility, accelerate recovery, and prevent long-term damage.
Schedule an evaluation at an ACCESS PT clinic now.