Car accidents can leave you with pain and injuries that impact your daily life. Research shows many individuals continue to experience car accident pain two years after the incident. Anyone in a car accident should undergo rehabilitation to prevent chronic pain.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in recovery from car accident pain. Through it, you regain your strength slowly until you can safely return to your normal activities.
This article talks about the role of physical therapy in recovery from car accidents.
Understanding Car Accident Pain
Car accidents can cause a range of injuries. Some of the most common injuries are whiplash, soft tissue injuries, fractures, and head injuries. Pain can be immediate or develop over time.
Without proper treatment, car accident pain can become a chronic issue. One study found an association between lower back pain and a history of injury from a motor vehicle accident.
Why Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a treatment method that involves movement and exercises. Prescriptive exercise helps restore function, improve mobility, and relieve pain. They are a critical part of a comprehensive treatment program.
After a car accident, a physiatrist, a doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation, may recommend physical therapy to help you recover. Since car accident injuries are complex, seeing a physiatrist before a physical therapist is an important first step.
A physiatrist designs your rehabilitation program. A physical therapist makes sure you are doing exercises safely.
Role of Physical Therapy After a Car Accident
Here are some of the benefits you can get from a personalized physical therapy program:
Building Strength
One key goal of physical therapy is to rebuild your strength. Weak muscles can make pain worse and limit your ability to move. Your program may include exercises to strengthen your core, back, and other areas affected by the accident.
Reducing Pain
Physical therapy also focuses on reducing pain. There are several methods physical therapists use to achieve this, such as manual therapy, heat and cold therapy, stretching, and electrical stimulation.
Improving Mobility
Car accident injuries can limit your range of motion. Physical therapy helps improve mobility through various exercises and techniques.
Personalized Treatment Plan
One of the main benefits of physical therapy is personalized care. Each patient’s treatment plan is unique, based on their specific injuries and needs. Your physiatrist will work closely with your physical therapist to ensure your treatment plan is effective.
Preventing Further Injury
Physical therapy not only helps with recovery but also injury prevention. Strengthening muscles and improving mobility can make you less prone to future injuries. Your therapist will also educate you on proper body mechanics and techniques to avoid re-injury.
Dealing with pain from a car accident can be emotionally draining. Physical therapy offers psychological benefits, as well. Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural painkillers and mood elevators. Working towards recovery goals can also provide a sense of accomplishment and boost your morale.
What Does Physical Therapy Entail?
Here are some of the things that may be included in you personalized physical therapy program:
Exercise
Physical therapy includes specific exercises to target weak or injured areas. These exercises might involve lifting weights, using resistance bands, or doing bodyweight exercises. Strengthening muscles helps support injured areas, reducing pain and preventing further injury.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves the use of hands-on techniques to manipulate muscles and joints. This can help improve blood flow, reduce muscle tension, and increase flexibility. Techniques like massage, joint mobilization, and stretching are common.
Heat and Cold Therapy
Heat and cold therapy can be effective in relieving pain. Heat helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation, which can reduce pain. Cold therapy reduces inflammation and numbs sore areas, relieving acute pain.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation involves the use of electrical currents to relieve pain and support healing. It can help with muscle spasms and pain relief. This method is often used for acute injuries and chronic pain management.
Stretching Exercises
Stretching exercises are vital in improving flexibility and range of motion. Physical therapists will guide you through stretches that target specific muscles and joints affected by the accident.
Functional Training
Functional training focuses on movements you use in everyday life. This might include walking, bending, or lifting. By practicing these movements in therapy, you can regain your ability to perform daily tasks without pain.
When to Start Physical Therapy
Starting physical therapy soon after a car accident can lead to better outcomes. Early intervention can prevent pain from becoming chronic and help you recover faster. Always consult with a physiatrist for a thorough assessment and rehabilitation planning.
With personalized treatment plans, patients can achieve better outcomes and prevent further injuries. If you’re dealing with pain from a car accident, seeking the help of a physiatrist and starting physical therapy can set you on the path to recovery.
Car Accident Pain Treatment in Delaware
Delaware Back Pain & Sports Rehabilitation Centers specializes in the rehabilitation of injured individuals or those suffering from chronic pain. Our physiatrists are some of the best in the field and combine different techniques for the best results. If you come to us for rehabilitation, you have access to physical therapy, chiropractic care, and interventional pain techniques.
We look forward to providing you with the right care and support to get back to your normal life. For any questions or to schedule a consultation, call our office near you or use our appointment request form.
