Car accidents are terrifying and traumatic experiences. Aside from having to repair your car, you could suffer injuries that don’t present themselves until days or even weeks after your accident. In these cases, physical therapy may offer the best treatment option to avoid surgery and further medical care.
Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC, offers top-rated physical therapy services in New York to address issues from car accidents. Whether you want to start engaging in car accident physical therapy or need to examine treatment options further, our professionals can help. Call today to schedule an initial consultation.
Common Injuries From Car Accidents
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were only about 1.35 deaths per 100 million car crashes in 2022. While this is a favorable statistic for fatalities, accidents that didn’t result in death may cause one of many potential injuries.
The most common injuries from car accidents include:
- Headaches and migraines
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Whiplash
- Knee pain
- Shoulder pain
How Physical Therapy Can Help
After a car crash, adrenaline may overshadow the onset of any injuries. However, you might notice a change in your physical well-being in the days and weeks after your crash.
Physical therapists teach you exercises and routines to alleviate the pain from car accident injuries and expedite the healing process. Combining joint-preserving movements and soft tissue massage can increase your range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent long-term repercussions.
Visiting a physical therapist after your car accident may help you take stock of your injuries and improve the healing process. Engaging in physical therapy might also help you avoid surgical solutions that could be financially and physically demanding.
Benefits of Physical Therapy After a Car Accident
So, how beneficial is physical therapy after a car accident? From pain reduction to improved quality of life, there are many reasons physical therapy after a car accident can drastically improve your healing. Exploring and understanding these benefits will help you seek the appropriate physical therapy in time to maximize your prospects of a full recovery.
Decreases Recovery Time
Car accident physical therapy can reduce your recovery time significantly. Because physical therapy addresses your pain symptoms, increases strength, and improves movement patterns, your body becomes primed for recovery. Avoid prolonged recovery by contacting a qualified physical therapist for treatment right after your car accident.
Prevents Long-Term Injuries and Damage
According to a study by Hu et al., 21.5% of motor vehicle collision victims expressed widespread chronic pain over a year after their accident. These figures demonstrate the high potential for developing chronic injuries after a crash.
Car accident physical therapy addresses potential chronic injuries before they become major problems. By engaging in physical therapy in the weeks following your accident, you help avoid chronic issues that could cost you tons in treatment. Take charge of your healing by calling physical therapists immediately after your accident.
Avoids Expensive and Dangerous Surgical Solutions
The CDC notes that about 10.7 of every 1000 persons who experience a car crash must visit the emergency room. While some severe injuries from car accidents might land you on the operating table, you can usually avoid these outcomes by engaging in physical therapy.
Improves Pain and Quality of Life
Ultimately, physical therapy practices aim to reduce pain and improve quality of life. By shortening recovery time, reducing your chances of developing chronic injuries, and avoiding surgeries, you can get back to focusing on living your life to the fullest.
Best Recovery Practices After a Car Accident
Besides seeking a physical therapist for treatment solutions, you can make some lifestyle changes to improve your recovery, including the following:
- Regularly practicing the therapeutic exercises your physical therapist teaches you
- Icing and heating your injuries
- Engaging in low-impact aerobic exercise
- Eating healthy and drinking plenty of water
- Resting more than usual
FAQs About Car Accident Physical Therapy
Below are some frequently asked questions about seeking physical therapy after a car accident.
Why Does Physical Therapy After a Car Accident Help?
Physical therapy after a car accident can help you recover in many ways. The physical exercises and routines therapists teach patients provide holistic benefits for common injuries from car accidents. These benefits include reduced recovery time, improved range of motion, long-term injury prevention, reduced pain, and improved quality of life.
How Long Should I Go to Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?
The amount of time you spend in physical therapy after a car accident differs depending on the severity of your injuries. You should go to physical therapy until you notice significant improvement or no longer feel pain.
Does Physical Therapy Shorten Recovery Times?
Yes, physical therapy can shorten your recovery time from car accident injuries. In many cases, neck, joint, back, and soft tissue pain have the best chance of healing if patients seek treatment as soon as possible. Starting physical therapy as a preventative measure after your accident reduces your recovery period and increases the likelihood of a full recovery.
How Do I Know Whether I Should See a Physical Therapist After a Car Accident?
Seeing a physical therapist as a precaution after a car accident is always a good idea. Since you might not feel car accident injuries right after they occur, getting examined by a professional is an excellent idea.
Hire Top-Rated Physical Therapists for Car Accident Rehabilitation From Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC
Choosing physical therapy for pain management can help you avoid costly surgical solutions. Professionals with Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC, offer high-quality physical therapy across five locations in New York. We create personalized treatment plans for each patient to attack your specific issues.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
For more information about effective car accident physical therapy, call any of our numbers and request a service consultation with a physical therapist at Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC.