Physical Therapy After a Car Accident

Posted on August 4, 2021

Car accidents happen every day, and they result in different types of injuries. The injuries range from minor to more severe injuries. Some people end up sustaining permanent injuries. In most cases, the permanent damage could have been avoided if proper care had been taken.

The first few minutes and hours after the accident are vital in ensuring successful treatment. Whiplash is the most common injury after car accidents. It is important to get physical therapy after an accident.

Supporting the Recovery Process

Physical therapy helps support recovery after a car accident. Some injuries may not be apparent for days or even weeks after the accident. It is important to seek chiropractic care after the crash.

A chiropractor can treat injuries that are not visible while addressing underlying issues. Spinal adjustments are used for correcting the position of the spine, while physical therapy helps strengthen muscles. Physical therapy aids in fast recovery.

Restoring Range of Motion

Physical therapy helps restore physical capabilities and range of motion. Following a car accident, you may experience injuries that lead to a limited range of movement. This usually happens when injuries do not heal properly or when they fester. Through physical therapy, you will be able to enjoy a restored range of motion. The goal of the therapy is to get the body to function at the optimal level.

Preventing Long-term Damage

Physical therapy helps prevent long-term damage. The body can heal on its own, but that does not mean it will heal properly. Torn ligaments and tears in the muscle tissue can end up scarring internally.

Over time, this can result in chronic pain or even arthritis. To avoid long-term damage and chronic pain, you must get physical therapy. The therapy helps the muscles heal correctly while also strengthening them. A chiropractic adjustment is recommended before physical therapy begins.

Helps With Pain Reduction

A good reason to get physical therapy after a car accident is to help with pain reduction. Most people assume that any movement after an injury will be counterproductive if they are in pain. Movement is actually helpful for reducing pain as it helps pump nutrients and oxygenated blood to the injury site.

Used as part of treatment, a good physical therapy program will help reduce pain while improving mobility. The therapy program is customized to suit an individual’s needs as well as the pain sites.

PT Can Help Prevent Surgery

Chiropractic care and physical therapy can help you avoid surgery after a car accident. Treating injuries from the accident as soon as they happen can mean you will not need surgery later.

Many surgeries involving the hips, spine, knees, and shoulders can be traced to injuries that could have occurred years earlier. Chiropractic adjustments can ensure that joints and ligaments do not deteriorate fast. Physical therapy helps in supporting healthy muscle tissue. If you have been in a car accident, visit a chiropractor or physical therapist as soon as possible.

For more on physical therapy after a car accident, visit Accident and Injury Chiropractic at our office in Tacoma, Washington. You can call (253) 215-8350 today to book an appointment.