How Soon Do I Need Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), there were 5.4 million medically consulted injuries in motor vehicle accidents in 2021. The total injury costs were estimated to be $498.3 billion dollars. After a car accident, knowing when to start physical therapy is crucial for your recovery.

It’s not always easy to determine the right time to undergo physical therapy, but there are signs and factors that can help guide your decision. Your physical health and well-being are of the greatest importance. Read on to learn the signs you may need physical therapy after a car accident.

Signs You May Need to Undergo Physical Therapy After a Crash

Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, some of which may not be immediately apparent. After a car crash, your doctor may recommend you receive physical therapy. Physical therapy can help victims alleviate pain and regain strength and mobility. If you experience any of the following signs, it’s advisable to consider physical therapy:

Persistent Pain – If you’re experiencing persistent pain, especially in the neck, back, or joints, even after minor accidents, it could indicate underlying issues that physical therapy can address. Physical therapy is often suggested for pain relief and to help prevent chronic pain.

Limited Range of Motion – Difficulty in moving your limbs or neck fully could be a sign of muscle strain or joint injury.

Numbness or Tingling – These sensations, especially in the extremities, could suggest nerve damage, which often requires physical therapy for rehabilitation.

Headaches – Frequent headaches after an accident could be related to neck or head injuries, both of which physical therapy can help manage.

5 Benefits of Going to Physical Therapy Right Away

Physical therapists specialize in helping people recover from a serious injury. It’s crucial to begin physical therapy immediately after a car accident. Physical therapy after a car accident offers numerous benefits such as:

Faster Recovery Time

Physical therapy exercises and techniques can speed up the healing process by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting tissue repair.

Helps to Reduce Pain Symptoms

Pain may be immediate or can appear a few days after a car accident, and physical therapy treatment is often prescribed to help individuals reduce pain symptoms and overcome their injuries. Through targeted exercises, physical therapy can alleviate pain and discomfort, making your daily activities more manageable.

Avoid Unnecessary Long-term, Chronic Issues

Proper rehabilitation can prevent acute injuries from becoming chronic problems, ensuring a better quality of life in the long run.

Prevent Secondary Injuries

Physical therapy not only addresses existing injuries but also prevents secondary injuries that can occur as a consequence of the initial injury.

Reduce the Likelihood of Surgery

In many cases, undergoing physical therapy can help victims avoid surgery altogether by strengthening muscles, improving mobility, and reducing pain.

Common Car Accident Injuries

Car accidents can result in various injuries, ranging from mild to severe. Some common car accident injuries include:

Whiplash injury – A sudden jolt to the head and neck, often experienced in rear-end collisions, can cause whiplash, resulting in neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

Fractures and broken bones – Broken bones are common injuries sustained in car accidents, especially in the arms, legs, and ribs.

Soft tissue injuries – Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility.

Concussions – Head injuries can lead to concussions, which require immediate medical attention to prevent complications.

What are Delayed Injuries?

Delayed injuries are those that do not immediately manifest after a motor vehicle accident. They can appear hours or even days later. Common delayed injuries include whiplash, concussions, and soft tissue injuries. Due to the adrenaline and shock often experienced after an accident, your body might not register the pain immediately. That’s why it’s crucial to be aware of these delayed symptoms and seek medical attention, including physical therapy if they appear.

Factors That Impact the Length of Recovery Process

Several factors influence how long it takes to recover after a car accident, and these factors can vary from person to person:

The Severity of the Injuries

More severe injuries naturally require a longer recovery time, often involving extensive physical therapy and medical interventions.

Previous Injuries

Pre-existing conditions or injuries can complicate the healing process, requiring specialized treatment plans. Physical therapy can help restore function and mobility in patients with old car accident injuries.

Your Treatment Goals

Your defined treatment goals can dictate the number of PT sessions you may need. Additionally, your commitment to following your physical therapy regimen and making necessary lifestyle changes significantly impacts your recovery speed. Some goals may include reducing inflammation and pain, increasing strength, and improving mobility.

Average Recovery Period With Physical Therapy

The duration of physical therapy varies based on the individual and the nature of the injuries. However, on average, patients can expect:

Mild Injuries

Minor injuries might require only a few weeks of physical therapy, focusing on pain management and restoring mobility.

Moderate Injuries

Injuries like fractures or significant soft tissue damage may require several months of intensive physical therapy to regain full functionality.

Severe Injuries

For severe injuries, such as spinal cord injuries or multiple fractures, long-term physical therapy may be necessary, often spanning a year or more.

Signs You Can Stop or Reduce the Frequency of Physical Therapy Sessions

Physical therapy is a progressive process, and there are clear signs indicating that you are on the right path to recovery, allowing you to reduce or stop therapy visits:

Improved Mobility and Function

When you can move without pain or limitations and perform daily tasks without difficulty, it’s a sign that your body is healing.

Absence of Pain and Symptoms

The reduction or absence of pain, swelling, and discomfort indicates that the injured area is healing effectively.

Reduced Risk of Reinjury

When your muscles and joints are strong, and you’ve learned proper techniques to prevent reinjury, it’s a positive sign.

Ability to Maintain Results at Home

Your physical therapist will provide you with exercises and strategies to maintain your progress independently. When you can perform these routines effectively, it’s a sign of readiness to reduce physical therapy sessions.

We Represent Car Accident Victims

Physical therapy can help promote healing and improve mobility after a car crash. It’s important to recognize the signs you may need physical therapy and understand the benefits so you can make informed decisions regarding physical therapy after a car accident.

If you’ve been in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s important to consult legal representation. At Alpha Accident Lawyers, we specialize in representing auto accident victims, ensuring they receive the compensation they deserve to cover medical expenses, including physical therapy costs, surgery, and other damages. Our personal injury law firm has connections with the top medical professionals and physical therapists near you. Schedule a free consultation today
 
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