How Physical Therapy Can Help You Recover From a Car Accident Injury
Did you know that there are over six million car accidents in the United States every year? Whether you’ve sustained a minor injury like a sprain or a more severe trauma like a herniated disc, this pain can interfere with your life. The good news is that physical therapy can help you on the path to recovery and improve your quality of life. Keep reading to find out how physical therapy after a car accident can benefit you.
Supports the Recovery Process
Because of the initial shock after the accident, many people don’t realize the extent of their injuries until much later on. Some of the most common damages that result from car accidents include:
- Fractures and broken bones
- Neck injuries and whiplash
- Sprains, strains, or bruising
- Limb loss
- Facial injuries or scars
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Although you may not think that you’ve suffered a severe injury, you must seek physical therapy after a car accident as soon as possible. Not only can physical therapy reduce your symptoms, but it can also help you improve your strength and flexibility.
Helps Reduce Pain Through Physical Activity
It may sound counterintuitive, but staying active after your accident can help manage pain symptoms. Studies have shown that regular physical activity can prevent muscle tightness and joint stiffness. Additionally, movement sends oxygenated blood and other essential nutrients to the injury site, which can help your body heal itself. Therefore, physical activity can help you recover from your injuries much faster than you would if you were on bed rest.
Helps Patients Avoid Surgery
While you may believe that only serious injuries require surgery, the same can be true for minor injuries if left untreated. Physical therapy can strengthen muscles, ligaments, and tendons, which can help speed up the healing process. In addition, physical therapy is a much more affordable option than surgery and doesn’t require an extensive preparation and recovery process.
If you’re wondering how long I should go to physical therapy after a car accident, it typically takes up to eight weeks. However, the time frame varies depending on how long it takes for your pain to improve or if you can maintain your results using at-home exercises.
Can Prevent Long-Term Damage
Another benefit of physical therapy after a car accident is that it can prevent long-term damage, such as:
- Chronic pain
- Cognitive problems
- Reduced mobility
- Memory issues
- Partial or complete paralysis
Starting physical therapy treatment immediately after your accident can make you more likely to enjoy a pain-free life in the future. One study discovered that individuals who didn’t seek physical therapy right after they were in a car accident were more likely to suffer from degenerative disc disease, which can cause numbness, weakness, and pain that radiates down the leg.
Can Help With Old Car Accident Injuries
A common misconception is that physical therapy can only help with recent injuries. However, research has shown that patients with old car accident injuries can benefit from physical therapy just as much as those who have recently been in an accident. Through cardiovascular rehabilitation and strength training exercises, patients can enjoy restored function and mobility. In addition, physical therapy after a car accident is an excellent option for those who prefer a reliable, non-invasive treatment that doesn’t require addictive medications like opioids to provide relief.
If you need car accident physical therapy in Brooklyn, NY, our team at Metro Healthcare Partners can provide you with the relief you need. As a leading healthcare and rehabilitation center, we’re experienced in treating musculoskeletal conditions and offer treatment for traumatic injuries. Schedule an appointment with Metro Healthcare Partners today to learn more.