How Long Should You Go To Physical Therapy After An Accident

If you’ve been injured at work or in a motor vehicle accident in Brooklyn, physical therapy will likely be a part of your recovery process.

The number of sessions you may need depends on the extent of your injuries. Soft tissue injuries usually take up to 8 weeks of physical therapy to heal, while other injuries can take longer.

Your therapist will help you determine when it is time to stop treatment. There are also some signs you can look for. Keep reading to find out what they are and when you can stop going to physical therapy after an accident.

Pain is Alleviated

When you start physical therapy, you’ll probably be in some pain. The pain might make it difficult to go about your healthy life.

Your physical therapist will help you manage, reduce, or even eliminate the pain. When pain is no longer holding you back, you are likely ready to stop physical therapy.

Function has Improved

Injuries make it difficult for body parts to function. You’ll notice a decrease in your range of motion and overall function when you’re injured. Your physical therapist will create a routine to restore the range of motion and function.

Sometimes, it will be as if the injury never took place. Other times, you will have a slight decrease in range of motion and function, but you have still reached your treatment goal. Once the function is improved or restored, it is time to stop physical therapy.

Your Chance of Reinjury is Reduced

Your physical therapist doesn’t just treat your current injury. The therapist also builds up the muscles surrounding the affected part, so you don’t suffer the same injury again.

You should notice that you get stronger and stronger each week in physical therapy. When the surrounding muscles are strong enough, you will be ready to discontinue physical therapy.

You Can Maintain the Results with At-Home Exercises

Some people leave physical therapy wholly healed. Others will need to continue to do exercises at home to maintain function and keep the pain at bay.

If you fall into the latter category, you’ll be ready to leave physical therapy when you get to the point where doing exercises at home is as effective as doing them at the clinic. Your therapist will likely begin by reducing the frequency of appointments. If you stay on track, your therapist will see you less and less until you are finally ready to stop therapy.

You’ve Reached Your Goals

During your first session, your PT will discuss the goals of physical therapy. The therapist helps you choose realistic and attainable goals based on your initial evaluation. These goals could change over time as you progress. When you reach your goals, you know that it’s time to stop physical therapy. You have managed to achieve the desired outcome, and now you can stop therapy.

Listen to Your Physical Therapist

Physical therapists do not want patients for life. Instead, therapists have the goal of helping you get better, so you don’t need them any longer. Your therapist will help you determine when it is time to stop therapy. Go to your appointments, and then when it is time to stop, your therapist will help you make the transition.

If you were injured in a car accident or a work-related incident, call (718) 769-2521 to schedule an appointment with an experienced Brooklyn physical therapist near you.

We accept workers’ compensation, no-fault, major medical insurance, and medical liens. Call now, same-day appointments may be available.