Physical Therapy After a Car Accident – Regaining Strength and Mobility

Motor vehicle accidents remain a prevalent and concerning issue in the United States. 

According to Statista, in 2020 alone, approximately 4.7 million passenger cars and 3.8 million light trucks were involved in traffic accidents. This collectively represents a substantial portion of the overall crash statistics. These accidents make motor vehicle crashes one of the leading causes of death among individuals under the age of 55 in the country.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, regaining strength and mobility is likely a top priority. Fortunately, physical therapy (PT) emerges as a powerful tool on your road to recovery. 

This article will explore how PT helps you reclaim your physical capabilities and return to an active, pain-free life.  

Injuries from Car Accidents

Car accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity from minor scratches to life-altering trauma. 

According to The Edwardsville Intelligencer, a recent incident involved a Chevrolet Malibu and a Mazda CX-5 near Edwardsville High School.  The collision occurred when the Malibu, making a left turn onto Center Grove from Route 157, failed to yield to the northbound CX-5. 

The driver of the CX-5 experienced neck and back pain and was transported to a hospital for evaluation. Despite minor scratches, the passenger in the CX-5 did not require hospitalization. While injuries sustained were not life-threatening, the Malibu driver was cited for failure to yield the right of way.

This case highlights common car accident injuries such as whiplash, back pain, and minor trauma resulting from collisions. Such incidents underscore the importance of seeking medical evaluation after any car accident, as early intervention can prevent long-term complications. 

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy offers numerous benefits for individuals recovering from car accidents, addressing both immediate and long-term challenges. They include:

Pain Management 

One of the most immediate benefits of therapy is pain reduction. Therapists use techniques such as manual therapy to manipulate soft tissues and joints, alleviating pain and inflammation. This approach targets conditions like whiplash, soft tissue damage, or bone fractures, providing relief and promoting healing in specific areas.

Think of it as a massage with a specific focus on healing injured areas. Additionally, PT uses modalities like heat or ice therapy to further target pain and promote tissue healing.

Restoring Mobility

Car accidents can leave you feeling stiff and restricted in your movements. PT addresses this by incorporating targeted exercises and stretching techniques. These exercises progressively increase your range of motion, allowing you to perform daily activities with ease and confidence.

Muscle Strengthening 

Accidents often lead to weakened muscles, impacting stability and increasing the risk of future injuries. A PT creates a personalized exercise program specifically designed to strengthen the muscle groups affected by the accident. Stronger muscles improve your overall stability and provide better support for your joints, promoting faster healing and preventing future complications.

Scar Tissue Management 

As your body heals from injuries, scar tissue can form. PT incorporates techniques like scar tissue massage and mobility exercises to minimize scar tissue formation and improve flexibility in the affected area.

Balance and Coordination

Car accidents can disrupt your sense of balance and coordination. The therapy incorporates specialized exercises to help you regain these crucial skills. These exercises might involve balance challenges, gait training, or navigating obstacles in a controlled setting. Improved balance and coordination not only enhance your safety during everyday activities but also boost your confidence in your movements.

Preventing Long-Term Complications 

Early intervention through PT plays a vital role in preventing long-term complications. By addressing pain, stiffness, and weakness early on, the therapy can minimize the risk of chronic pain, movement limitations, and even joint degeneration.

The story from The Mirror underscores the transformative impact of physical therapy in real life. Josh Weinstein’s son, Jett, from The Single Life, exemplifies remarkable resilience after losing his leg in a car accident

Physical therapy has been instrumental in his recovery, aiding him in regaining strength, improving mobility, and adapting to a new normal. Through PT, Jett is rebuilding strength and preparing to graduate.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

The road to recovery after a car accident starts with a visit to a PT. But what exactly happens during these sessions? Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

  • Treatment techniques: Your PT toolbox holds a variety of tools to address your unique situation. This might include manual therapy techniques like massage and joint mobilizations. Additionally, your PT might incorporate therapeutic exercises designed to strengthen specific muscle groups and improve your overall balance and coordination.
  • Home exercise program: An individualized home exercise program is a crucial part of your recovery journey. Your PT will provide you with specific exercises to perform regularly outside of therapy sessions. These exercises reinforce the work done in the clinic and accelerate your progress toward recovery.
  • Communication and education: Your PT will educate you about your injury, the healing process, and proper body mechanics to prevent future injuries. Ask questions and voice any concerns you might have.

WebMD points out that PT shouldn’t be excruciatingly painful, but it can be challenging. Stretching or deep tissue massage might leave you feeling sore. However, this discomfort serves a purpose. 

Your therapist designs a program to push you outside your comfort zone, promoting strength and flexibility. If you experience significant pain during any exercise, don’t hesitate to communicate this to your therapist. They can modify the program accordingly to ensure it suits your needs.

Seeking Legal Support After a Car Accident

If you’ve been injured due to another driver’s negligence, seeking legal representation can be a wise decision. 

TorHoerman Law notes that an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the legal system. They will advocate for fair compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

In the car accident scenario mentioned earlier, an Edwardsville personal injury lawyer could represent the driver at fault. The lawyer would investigate the accident, analyze the police report, and potentially consult with accident reconstruction experts to determine fault. 

You need to remember that legal advice is specific to each situation. Seeking guidance from a qualified personal injury lawyer in your area can clarify your legal rights and options following a car accident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exercises should a physical therapist do after a car accident?

After a car accident, physical therapists typically prescribe exercises to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and manage pain. These exercises may include strengthening exercises for affected muscles, along with balance and coordination exercises tailored to the recovery needs.

Can physical therapy help someone walk again?

Yes, physical therapy can help someone regain the ability to walk after an injury or accident. Through targeted exercises, gait training, and mobility drills, physical therapists work to restore the strength, flexibility, and coordination necessary for walking.

How long does recovery take with physical therapy?

The duration of recovery with PT varies based on the injury’s severity, individual response to treatment, and adherence to the therapy plan. Typically, recovery can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the goals of rehabilitation and the specific conditions being treated.

In summary, physical therapy serves as a crucial pathway to recovery after a car accident, facilitating the restoration of strength, mobility, and overall well-being. By focusing on pain management, enhancing range of motion, and strengthening muscles, PT supports individuals in returning to daily routines. 

The personalized approach of PT addresses immediate post-accident needs and lays the foundation for long-term health and resilience. With dedication to therapy and a supportive healthcare team, individuals can navigate their journey to full recovery.