Benefits of Physical Therapy After a Car Accident

Valdosta witnesses around 87 severe car accidents annually. A car accident may cause a person to be struck by the steering wheel, dashboard, or windshield, leading to muscle and back pain and other aches and pains. In some cases, a person’s neck or back may be injured, causing pain that could last for months or longer.

After a car accident, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. A doctor will examine the patient and order any needed tests. If the doctor believes there are physical issues related to the accident, they might suggest seeing a physical therapist.

Physical therapy after a car accident can help patients return to their everyday lives sooner by speeding up the healing process, improving function, and reducing pain.

Here are some primary benefits of seeking help of a Valdosta physical therapy expert after a car accident:

1. Improved Mobility and Flexibility

At first, a person might be stiff and sore after the accident. It might take some time to wake up in the mornings and even more time to move without experiencing pain.

A Valdosta physical therapy expert can help improve mobility, range of motion, and flexibility so that patients can move around on their own more efficiently and with fewer aches and pains. 

An experienced physical therapist will work with a patient to improve strength posture and range of motion. They might also help the person identify ways to avoid being in a car accident again, such as using a different route to work or public transportation.

2. Reduced Pain

Pain is a significant problem for many people who have been in a car accident. The initial few days or weeks after an accident can be sharp and intense. 

Over time, it may diminish, but some people continue to experience long-term pain from injuries they suffered in the crash. They may use ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or other techniques to reduce pain and swelling.

3. Faster Recovery

A car accident is traumatic and affects the body and the mind. In some cases, a person may suffer from memory loss or confusion due to the crash. Physical therapy can help speed up recovery so that patients return to their day-to-day lives sooner.

For example, physical therapy can be helpful for people who have suffered a concussion. A skilled therapist can create a specialized exercise plan that helps improve balance and memory, reduces confusion symptoms, and encourages more restful sleep at night.

4. Prevention of Complex Health Problems

After the pain has subsided and the individual is mobile once again, physical therapy can help prevent future injuries by creating better balance and assisting the person increase their range of motion. 

When a person has fully healed from an accident, they can continue participating in physical therapy to stay healthy and flexible as they age. Of course, the DOT physical exam will still be necessary for those working in transport and will flag up if physical therapy is still needed. 

If a person suffers from another health condition such as arthritis or diabetes, physical therapy can help prevent it from getting worse. A skilled therapist will create a plan for exercises to strengthen the muscles around affected joints and keep them flexible. 

They may also recommend lifestyle changes such as regular stretching and assistive devices like walking sticks and canes.

For people with diabetes, regular exercise can also improve blood sugar levels and reduce complications.

5. Improved Quality of Life

Physical therapy is not just about recovering from an injury and preventing future health problems. It can also improve a person’s overall sense of well-being by reducing pain, increasing strength, and feeling more optimistic about their life. 

The benefits often go beyond mobility issues to include reduced stress levels, increased happiness, improved confidence, and feeling of pride.

If you’ve been involved in a car crash recently, then you must see your doctor right away for follow-up treatment.