Car accidents can be devastating. In addition to the emotional trauma, car accident victims often suffer from physical injuries that can be debilitating. While some of these injuries may heal on their own, others may require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. That’s where physical therapy comes in.
Here is what physical therapy can do to help you recover after a car accident:
It Helps You Heal
Physical therapy can play a crucial role in helping you heal from injuries. Your therapist will work with you to develop a treatment plan that can help improve your range of motion and flexibility. They can also help you strengthen the muscles that support your injured body part.
It Can Help Relieve Pain
In addition to helping you heal, physical therapy can help relieve the pain you’re experiencing. The therapist will use various techniques to help reduce the inflammation and swelling around your injury. They may also use electrical stimulation or massage to help relieve the pain.
It Can Improve Your Range of Motion
If you’ve suffered an injury that has limited your range of motion, such as a stiff neck, physical therapy can help. Your therapist will work with you to increase your range of motion safely and gradually.
They may use exercises, stretches, and massages to help improve the flexibility of the muscles and tissues around the injured area.
It Can Help You Return to Your Normal Activities
After an injury, it’s often difficult to return to your normal activities. Physical therapy can help by gradually increasing your activity level and stamina.
Your therapist will develop an exercise program that gradually increases your activity level. They may also provide you with information and education on returning to your normal activities safely.
It Can Help You Prevent Future Injuries
Physical therapy can also help you prevent future injuries. Your therapist can identify any underlying problems that may have contributed to your accident. For instance, if you have weak muscles in a particular area of the body, you may be susceptible to more serious injuries to that area. Physical therapy can help strengthen your body so that if an accident does occur, you won’t be as injured. Your therapist can also provide you with education on how to avoid future accidents and injuries.
Physical Therapy To Help You Recover
Physical therapy programs differ depending on the type and severity of your injury. Your therapist will tailor a regimen specific to your needs and may use the following modalities:
Exercise
The therapist will prescribe specific exercises to help you recover from your injuries. These activities may focus on stretching, range of motion, and strengthening training.
Electrical Stimulation
This modality uses manageable levels of electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation.
Massage
Your therapist can massage your body parts of concern to help relieve pain and improve circulation, which helps with healing.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound uses sound waves to reduce inflammation and pain.
Heat/Cold Therapy
With heat or cold therapy, your therapist can use different temperatures to relieve pain and reduce swelling. Some patients benefit from heat therapy, while cold therapy is more appropriate for others. Your therapist will determine the right treatment for you depending on the nature and severity of your injury.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy involves hands-on techniques to help improve the range of motion and reduce pain.
Find a therapist with experience treating car accident injuries to get the most out of physical therapy. They will be able to develop a treatment plan to help you recover. You may ask your provider for a referral if you’re unsure where to find a qualified therapist.
Recovery isn’t always easy, but with the help of physical therapy, it can be possible. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, contact a therapist to learn how they can help.
Physical Therapy In Rochester Hills, MI
If you’ve been in a car accident, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Once your injuries are stable, you may benefit from physical therapy. It can help you heal, relieve pain, and improve your range of motion. With the help of physical therapy, you can return to your normal activities in no time.
Do you need physical therapy in Rochester Hills? Trust the Ahlgren Spine Orthopaedic Surgery team, led by Dr. Bradley Ahlgren. We have expert and compassionate physical therapists who can help you tread the path to recovery. You may call our friendly staff at (248) 215-8080 to learn about our comprehensive services. You may also use our secure appointment request form to book a consultation with Dr. Ahlgren.
We also have satellite offices in Bad Axe and Lapeer, Michigan. We look forward to serving you!
