Did you recently experience a motor vehicle accident and now feel chronic pain? You’d benefit from reliable car accident physical therapy.
As New Jersey’s top-rated physical therapy practice, Align Health & Wellness can help you prevent long-term complications that arise from untreated problems. Keep reading to discover physical therapy’s role in avoiding long-term disability.
The Importance of Physical Therapy After a Car Accident
According to USA Today, 43,000 car accidents occur every year, but fewer than 1% result in death. One study by the Chinese University of Hong Kong showed that the severity of the injury determined the likelihood of long-term disability, and those with severe injuries saw little progress in healing after 12 months. The study also showed that physical therapy after a car accident significantly reduced the risk of long-term complications.
The most common injuries sustained in a car accident include:
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Burns
- Fractured or broken bones
- Sprained or dislocated joints
- Internal injuries or bruising
Some pain or injury manifests days or weeks after the accident. Even if a doctor clears you immediately after the accident, stay aware of signs that you might need pain management or healing from a physical therapist.
Approaches Used During Physical Therapy in New Jersey
What happens when you schedule car accident physical therapy in NJ?
Injury Recovery
The short-term goals of your physical therapy will focus on reducing and then eliminating the pain you feel. Using a variety of techniques, including exercise and massage, the physical therapist will reduce inflammation, increase oxygenation and blood flow, and help your muscles heal. You’ll likely take over-the-counter pain medications during this time but should experience long-term relief soon.
Mobility Improvement
Your physical therapist will work to improve your range of motion. After the accident, you’ll likely have a high level of stiffness in your neck, back, and shoulders. You may also have difficulty walking, depending on the accident’s severity. The therapist will start off with minor stretches and increase the intensity as your injury heals.
Muscle Strengthening
With reduced mobility and stiff joints, you likely lose some strength in your muscles. During the physical therapy process, you’ll work on building strength and may even achieve a higher level of strength than before your accident. Physical therapy can have widespread benefits for your life as a whole.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy in NJ
When you undergo car accident physical therapy in New Jersey, you’ll obtain some important benefits.
Avoids Long-Term Disability
Physical therapy can help you avoid long-term disability. One of the most common reasons patients develop long-term complications after a car accident is muscle scarring. If your muscles heal too slowly or you don’t receive proper treatment, your muscles can scar, causing long-term pain and lack of mobility.
While delayed physical therapy can improve the scarring, prevention yields better results. The primary way to prevent muscle scarring is by increasing blood flow. Even if you feel fine after the car accident, consider scheduling an appointment to avoid scarring.
Prevents Surgical Intervention
If you delay physical therapy, your injuries may grow to the point where you need surgical intervention. By engaging in physical therapy immediately after the accident, you likely avoid extreme medical procedures.
Chronic Pain Prevention
While you’ll likely experience short-term pain, physical therapy reduces the likelihood you’ll develop a chronic condition. The exercise may feel uncomfortable, but you’ll find it worth it.
Schedule Car Accident Physical Therapy Today
Do you need car accident physical therapy? At Align Health & Wellness, we use effective and compassionate treatment to help you heal from back and neck pain from a car accident. We tailor our treatments to your needs and stay dedicated to your overall well-being.
Our providers accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To book an appointment, call (609) 799-8444.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you still have questions about post-accident physical therapy, find answers below.
What Type of Physical Therapy Will I Need After a Car Accident?
After a car accident, you’ll need physical therapy that helps reduce stiffness in your neck and limbs or addresses the effects of a traumatic brain injury.
How Long Does It Take To Recover From a Car Accident?
According to Colorado Health Clinic, most patients require six to eight weeks of physical therapy to recover from a car accident.
How Do I Know I Need Car Accident Physical Therapy?
You should seek car accident physical therapy if you notice any of the following signs in the affected area:
- Pain
- Tenderness
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Weakness
- Reduced mobility