Car accidents can cause a range of injuries, from minor cuts and scrapes to broken bones and debilitating head injuries. Whether you suffered a relatively minor injury, like whiplash or soft-tissue damage, or a devastating spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, physical therapy is an important step in the recovery process. In addition to addressing your injury, physical therapy can help prevent the pain and discomfort from becoming chronic.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, it is highly recommended that you contact an experienced Virginia Beach car accident lawyer who will discuss the details of your case, assist you with every step of the claims process, and ensure that you recover the damages you are entitled to, including physical therapy and other medical costs.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Recovering From a Car Accident Injury?
In the aftermath of a car accident, recovering from injuries can be a time-consuming and costly process, particularly if you require surgery or your injury results in a temporary or permanent disability. Physical therapy is designed to help the body heal using targeted exercises, manual therapy, and other techniques to relieve pain, build strength, and avoid chronic pain. The following are examples of the benefits of physical therapy after a car accident:
- Helps restore mobility and function. It is not uncommon for you to experience reduced mobility from fractures, sprains, or strains. Physical therapy can restore movement and range of motion using exercises that mobilize joints, strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and improve coordination.
- Pain management. Physical therapists use a range of techniques to alleviate pain from a car accident injury, including heat, cold therapy, ultrasounds, and electrical stimulation. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, a physical therapist may use their hands to provide manual therapy, or specialized tools that help massage the muscle and help regain full function.
- Reduces scar tissue. While it is common for scar tissue to develop as part of the healing process, it can restrict movement and cause pain. There are physical therapy techniques that are effective at breaking up scar tissue, which can help the healing process.
- Reduces the risk of reinjury. If you do not fully recover from an injury, there is a greater risk of reinjury. Physical therapy ensures that you are fully healed and have regained the strength and flexibility to avoid reinjury.
- Helps with emotional recovery. Car accidents can be traumatic, particularly if they cause severe injuries. Physical therapy can help you recover from your injuries more quickly, reducing the risk of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other psychological issues.
What Injuries Are More Likely to Require Physical Therapy?
While most, if not all, injuries can benefit from physical therapy, there are certain injuries that will require physical therapy in order to fully recover and prevent serious complications. The following are examples of injuries that are more likely to call for rehabilitation:
- Head injuries. Whether you suffered a minor concussion or a severe Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), it is highly recommended that you get physical therapy. A minor concussion can cause headaches, balance issues, and other symptoms that physical therapy can help address and prevent from becoming more serious or chronic. A TBI is a much more serious injury that can cause symptoms ranging from headaches, giddiness, and light sensitivity to seizures, persistent confusion, and paralysis. In extreme cases, they can cause long-term or permanent physical and cognitive deficits.
- Whiplash. This is a common car accident injury that affects the neck and often causes chronic pain, stiffness, and other symptoms that can be improved with physical therapy.
- Soft-tissue damage. Examples of soft-tissue injuries include strains, sprains, and tears that can cause pain and limited range of motion. Physical therapy is effective at addressing these symptoms, reducing pain, and improving range of motion.
- Back pain. If the impact of the car accident causes damage to the muscles in the back, compresses discs, or irritates nerves, this can cause extreme discomfort and a limited range of motion. There is a range of effective physical therapy exercises and modalities that can address these issues.
- Spinal cord injuries. Physical therapy is a key component of recovering from a spinal cord injury. If the injury is severe, resulting in paralysis, physical therapy is crucial to learning how to maximize the remaining mobility through a range of adaptive techniques.
Why Is It Important to Start Physical Therapy Right Away?
While your top priority should be to seek immediate treatment for your injuries, particularly if they are serious or life-threatening, it is also highly recommended that you start physical therapy as soon as possible. Early intervention offers a wide range of benefits, including the following:
- Accelerates the healing process. Addressing pain and other mobility issues immediately following the accident can help prevent chronic pain and mobility issues and restore function more quickly.
- Insurance and legal coverage. Starting physical therapy right away ensures that your injuries are well-documented. If you delay treatment, including physical therapy, this could have a negative impact on the outcome of your claim.
- Prevents future injuries. If you delay getting physical therapy, your injuries could worsen and become more difficult to treat. By addressing the injuries right away, you are more likely to have a smoother and more effective recovery.
- Legal documentation. Starting physical therapy as soon as possible following your injury provides documentation of your injuries and the treatment you received. This provides valuable evidence if you pursue financial compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
A Virginia Beach Car Accident Lawyer at Anchor Legal ® Helps Recover Maximum Damages for Car Crash Victims
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, do not hesitate to contact a Virginia Beach car accident lawyer at Anchor Legal ®. We will assist you with every step of the claims process, ensure that your legal rights are protected, and pursue the maximum damages you are entitled to, including physical therapy to help you recover from your injuries as quickly as possible. To schedule an initial consultation, call today at 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we proudly serve clients in the surrounding areas.