Physical Therapy in Car Accident

Being in a car accident can lead to a range of injuries, both minor and severe. Additionally, the shock of the accident can mask certain injuries, making it difficult to immediately recognize the full extent of the damage to your body.

Some of the most common injuries suffered in an auto accident are:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Concussion
Spinal cord injuries
Whiplash
Sprains and strains
Soft tissue damage
Broken bones
Neck and back injuries
Herniated discs
Dislocated joints
PTSD

If you were in an accident and suffered an injury, you may be wondering if you need physical therapy. Physical therapists can help you in pain management by using manual therapy to help with the healing process. Physical therapy has also been proven to eliminate the need for surgery or medication.

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of physical therapy and if you should seek this kind of treatment. For more guidance on car crash injuries, contact Katella Injury Attorneys for a free consultation.

5 Signs That You May Need Physical Therapy

Recovering from whiplash, back and neck injuries, and broken bones takes time. Some accident victims may need several months or even years to fully recover, depending on the severity of their injuries. Some individuals experience pain and symptoms that persist for months or years after the initial injury.

Here are five signs that you may need physical therapy after a car accident injury:

1. Lingering Pain or Discomfort

If your injury happened months ago and you are still feeling pain, you may need to consult with physical therapists. Persistent pain that lasts beyond the expected recovery period can indicate underlying issues with muscles, tendons, or joints that may benefit from targeted physical therapy. A therapist can help identify and treat the root causes, improve mobility, promote tissue healing, and reduce inflammation through personalized exercises and interventions.

2. Reduced Mobility

If you experience reduced mobility after an injury, physical therapy can improve your range of motion or help you regain lost mobility. Through strengthening and stretching exercises, patients can improve their mobility and return to hobbies like running, hiking, or bike riding.

3. Difficulty Sleeping

It is not uncommon for car accident victims to have trouble sleeping after their accident. After all, a car accident is a traumatic event. An estimated 25-33% of drivers experience PTSD 30 days after a serious car accident. Traumatic events like car accidents can lead to anxiety, stress, depression, and PTSD. Both physical injuries and emotional injuries can lead to difficulty sleeping. Physical therapy can help address these sleep problems and physical discomfort. It is also been proven to improve overall mental health.

4. Weakness

While weakness is common among elderly patients, car accident injuries can also cause weakness. Physical therapy effectively addresses weakness by focusing on strengthening exercises to build muscle, enhance balance and stability, and improve flexibility.

5. Chronic Headaches

Chronic headaches and pain are a huge burden and can affect a person’s daily life. Often referred to as post-traumatic headaches, headaches after car accidents can stem from concussions, whiplash, fractures, or stress-related injuries. If you are suffering from constant headaches, physical therapy can help resolve the intensity, frequency, and duration of the headaches.

The sooner you begin physical therapy treatment after a car accident, the better you’ll feel. Talk to a skilled physical therapist as soon as possible to begin your physical recovery.

Differences Between a Chiropractor and a Physical Therapist

Many people wonder if they need to see a chiropractor or a physical therapist after an accident. While the goals are similar, chiropractic therapy generally addresses acute back or neck pain, focusing on spinal adjustments to improve joint function and relieve pain.

Physical therapy, on the other hand, is geared towards long-term rehabilitation. It aims to improve mobility, strengthen muscles, and restore function through targeted exercises and stretches. By promoting overall body stability and resilience, physical therapy can help prevent secondary injuries and disabilities.

Recovering Compensation for Car Accident Injuries

If the negligence of someone else caused your injury, you may be eligible to file a claim to recover compensation for your medical expenses. This would include compensation for physical therapy, hospital bills, medication, surgery, and other related costs.

When working with an experienced personal injury lawyer, your claim can be strengthened through comprehensive documentation of your medical treatments, including physical therapy. An attorney can help by:

Proving Medical Necessity: They gather evidence that physical therapy is essential for your recovery, ensuring it’s included as a compensable expense.
Calculating Total Damages: Beyond medical costs, they account for lost wages, pain and suffering, and any long-term impacts on your lifestyle.
Negotiating with Insurers: Lawyers handle discussions with insurance companies to seek a fair settlement that covers all your treatment costs.

With the support of a skilled attorney, you have a better chance of receiving full compensation, covering not only your immediate needs but any future therapies or care related to your injury.

Speak to a Car Accident Lawyer If You Were Injured

Suffering from car accident injuries can mean months of recovery, missed time from work, and financial stress. If you were hurt because of someone else’s negligent or reckless behavior, you deserve to be properly compensated.

The car accident lawyers at Katella Injury Attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a motor vehicle accident can take. We are committed to fighting for your rights, from seeking compensation for medical expenses and lost wages to helping with pain and suffering damages. With our experienced attorneys by your side, you don’t have to face this challenging time alone.

Call Katella Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward justice and recovery.