Each year there are roughly 6 million car accidents in the United States, and even a minor fender bender can cause injuries such as whiplash, back injuries, and broken bones. Some car accident injuries don’t surface right away, that’s why a comprehensive evaluation is essential. If you’re injured in a car accident, physical therapy is often the first line of treatment in your path to recovery.
Here at Tulsa Accident Care Center, our licensed physical therapist Kara Wernli, works closely with each patient to help you recover from your auto accident injury. Our team is devoted to helping you get back to your life. Keep reading to learn about some of the benefits of physical therapy after a car accident.
Physical therapy is an effective way to alleviate and continue to manage pain following a car accident. Utilizing therapeutic exercise, soft tissue and joint mobilization, and other physical therapy techniques and modalities can help minimize or eliminate pain.
Therapeutic rehabilitation programs typically feature progressive exercises designed to gradually increase strength and flexibility, while alleviating pain.
Physical therapy can help you get back to your base level of functioning after a car accident. The goal of physical therapy is to restore your level of functioning to what it was before. Physical therapy programs are individualized to meet your specific needs.
Though you may worry that you need surgery to manage your pain or correct any lasting impairment, physical therapy can help you avoid this outcome. In many cases, physical therapy can be an effective approach to recovering from your injury. You may be able to avoid surgery altogether, or require a less invasive procedure than you otherwise would.
There is increasing research that demonstrates physical therapy being the first line treatment in a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and giving it a try prior to going under the knife may be the secret to avoiding unnecessary surgery. Even in a situation where surgery is still necessary, there is strong evidence that therapy prior to surgery improves postoperative outcomes.
Car accidents can cause injuries that make it difficult to walk or move around. If you're having trouble standing, walking, or moving, physical therapy can help. A customized rehabilitation plan can help to restore your mobility.
Physical therapists can also fit you with an assistive device or assess you for an orthotic to help with mobility. Your physical therapist can adapt your care plan so that you’re able to participate in activities that are important to you.
Car accident injuries can affect your gait and balance, increasing your risk of falls. When you start physical therapy, your physical therapist will screen you for your risk of falls.
Your therapist will provide exercises that mimic real-life situations and challenge your balance. They will also help you with exercises to improve coordination and recommend assistive devices to help keep you safe while walking.
When you’re injured in a car crash, you need medical professionals in your corner with expertise in diagnosing and treating auto accident injuries. Make your recovery a top priority. Call our Tulsa, Oklahoma, office or book online to schedule a visit with one of our providers.
