Auto Accidents Injuries

From a simple fender benders to head-on collisions, car accidents can leave all parties confuse about which steps to take next.  Following the car accident, here are simple steps to reduce your risks and help you how to handle medical and personal injury situations.  

• Pull Over & Call 911 for an ambulance if anyone is injured
• If possible (and necessary), move your vehicle away from oncoming traffic to avoid any additional accidents. 
• If Hurt Seek Medical Attention (doctor or Physical Therapist)
• Call the police to file an official police report
• Exchange Insurance Info with the other party and any witnesses  and collect any evidence
• Get Police Report
• Take Photos & Gather Info

1) PT Supports The Recovery Process

Patients often don’t realize how bad their car accident-related injuries are until after they’ve returned to their normal daily activities. Common injuries typically include pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and chronic headaches or migraines. As such, it’s important patients undergo physical therapy to aid the recovery process. Physical therapy can help car accident victims increase their strength, improve their flexibility, and subsequently keep pain symptoms at bay. Our specially-designed therapy regimens can help patients bounce back from their injuries faster and easier than staying in bed can, that’s for sure!

2) PT Can Prevent Long-Term Damage

As we alluded to in the previously post, physical therapy not only helps address immediate injuries by improving strength, flexibility, and mobility, but it can also prevent long-term damage like chronic pain and migraines. Unfortunately, car accidents can cause lingering damage if the patient’s injuries are not addressed right away. If you begin physical therapy immediately after your accident, you are much more likely to live a relatively pain-free life for years and years to come. In fact, a Medscape study found patients who did not receive care immediately after their car accident were far more likely to suffer from degenerative disc disease than those who did receive immediate medical attention.

3) Being Physically Active Helps Reduce Pain

While moving around may sound like the last thing you need to do after a car accident, being physically active can actually help reduce pain and help you recover from your injuries much quicker than bed rest. Movement pumps oxygenated blood and other nutrients to the injury site, which helps the body heal itself. At LeMoine Physical Therapy, our specialists create unique, individualized programs to help patient’s address pain points and poor body mechanics. Every exercise or stretch that’s performed has a specific purpose and a goal to improve mobility and function. As the patient regains more and more function, he or she is that much closer to a balanced and complete recovery.

4) PT May Help Patients Avoid Surgery

While serious car accident injuries will likely need surgery right away, non-life-threatening injuries are not exactly exempt from surgery altogether. In fact, a car accident injury, combined with natural wear and tear, may require the need for surgery later in life. This is especially true for patients who don’t seek some type of treatment to avoid these complications down the road. Physical therapy helps strengthen vulnerable muscles, tendons, and ligaments, which in turn, helps protect various structures throughout the body. Plus, it’s safe to assume that physical therapy is a much more cost-effective and safer solution for treating your pain, and it doesn’t require the downtime that is needed for surgery.

5) PT Can Restore Function In Patients With Old Car Accident Injuries

If you haven’t been in a car accident recently but were in one nonetheless, that doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from physical therapy. In fact, physical therapy can help restore function and mobility in patients with old car accident injuries. Using various strength training exercises and cardiovascular rehabilitation techniques, patients can achieve as close to a pain-free lifestyle as possible through physical therapy.  Moreover, patients can rest assured knowing physical therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that does not require the use of opioid pain medications for relief. Don’t delay any longer! If you’re experiencing pain from a new or old car accident injury, call LeMoine Physical Therapy today at 410-918-0080 to schedule your appointment. We look forward to meeting you and helping you on your road to recovery.

The advice and information contained in this article are for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.

Maryland Auto Accident Injury FAQs

A car crash doesn’t have to keep you on the couch - especially if you seek our Maryland auto accident injury physical therapy. At LeMoine Physical Therapy, we specialize in assisting individuals on their journey to full recovery through personalized physical therapy plans. Read on to learn more about what you can expect from our services.

How Soon After A Car Accident Should I Start Physical Therapy?

Starting physical therapy as soon as possible after a car accident can be crucial for your recovery. Ideally, beginning within a few days to a week after the accident, once any immediate and acute medical issues have been addressed, is recommended. Early intervention helps in reducing pain, improving mobility, and preventing chronic conditions from developing. However, it's essential to follow the advice of your healthcare provider, who can assess your specific situation and recommend the best time to start.

What Are The Goals Of Physical Therapy In The Recovery From A Vehicle Collision?

The primary goals of physical therapy after a vehicle collision are to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve strength and function. Therapy aims to help you return to your pre-accident level of activity and quality of life. Your auto accident injury PT specialist will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include exercises to improve range of motion, strength training, pain management techniques, and education on how to prevent further injuries.

How Long Might I Need To Undergo Physical Therapy Following A Vehicle Injury?

The duration of physical therapy required following a vehicle injury varies significantly depending on the severity of the injuries, the specific conditions being treated, and your overall health. Some patients may see improvement within a few weeks, while others might need months of therapy to fully recover. Your physical therapist will continually assess your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed to ensure optimal recovery.

What Symptoms Indicate The Need For Physical Therapy After A Car Accident?

Several symptoms can indicate the need for physical therapy after a car accident. These include persistent pain, stiffness or reduced mobility in any part of the body, difficulty performing daily activities, muscle weakness, and any neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling. Experiencing these symptoms suggests that an evaluation by a physical therapist might be beneficial to assess the extent of your injuries and to start a tailored rehabilitation program.

How Can Physical Therapy Improve Mobility And Strength Post-Accident?

Physical therapy plays a pivotal role in improving mobility and strength after an accident through a combination of targeted exercises, manual therapy techniques, and modalities like heat, cold, and electrical stimulation. Your therapist will focus on exercises that promote flexibility, strength, and endurance, while also working to improve your balance and coordination. These activities are designed to help rebuild your body's capability to perform everyday tasks and activities without pain or restriction, ultimately leading to a higher quality of life.

Begin Your Recovery Journey With Lemoine Physical Therapy

Since 2007, the team at LeMoine Physical Therapy has been dedicated to patient-centered care. If you're experiencing symptoms following a vehicle accident, we encourage you to reach out and start your recovery journey with us. Contact us today, and see how a Maryland auto accident physical therapist from our office can help.