With snow and ice covering the roads, motor accidents are quite common. Sometimes, they don’t result in any injury. Sometimes, the injuries are life-threatening. But, most of the time, the injuries are only minor. Whether serious or minor, physical therapy can help you recover from any condition caused by a motor accident. Here are four conditions that are common results of motor vehicle accidents (MVA).
1. Concussions
Concussions are one of the most common conditions resulting from a car accident. It’s also one of the more serious conditions that can have lasting effects if not treated properly. Some symptoms aren’t even noticeable until after the crash and an initial check. Symptoms can include blurry vision, trouble sleeping, problems with balance, and frequent headaches. Many physical therapists specialize in rehabilitation programs for concussions. By working on retraining the eyes and balance, physical therapy can help aid in the recovery process and prevent any long-term effects caused by a concussion.
2. Whip Lash
If you’ve been in an accident where you’ve been thrown forward or your air bag has deployed, chances are you’ve suffered from whip lash. This condition occurs when the body is thrown forward from a sudden stop, but the seat belt and air bag whip you back while your muscles remain tense. It results in pain, stiffness, and soreness in the upper body, but can also radiate throughout the whole body. The pain caused from whip lash can be extremely debilitating. It’s a constant soreness in the muscles that makes enjoying life difficult as movement is painful. By using manual physical therapy and soft exercises, muscles can be relieved of the stiffness and soreness caused by whip lash.
3. Back and Neck Pain
Back and neck pain is expected after a MVA despite an air bag deploying. During an impact, the body tenses up, causing stiffness. Also, during a high impact collision, the back and neck can be jarred due to whip lash. Sometimes, the pain doesn’t present itself until a day or two after the accident. Whether you’re in pain or just a little sore and stiff, physical therapy can help prevent slight stiffness turning into an injury or a long-lasting condition. By working on the muscles and ligaments to relieve stiffness and soreness, physical therapy can help you recover quickly from even the most serious accidents.
4. Knee Injuries
Knee injuries are not as common as head and neck injuries. However, they can be just as debilitating, making it hard to stand and walk. The knee can be jarred or twisted, causing ligament strain or tears and even dislocation. Physical therapy can help knee rehabilitation through strengthening exercises that start with what you can handle and slowly work up to full recovery.
Recover from a Car Accident at OSR Physical Therapy
At OSR, we take great care in individualizing each program for each patient that walks in the door. We believe that each person’s circumstances are unique, which requires a custom program to help in full recovery from a car accident. Whether you’ve suffered from a serious motor vehicle accident, or are looking to get rid of some stiffness and soreness, OSR has physical therapists that will be there on your road to recovery. Give us a call today for a free initial consultation at any of our four locations.
