Why is Physical Therapy Necessary after a Car Accident?

With drivers back on the road after some time away, car accidents are once again an unfortunate reality of the daily commute. RxWellness Spine & Health has continued in this time to treat patients through physical therapy after a car accident. Injuries resulting from car accidents are not only traumatic mentally but can take a physical toll on your body not always seen to the naked eye, whiplash being a common example of what we see in our office. It is important to seek out physical therapy after a car accident to prevent re-injury or lasting symptoms from the incident.

Chiropractors are the most equip to treat and create customized physical therapy plans for injuries seen commonly in car accidents. Our RxWellness doctors are licensed doctors of chiropractic and trained spine specialists using xrays, physical therapy and adjustments for the best post accident treatment. Below are three major pros when considering is physical therapy necessary for car accident treatment. 

1) Physical therapy is a natural care treatment that supports the recovery and rehabilitation process.

Rather than mask the pain that many experience after a car accident, physical therapy can allow patients to live without lingering pain or further damage by targeting the underlying issues. The movements done through physical therapy and spinal adjustments in our offices can actually reduce pain and improve mobility that may have been lost due to the accident.

Pain medication can take the discomfort away temporarily but the risks of hiding the underlying issues and even dependence on these substances can be detrimental. The back and neck pain could be caused by a spinal misalignment, pinching nerves and moving muscles unnaturally. A chiropractic adjustment paired with physical therapy is a non-invasive, natural, and safe approach to realign the spine. In car accidents we often see soft tissue injuries as well that involve micro-tears, bruising or resistance to movement once again treated best through physical therapy and chiropractic work.

2) Whiplash, extremely common injury in all types of motor collisions, symptoms may be diverse but treatment through physical therapy.

Whiplash injuries most prevalent  in car accidents is a soft tissue neck injury when the neck extends beyond its normal range of motion. The jerking neck movement and intense neck strain can immediately result in neck stiffness, soreness, pain but also progress into loss of range of motion, tingling or numbness in upper extremities, dizziness, fatigue or even occasional memory loss.  Chiropractors with physical therapy training are able to counter the long term effects that could occur from untreated whiplash. They also create a treatment plan to control existing pain, manage injured areas and restore to proper state.

3)Physical therapy provides custom exercise for the Patient to repair and strengthen muscles and tissues.

Physical therapy after a car accident customized to the individual, coupled with chiropractic care is a proven method for treating damage done in these collisions. RxWellness Spine & Health has developed their physical therapy program to ensure there is 1) first relief care, 2) corrective care and lastly 3)maintenance for each individual treated.

Through spinal adjustments, cold laser therapy, massage therapy and TENs unit car accident symptoms can be minimized. Then the focus can shift to restoring strength and function through physical therapy and active rehabilitation exercises.

RxWellness Spine & Health have certified doctors at both our Tysons and Herndon location who are experts in utilizing physical therapy after a car accident. Our team works with patients on an individualized plan, along with services that include chiropractic care and massage therapy. To set up a consultation, call us today at 703-904-9666. You can also request an appointment online!