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How Long Should I Go To Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?

If you suffered serious injuries in your car accident, you may need extensive medical treatment. It is crucial to begin physical therapy immediately after a car accident to prevent long-term damage and complications. Starting physical therapy early can address immediate injuries, improve strength, flexibility, and mobility, and prevent chronic problems like inflammation and degenerative disc disease. Many of our patients undergo surgery after a car crash. Common car accident injuries include sprains, strains, and other damage to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and tissues. Typically, after a person has surgery, they need to see an Atlanta physical therapist.

The physical therapists at our Atlanta treatment center have helped hundreds, if not thousands of car accident victims. Our goal is to help you make a safe and healthy recovery. Sometimes this means you’ll need to see your Atlanta physical therapist for weeks or even months.

Atlanta physical therapist

Did You Go to the Emergency Room Immediately After Your Car Accident?

One of the first questions your Atlanta physical therapist will ask is whether you went to the emergency room. When you call 911 after a motor vehicle accident, they almost always arrange for an ambulance to come to the scene.

Once there, they offer any injured passengers the chance to go to the emergency room. Even if you think you’re fine, you need to be seen by a doctor. The only way to know for sure if you’re hurt is to be seen by a medical professional. It is also important to start physical therapy as soon as the doctor approves it to address any hidden issues and prevent complications later.

Did the Emergency Room Run All the Necessary Diagnostic Tests?

One of the benefits of going to the emergency room immediately after your car accident is that they’ll run the necessary diagnostic tests. These tests help your doctor determine the nature and extent of your injuries. These diagnostic tests help identify car accident injuries that may require physical therapy for proper recovery.

We need to know about the tests you’ve already had. We can also conduct more diagnostic tests if you need them. Some of the diagnostic tests we run in our Atlanta treatment center include:

  • MRI
  • CT Scan
  • X-ray
  • Ultrasound
  • Neurological examination
  • Physical examination

These tests can help diagnose whatever injuries you suffered in the crash. They can also help your doctors decide what kind of treatment you’ll need. This includes whether you’ll need to see an Atlanta physical therapist.

Your Atlanta Physical Therapist Will Need a Copy of Your Medical Records

When you come to our Atlanta treatment center, we’ll need a copy of your medical records. It would be ideal if you release a copy of your records to our office right away. This will allow your Atlanta physical therapist to see exactly what type of injuries you’ve sustained.

The earlier your Atlanta physical therapist has to review your treatment records, the better chance they have of creating a safe treatment plan. Even if this means they can treat you a week sooner than they planned, it can make all the difference in your recovery. Additionally, previous injuries can also affect the recovery process and should be considered when creating a treatment plan.

Did You Need to Undergo Surgery?

If your injuries are life-threatening, there’s a good chance you’ll need surgery. Some of the more common injuries suffered in motor vehicle accidents include the following:

  • Back injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Lacerations and contusions

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the recovery process after surgery.

surgery after car accident

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list by any means. These are just some of the more common injuries we see at our Atlanta treatment center. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries, it may be a good idea to see an Atlanta physical therapist right away. Physical therapy can help manage chronic pain and prevent long-term damage.

Many Accident Victims Need Surgery After Their Common Car Accident Injuries

If you do need surgery after your accident, it will take some time to recover. Depending on the type of surgery you have, your doctor may want you to see an Atlanta physical therapist.

For example, if you had back surgery, they may want you to see an Atlanta physical therapist so they can teach you exercises to help heal your injury. They may need to show you how to stretch your back muscles so that you don’t atrophy or lose range of motion. Physical therapy helps manage and reduce pain, avoid surgery, and protect vulnerable muscles and ligaments.

It Will All Depend on How You Heal After Your Surgery

Some people heal a lot faster than others. If you’re young and in good physical shape, you may only need to see an Atlanta physical therapist for a few weeks. However, if you’re a bit older, it may take longer to recover. The duration and frequency of physical therapy sessions can vary depending on the individual’s condition and recovery progress.

The type of surgery you underwent will matter as well. For example, if you had knee surgery after your crash, you may be in a wheelchair for a while. Your Atlanta physical therapist can teach you how to get around in a wheelchair. They can also help you learn how to navigate your way around a kitchen or restroom given your precarious condition.

What To Expect During Your Physical Therapy After a Car Accident

During physical therapy after a car accident, you can expect a tailored treatment plan designed to address your specific injuries and recovery goals. The process usually begins with an initial assessment where the therapist evaluates your condition, pain levels, range of motion, and functional limitations. Treatment sessions may include a combination of exercises to improve strength and flexibility, manual therapy to relieve pain and enhance mobility, and modalities such as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to reduce inflammation. Your therapist will also provide guidance on proper body mechanics and exercises to do at home. Progress will be monitored regularly, with adjustments made to the plan as needed to ensure optimal recovery. Open communication with your therapist about your symptoms and progress is key to achieving the best outcomes.

There’s No Way to Know Exactly How Long It’ll Take for You to Make a Full Recovery

It’s perfectly natural to want to know, upfront, how long you’ll need to come to our Atlanta treatment center. Most people just want to heal and get back to work or school. Nobody wants to see an Atlanta physical therapist three to four times a week.

The truth is that physical therapy can help you recover faster. It can also help you retain as much muscle mass as possible during your recovery. This is something our Atlanta physical therapists can help you with. Visiting a physical therapy clinic for personalized and expert care is crucial to aid in your recovery.

Physical Therapists Will Teach You Exercises to Increase Your Range of Motion

After most types of surgery, you may experience a decreased range of motion. For example, if you have shoulder surgery, you won’t be able to turn your neck all the way around.

You’ll also have trouble bending and using your arms. If you don’t see an Atlanta physical therapist, you could end up with a permanently reduced range of motion. You’ll also lose a lot of muscle mass. This can significantly delay and derail your recovery. Continued physical therapy after a car accident can improve mobility and prevent long-term damage.

When You Can Stop Physical Therapy After a Car Accident

The decision to stop physical therapy after a car accident should be guided by the recommendations of your healthcare provider. Typically, physical therapy concludes when the patient has reached their treatment goals, which may include regaining strength, mobility, and function, as well as achieving pain relief. Progress is regularly assessed through follow-up evaluations, and the therapist may adjust the treatment plan based on recovery progress. It’s crucial not to stop physical therapy prematurely, as doing so can hinder full recovery and potentially lead to long-term complications. Always consult with your doctor or physical therapist before making any decisions about ending treatment.

physical therapy after a car accident

You Should Contact Our Atlanta Treatment Center to Schedule Your Initial Assessment

Once you’ve received any emergency treatment you need, you’ll have to continue to heal. Perhaps you needed surgery. If that’s the case, there’s a good chance you’ll need to see an Atlanta physical therapist. Physical therapy is commonly required for an average of six to eight weeks to recover from soft tissue injuries sustained in car accidents.

We suggest you visit our Atlanta treatment center as soon as possible after your crash. You may need long-term physical therapy. If that’s the case, you don’t want to wait too long to talk to an Atlanta physical therapist. It is important to begin physical therapy immediately after a car accident to prevent long-term damage and complications.

We do offer all patients a free, initial assessment. This gives your Atlanta physical therapist a chance to see exactly what shape you’re in. This, in turn, will help them create a treatment plan for you.

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