It is crucial for a casualty victim to be evaluated for physical therapy as soon as possible after a car accident because severe symptoms of body trauma can bring additional pain and mobility issues as time progresses.

Symptoms of possible injury to be aware of are:

• Neck, arm, upper back stiffness
• Numbing in arms, neck, hands, and upper back
• Nausea, headache, and dizziness
• Hip, lower back, and knee pain
• Foot, ankle, toe pain or numbness
• Any ache or pain not previously felt before the accident

Multiple variations of these symptoms can contribute to an automobile accident victim’s pain or mobility problems. A casualty victim receiving the appropriate care can limit future suffering.

It is important for the injured person to receive a one-on-one and head-to-toe analysis with a specialist to evaluate and prepare a custom treatment program. Each individual involved with any accident is unique and requires an exclusive path to healing.

Different Methods of Physical Therapy

Physical therapists or chiropractors may incorporate different methods into a program to treat a car accident injury.

Manual therapy may be used by a therapist to adjust and mobilize joints. This type of therapy will decrease scar tissue, reduce inflammation, and allow the tissue surrounding the joints to heal as quickly as possible.

A therapist often uses specialized equipment to implement heat, cold, and electrotherapy to the affected area. This also reduces inflammation and allows more movement and less pressure to the affected area.

Other physical therapy treatments may include acupuncture, ultrasound, aquatic therapy, and intramuscular stimulation. The purpose of these techniques is to help relieve muscle tightness and spasms to decrease recovery time.

The therapist may discuss and coach custom exercises to allow patient control and daily therapy. Exercising can reduce a patient’s joint pain, build muscle strength, and maintain flexibility of the spine.

A therapist may also develop specialized or customized braces or slings appropriate to support the patient’s affected area. Sometimes the added support relieves the pressure and allows faster healing of the patient’s affected joint.

Automobile accident victims need to be worry-free about lasting symptoms and their future health. Some insurance companies are limited in their coverage of an auto accident injury, so an accurate accounting of needs following an accident is imperative.

Getting at the root cause of a patient’s injury as quickly as possible is where a physical therapist’s expertise will be invaluable. Not only will a patient’s healing process of strengthening or stabilizing the affected area begin, but the therapist will be able to assist in efficiently managing any future pain or dysfunction resulting from the accident.

Please contact Everett Spine & Rehab for your car accident rehabilitation: 425-347-8614.

Programs and resources available for pain management are varied depending on the root cause of the pain. Carefully considering which route to take may lead to help from either a chiropractor or a physical therapist.

A physical therapist may recommend a routine of exercises. A Chiropractor may suggest spinal adjustments.

Deciding what resource to seek out or what strategy to take is an individual preference. Other deciding factors may be the stage of the injury or the pain level.

In the United States, research estimates that back pain costs up to $200 billion a year. Patients seldom address the causes of the pain, and the discomfort is often just masked with medications.

Chiropractic care and physical therapy are alternative treatments for pain medications and muscle relaxants. Both options are worth exploring before deciding on the last resort of surgery.

Both Chiropractors and Physical Therapists analyze their patient’s overall health issues and how the spine, joint health, and posture affect the pain levels felt by the patient.

Physical Therapists tend to be affiliated with a medical practice or hospital. Chiropractors are generally independent and operate an individual office.

A Physical Therapist’s treatments usually focus on joint therapy and function using targeted exercises to adjust the movement.

Chiropractors are usually focused on the whole person and use a hands-on approach to align the spine. The Chiropractor designs a healing plan for their patients considering a patient’s diet, exercise, and stress management.

Both Chiropractors and Physical Therapists work with analysis equipment like ultrasound, laser therapy, and electrical muscle stimulation.

When to Get Help for Joint Pain

Emergency care is necessary if the injury results from an automobile accident, fall, or sports activity.

Chiropractors and Physical Therapists may be able to bring relief to the chronic hip or joint pain. If the pain causes weakness, numbness in one or both legs or arms, and is bothersome at night while lying down or movement during the day.

Enduring pain is not an option for patients. Seeking help from Chiropractic and Physical Therapy sources outside of medication management or surgery may be an alternative worth exploring. At Everett Spine & Rehab, we offer non-invasive and drug-free treatment options for patients. Please reach out to us to learn more or to book your appointment: 425-347-8614.