Motor Vehicle AccidentIn Austin, San Antonio, & surrounding cities
In San Antonio and Austin, over 30,000 people are injured in motor vehicle accidents each year.
Injuries due to car accidents can range from minor to severe and can affect every part of the body. Even a minor motor vehicle accident can cause serious injuries. Identifying common injuries after a car accident can help you seek appropriate medical care.
Common Injuries After a Car Accident
Whiplash: Whiplash is a common injury that usually occurs when the motion from the car accident causes a person's head and neck to quickly and abruptly move forward and backward, causing the neck to stretch beyond its normal range of motion. Symptoms of whiplash can include neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
Concussion: Concussions can happen when a person's head is involved in a collision. Common concussion symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and confusion.
Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord injuries are serious injuries involving damage to the spinal cord, impacting the use and function of the arms and legs.
Broken bones: Broken bones are common after car accidents. Broken bones, or fractures, sometimes require surgery before being treated by physical therapy.
Cuts and bruises: Cuts and bruises are among the most common injuries following a car accident. While they are typically minor, seeking medical attention is essential to ensure they don't lead to complications or infections.
Exercises & Treatment After a Car Accident
Aerobic exercises can improve your breathing and circulation while enhancing your mood and mental well-being. Aerobic activities such as swimming, cycling, or brisk walking can boost endorphin levels, making you feel relaxed and reducing anxiety.
Strengthening exercises can be included in car accident physical therapy to restore muscle strength and tone. The strengthening exercises must be gradual and in consultation with a professional physical therapist, and these exercises must not cause additional pain.
Mindfulness-based interventions such as guided meditations, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help calm the mind and promote relaxation. These stress-reducing techniques can significantly reduce the severity of headaches, anxiety, and stress.
Stretching techniques are excellent ways to improve flexibility. They can help individuals regain a normal range of motion after a motor vehicle accident.
How a Physical Therapist Can Help After an MVA
Assessment and treatment planning: The job of a physical therapist is to provide a comprehensive assessment of your injuries, determine their severity, and develop a customized treatment plan. The information gained from the evaluation will help your physical therapist tailor a treatment plan to your injury and needs.
Pain management: A physical therapist has many tools to help alleviate pain after a car accident. Some of these may include mobilization and stretching techniques as well as heat, ice, or electrical stimulation.
Restoring movement and function: Seeing a physical therapist after a car accident can help you regain movement and function in several ways. Your physical therapist may use therapeutic exercises, mobilization, stretching, or manual therapy techniques to help restore your movement and reduce pain. They will also provide an exercise program tailored to your needs and goals to support long-term recovery.
Don't let a motor vehicle accident negatively impact your quality of life. If you or someone you know has been in a car accident, TexPTS can provide personalized care and treatment to help you recover. Our experienced specialists in physical therapy for car accidents utilize evidence-based treatments such as aerobic and strengthening exercises, mindfulness practices, and stretching techniques to help restore movement, reduce pain, and improve the overall quality of life. Call us today or visit us at our convenient locations in Austin or San Antonio to start your journey to recovery!
