It’s any driver’s worst nightmare: you experience a car accident first-hand. Now, you’re faced with deciding whether physical therapy after a car accident can help you heal.
The road to recovery after a car accident can be long and painful. In addition to repairing your car, you must also decide how to repair your body.
Let’s explore four of the top ways patients have benefited from physical therapy after a car accident so you make an informed decision for your health.
1. Prevent Long-Term Damage
Injuries from car accidents aren’t always visible on the surface. Physical therapy can address unseen issues that could affect your health in the future.
In general, physical therapy increases strength, mobility, and flexibility. These improvements not only help with immediate injuries, but can also help prevent lingering damage that may result in other issues.
Car accident victims often experience chronic pain or migraines if they’re not treated immediately or soon after an accident. Using physical therapy as part of your recovery plan gives you a better chance of healing completely.
2. More Effective Than One-Time Treatments
After a car accident, you may head to the emergency room to get checked out. But this initial visit may not be enough to treat all the problems you incur as a result of your accident.
Temporary fixes like a brace for neck pain or prescription pain pills aren’t enough to target the root issues.
Physical therapy works to cure your problem, not just treat it. As a result, you get real fixes that don’t just make you feel better, but ones that actually repair your body.
3. Avoid Surgery
Physical therapy provides a natural, safe solution for car accident victims. In some cases, it may help you to avoid costly invasive surgeries.
If your doctor has recommended surgery, it may be worthwhile to consult with a physical therapist first. It’s less risky because it’s non-invasive. Plus, you won’t be faced with a long, difficult recovery period that comes with most surgeries.
4. Doesn’t Require Medication
Physical therapy promotes activity, which can help to relieve pain naturally.
Many people who are in car accidents receive prescriptions for pain relief or anxiety. These medications may offer a short-term solution, but they’re not without risk.
Painkillers are notoriously addictive and could be difficult to quit using. This could lead to additional health issues in the future, including the potential to overdose.
On average, 46 people die every day due to prescription pills. The best defense is to avoid them altogether if possible.
Physical Therapy After a Car Accident: The Bottom Line
It’s clear that physical therapy after a car accident can be beneficial. In many cases, your insurance company will pay for it so you never see a bill.
Even if you don’t feel like your body has been traumatized, physical therapy can prevent future issues from occurring.
At AJ Therapy Center, we work with car accident victims to help you on your path to recovery. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and start repairing your body safely and naturally.