Six million people are in a car accident on average every year. Of these, half are injured as a result of a car accident. Two million of these drivers sustain permanent injuries.
After your car accident, you might not notice the pain until a few days later. By receiving physical therapy after a crash, you can speed up your recovery. Otherwise, that pain might linger and impact your overall quality of life.
Keep reading to learn more about receiving physical therapy in St. Petersburg. In this guide, we’ll review what you can do after the crash, as well as a few of the benefits of physical therapy.
Seek Treatment Early
After your car crash, it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible. Your symptoms might not become obvious until three or four days after the accident.
Early intervention can relieve your pain and lessen the severity of your symptoms.
First, your physical therapist will evaluate your condition. During their examination, they’ll ask questions about your pain and mobility. They might have you perform tests to determine your mobility after the accident.
A physical therapist can help your body heal through:
- Massage
- Manipulation
- Mobilization
- Stretching
Physical therapy is designed to ease your pain, improve your function, and benefit your overall quality of life.
How Long Will I Need Treatment?
How long you’ll require treatment depends on:
- Age
- Pre-injury health
- Spine, back, and neck
- The severity of your accident and the trauma you experienced
Some patients only need a few weeks. Others require physical therapy over the course of months to improve their mobility.
The Benefits of Physical Therapy
There are over 247,700 physical therapists in the country, ready to help. By receiving physical therapy after a crash, you can enjoy these benefits and more!
1. PT Supports Your Recovery
After a car accident, you might notice:
- Chronic headaches/migraines
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain
- Stiffness
Physical therapy can help you recover. With each appointment, you’ll feel stronger, improve your flexibility, and keep your symptoms at bay.
2. It Can Prevent Long-Term Damage
Receiving physical therapy in Tampa can prevent long-term damage such as chronic pain or migraines.
It’s important to begin physical therapy as soon as possible. Improving your strength and flexibility can ensure you address the damage right away so it doesn’t linger long-term.
3. Physical Activity Reduces Pain
Moving around after your accident can help you recover from your injuries. The movement will pump oxygenated blood and nutrients to the injured area, helping it heal. A physical therapist will design a customized plan to help you heal ease the pain you’re feeling.
4. Avoid Surgery
After a serious car accident, you could potentially experience complications later in life. Physical therapy can help you avoid surgery by strengthening your body. At the same time, it’s also the more cost-effective option for treating your pain.
By receiving physical therapy after a crash, you can heal your body and get back on your feet. Don’t wait! Instead, get the help you need and keep the pain away.
Take the first step toward your recovery. Contact us for physical therapy in St. Petersburg today!