A car accident can severely impact your physical health and overall well-being. Recovering from such an incident may prove challenging, often requiring the expertise of a physical therapist. To enhance your recovery process, you must seek the assistance of top-notch physical therapists, particularly those specialized in treating accident victims.
Opt for the best physical therapy services in College Park at Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics. Call us today at 678-929-4494 to speak with our car accident physical therapist!
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, employs a combination of exercises, stretches, massages, and other treatments through physical stimuli such as heat and cold to alleviate pain, strengthen weakened muscles, and improve mobility. The therapist tailors these methods to address injuries from vehicular accidents.
Aside from considering the patient’s overall fitness, the therapist also focuses on specific areas to alleviate pain and strengthen muscles, among other needs.
Our therapy techniques include:
- Exercises targeting problem areas
- Treatments involving physical stimuli such as cold, heat, ultrasound, and electrical currents
- Guided and passive movements performed by the therapist, like manual therapy and massages
Exercises Targeting Problem Areas
Exercises are crucial in physical therapy, contributing to muscle strength and mobility. The therapist guides patients through the exercises and monitors their progress.
Guided and Passive Movements
Passive treatments, where the therapist moves parts of the patient’s body to enhance mobility, are often included when patients have stiff joints or cannot move a limb following a car accident. Physical therapists also utilize massages and manual therapy.
Manual therapy involves various techniques where therapists use their hands to apply pressure, manipulate muscles, and mobilize joints. The primary goals of manual therapy are to reduce pain, increase range of motion, improve function and enhance overall mobility.
Physical Stimuli
Therapies that utilize physical stimuli aim to relax muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue to boost mobility and relieve pain. These treatments include:
- Electrotherapy: Electrical stimulation (e-stim) helps improve motor skills or alleviate pain.
- Iontophoresis
- Manual lymphatic drainage: Massage to drain fluid from tissues.
- Light therapy
- Cold therapy
- Heat or moist heat therapy
Our experienced therapists develop a personalized treatment plan combining these options to create the most effective recovery regimen.
Physical Therapy vs. Chiropractic Care
Confusion often arises between physical therapy and chiropractic care. Both aim to alleviate pain and enhance function without invasive procedures but use different approaches.
Physical therapy addresses disabilities and physical impairments through guided movements and exercises to improve joint mobility and overall movement. The focus is on muscle movement to realign joints over time, which is crucial for gradual rehabilitation and recovery after a car accident.
In contrast, chiropractic care centers on musculoskeletal system rehab. Chiropractors manually adjust and manipulate joints to realign them, using hands or specialized tools to apply pressure and relieve stiffness.
Another key difference is the application. Physical therapy can usually continue independently, while chiropractic care should always be performed by an experienced professional to avoid aggravating injuries.
Treatments Provided by a Car Accident Physical Therapist
Spinal Cord and Joint Injuries
Physical therapy helps relieve pain and promotes recovery from injuries such as herniated disks. A well-planned regimen involving joint mobilizations, trigger point dry needling, and soft tissue mobilization can alleviate back and joint pain and help patients regain strength and mobility.
Sprains and Strains
Even low-velocity car accidents can result in sprains and strains, which can be challenging to heal without proper intervention. Physical therapy accelerates healing and minimizes pain by enhancing blood circulation to the injured areas, aiding the body’s natural healing process.
Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)
WAD, caused by rapid acceleration and deceleration in a car accident, includes symptoms like headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and temporomandibular joint pain. Physical therapy enhances recovery from WAD by promoting the body’s healing ability.
Fracture Recovery
Fracture physiotherapy is integral to many post-car accident recoveries due to broken bones. It begins soon after the fracture is immobilized, aiming to reduce pain and swelling and maintain or recover joint mobility. It also helps prevent weakness and stiffness in the affected areas.
Post-Concussion Disorder
Car accidents frequently lead to concussions. Physical therapy assists patients in recovering from their injuries without overloading the brain, which requires rest to heal properly.
Importance of Following Your Physical Therapist’s Advice
Adherence to your therapist’s advice is crucial for your health and your car accident settlement. Benefits include faster recovery, avoiding invasive procedures, reduced pain risk, and improved strength and mobility.
From a legal standpoint, adherence can influence your settlement. Insurance companies or courts may not believe your accident caused pain without a professional assessment. However, they are more likely to consider your claims if a licensed physical therapist documents your pain and movement limitations.
Ensure your physical therapy supports your settlement by:
- Attending all therapy sessions: Boost overall recovery and strengthen settlement claims.
- Keeping all visit records: Provide clear proof of your physical and mental recovery efforts.
- Maintaining a journal documenting each session: Log pain levels, thoughts on recovery, daily task impacts, and other relevant details.
With years of experience aiding post-car accident recovery, Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics helps document your recovery process comprehensively. Effective communication minimizes missed sessions, bolstering your car accident compensation claim.
Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics: Leading Physical Therapy Services in College Park
Post-accident pain can persist for months, often accompanied by limited mobility, soreness, swelling, and stiffness, which can significantly impact your quality of life.
If you face these challenges, schedule a visit to Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics for top-tier physical therapy services. Don’t let your pain worsen and lead to further complicationsāour physiotherapists are ready to assist you in achieving full recovery.
Call us today at 678-929-4494 to book your physical therapy assessment. Walk-ins are also welcome!
How We Customize Treatment Plans for Car Accident Victims
Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics tailors treatment plans for each patientās specific needs. This personalized approach begins with a comprehensive evaluation, considering medical history and necessary imaging tests.
Based on the findings, we develop a treatment plan that may include:
- Medication: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, range of motion, and balance.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections for targeted pain relief.
- Surgery: For repairing fractures or severe injuries when necessary.
Our Team of Experts
Our experienced team of professionals works together to ensure comprehensive and effective care:
- Orthopedic Surgeons: Specializing in musculoskeletal injuries.
- Pain Management Specialists: Focusing on chronic pain relief.
- Physical Therapists: Licensed professionals who create customized exercise programs to enhance movement and function.
Common Car Accident Injuries Treated
Car accidents result in various injuries, from minor to severe. Here are the most commonly treated injuries.
Whiplash
Whiplash is especially common in rear-end accidents. Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and dizziness result from rapid forward and backward head movement.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back injuries range from sprains and strains to herniated discs and spinal injuries that cause paralysis.
Soft Tissue Injuries
These include damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons, causing pain, swelling, and bruising.
Broken Bones
Accidents often cause fractures in ribs, legs, arms, and ankles.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Head injuries range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms vary but may include headaches, dizziness, memory loss, and difficulty concentrating.
Prompt Medical Treatment Post-Accident
Immediate medical evaluation is crucial in several situations.
- Loss of consciousness: This indicates a serious head injury.
- Headaches, dizziness, or confusion: These are common concussion symptoms.
- Neck or back pain: These can be signs of whiplash or spinal cord damage.
- Numbness or tingling: They could signify nerve damage.
- Visible injuries: Cuts, lacerations, or fractures need medical attention to prevent infection and heal correctly.
- Difficulty breathing: This can indicate internal injuries.
- Persistent pain: Worsening or persistent pain necessitates a medical check.
How Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics Can Assist
At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, our College Park car accident doctors are dedicated to your recovery. Here’s what you can expect from our services.
Compassionate Care
We understand the physical and emotional stress of a car accident. Our team will treat you with respect and empathy throughout your recovery journey.
Comprehensive Services
We offer various services, from diagnosis and treatment planning to physical therapy and pain management, all under one roof.
Customized Treatment Plans
Our plans are specifically designed to address your particular injuries.
Clear Communication
We explain your diagnosis and treatment options and work closely with you throughout the process.
Experienced Professionals
Our team includes doctors, physical therapists, and healthcare professionals with extensive experience treating car accident injuries.
Contact Our College Park Car Accident Doctors Today!
A car accident can drastically change your life. The recovery journey can be long and demanding, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics, our College Park car accident doctors are committed to helping you heal.
We provide comprehensive care, customized treatment plans, and a dedicated team of professionals. Don’t hesitate to seek the medical attention you deserve. Schedule an appointment with a College Park car accident doctor today! Call us at 678-929-4494 to begin your recovery journey.
By adhering to these guidelines and addressing patient needs accurately and comprehensively, our College Park physical therapy services at Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics stand out, offering valuable medical care to support your post-accident recovery.