Car accidents can significantly impact your physical well-being. The recovery process often demands specialized care such as physical therapy to return to optimal health. At Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics in Stockbridge, our dedicated team offers comprehensive physical therapy services, particularly for car accident victims.
Call us today at 678-929-4494 to speak with our skilled car accident physiotherapists!
Understanding Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, or physiotherapy, uses exercises, stretches, massages, and other treatments to alleviate pain, fortify weakened muscles, and restore mobility. Each treatment plan is customized to address the specific injuries sustained from car accidents.
Our experts take into account not just your physical fitness but also the necessity to strengthen specific body parts or alleviate pain.
Here are some common treatments utilized in physical therapy:
- Exercises targeting the problem areas
- Physical stimuli such as cold, heat, ultrasound, or electrical currents
- Guided and passive movements, including manual therapy and massages
The Role of Exercises in Physical Therapy
Exercises are integral to physical therapy. They strengthen weakened muscles and improve mobility and coordination. During these sessions, our therapists instruct you on performing exercises and monitor your progress.
Importance of Passive Treatments
If you can’t move a joint or limb due to accident injuries, passive treatments will be incorporated into your regimen. These involve the therapist moving your body parts in specific ways to enhance mobility.
Treatments Using Physical Stimuli
Physical stimuli loosen muscles, improve connectivity, and relieve stress and pain. Common treatments include:
- Electrotherapy or electrical stimulation for pain or improving motor skills
- Iontophoresis
- Manual lymphatic drainage
- Light therapy
- Cold therapy
- Heat or moist heat therapy
With various treatment options available, our experienced therapists will create a customized recovery plan tailored to your needs.
Physical Therapy vs. Chiropractic Care
Many confuse physiotherapy with chiropractic care. While both aim to relieve pain and enhance function without invasive procedures, they differ fundamentally in approach.
Focus of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy targets physical impairments and disabilities. It relies on exercises and guided movements to unlock stiff joints and improve mobility. Over time, muscle movements help realign joints.
Focus of Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care primarily targets the musculoskeletal system. Chiropractors manually adjust and manipulate joints to relieve stiffness and realign them. Only qualified professionals should perform these adjustments to avoid worsening injuries.
Treatable Conditions for Car Accident Victims
Spinal Cord and Joint Injuries
Physical therapy helps reduce pain and promotes recovery for spinal cord and joint injuries. Therapies such as joint mobilizations and soft tissue work are integral in managing pain and enhancing strength and mobility.
Sprains and Strains
Sprains and strains are common, even in low-speed accidents. These injuries can heal slowly without intervention. Physical therapy accelerates healing and reduces pain by boosting blood circulation and oxygen supply to the affected area.
Whiplash Associated Disorders (WAD)
WAD comes with symptoms like headaches, neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and joint pain. Physical therapy promotes recovery by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
Fracture Recovery
Fracture physiotherapy begins soon after immobilization. It focuses on encouraging weight-bearing, reducing pain and swelling, maintaining the range of motion around joints, and preventing stiffness.
Post-Concussion Disorders
Car accidents frequently result in concussions requiring specialized care for recovery. Physical therapists help patients recover without overloading the brain, facilitating a balanced healing process.
Following Your Therapist’s Advice Enhances Recovery and Settlement Prospects
Adhering to your therapist’s guidance is crucial for recovery. It enhances your well-being and boosts your claim for compensation. Insurance companies and courts are more likely to believe professional assessments detailing your pain and mobility limitations.
Here are tips to ensure your physical therapy aids your settlement:
Attend all therapy sessions to support recovery and strengthen your settlement case. Skipping sessions can lead to reduced or denied compensation.
Keep records of all medical visits to provide clear evidence of your injuries and treatment.
Maintain a journal documenting the pain and impact of the injuries on your daily life. This helps illustrate the extent of your suffering.
Why Choose Georgia Spine & Orthopaedics in Stockbridge?
Accident victims often endure persistent pain, limited mobility, and other symptoms affecting their quality of life. Our experienced professionals are dedicated to helping you recover and reclaim your life.
Contact us today at 678-929-4494 to schedule your physical therapy appointment. We also accept walk-ins!
