Car Accident? Physical Therapy Can Help!
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06 August 2011
| Car Accident? Physical Therapy Can Help |
Each year, 2 million people suffer from whiplash related to car accidents in the United States alone.
Studies using high-speed cameras and sophisticated crash dummies have revealed that rear impact car accidents result in a condition called ‘whiplash’.
This forces the bones of the lower cervical spine (the neck) into hyper-extension (backward bending motion) while the bones of the upper neck are suddenly thrust into hyper-flexion (forward bending motion). In a split second, the normal curvature of the cervical spine is disrupted and the consequences can range from mild to serious.
A sudden, abnormal motion to a sensitive region like the neck causes damage to the soft tissues (ligaments and muscles) of the cervical spine. This leads to inflammation and pain.
Common symptoms:
The most common symptoms related to whiplash include:
- Headaches
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- Dizziness
- Jaw pain
- Arm pain/weakness/ tingling
- Back pain
| Physical Therapy Helps Recovery |
Recent studies have shown that physical therapy may be the best choice to decrease pain, improve mobility, and minimize lost productivity as a direct result of whiplash-associated disorders.
In a study in the Journal of Rheumatology (2007), a systematic review was performed of the existing literature on neck pain related to car accidents. The evidence strongly supported the use of stretching/strengthening exercises and mobilizations. Also, treatment with physical therapy was less expensive in the long run and reduced long-term disability compared to other treatment options.
An article in the Emergency Medical Journal (2006) compared two groups of individuals recovering from car accidents. The first group received mobilization and exercise therapy (components of physical therapy) and the second group was treated with medication and a cervical collar. The group that received physical therapy had significantly less headaches and other symptoms related to whiplash compared to the second group.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a car accident, the best thing you can do is to have them call our office today. The longer you wait to seek the expertise of one of our licensed physical therapists, the more prolonged the recovery process is likely to be. Don’t wait, pick up the phone and schedule an appointment right away.
| An Active Approach To Be Pain-Free Again |
In most cases, the potential for recover is high, especially with the right care as early as possible. A return to activity as soon as possible helps significantly. Although symptoms may be around for a while, the pain will improve within a few days or weeks. Be sure to continue with the medicines prescribed by your doctor to aid with early movement.
Remember that prolonged inactivity does NOT help. Keep moving - it's important. Avoid staying in the same position for too long to avoid tightness and loss of flexibility.
Exercise plays a big role in recovery. Simple neck and shoulder exercises are safe and effective. Stretching, strengthening and coordination exercises should be done regularly each day. Some soreness after exercise is to be expected. It is not a cause for concern.
Physical therapy, in conjunction with standard medical care, has been shown to be the best choice to decrease pain, improve mobility and help you return to normal daily activities after a car accident. We can help you. Just contact us to see what we can do for you.
If you have had a car accident, the first step toward recovery starts with us. Schedule your risk free appointment with your physical therapist. Let us help you return to a healthy, pain-free life once again.
Click on the link below to learn more:
http://www.therapynewsletter.com/myarchive.php?userid=618&id=19418&secret=2a04dbc3410c272a
FAQs - First Time Visit
- Will I get a massage at physical therapy?
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Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically - to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation
- How many visits will I need?
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This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations
- How long will each treatment last?
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Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.
- How should I dress?
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You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.
- What do I need to bring with me?
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Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers' Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager's contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information. You can download a patient packet by creating an account and registering online. Click on the Log in button at the top menu, click on the icon to create an account.
- What happens during my first visit?
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During your first visit you can expect the following:
- Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website - see the paperwork or forms link).
- You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy.
- We will copy your insurance card.
- You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
- The therapist will discuss the following:
- Your medical history.
- Your current problems/complaints.
- Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
- How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
- Your goals with physical therapy.
- Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
- The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
- Palpation - touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
- Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
- Muscle Testing - the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
- Neurological Screening - the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
- Special Tests - the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
- Posture Assessment - the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.