Rehabilitation after a car crash: types of therapy you need to get back on your feet after an accident

A car crash is a traumatic event, both physically and mentally. You can suffer serious injuries that
need to be treated immediately to prevent chronic pain; still, the process can be long, and it might
be draining, but in order to get back on your feet for good, it’s essential to prioritise your health. The
psychological impact of a car accident is not neglectable either; you may feel guilty even if it’s not
your fault, and negative thoughts could impact your daily life. However, once you find your inner
strength, you can regain control over your life. In this article, you can find the common injuries that
need to be treated and essential types of therapy you need after a car accident.

Common types of injuries after a car accident

An apparently insignificant pain and bruise could be the first sign of serious injuries. Still, some
traumas are not visible, so you might immediately seek medical advice to identify the damaged
areas of your body so that you can find the best solutions to treat them efficiently. For example,
these are the most common types of injuries of victims involved in a car accident:

Head injury

Hitting the windshield, steering wheel or side windows with your head during a car accident can
result in a serious injury called Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). However, you can suffer from TBI
without hitting anything because the force of collision disturbs the brain inside the skull. When TBI
happens, the normal electrical function of the brain is distressed, and you can experience vision and
memory loss or motor dysfunctions. Other symptoms can be unconsciousness, difficulty speaking,
nausea and dizziness. 

Back injury 

A car crash can affect the lower back, upper back and neck, which consist of tissue, nerves,
ligaments, bones, tendons and muscles extending from the neck to the pelvis. You can experience
spinal fractures, strains and following complications like herniated disc, spondylolisthesis or, in the
most severe cases, paralysis. Some common symptoms can be muscular spasms, burning pain,
stiffness, tingling or numbness. These problems can last for weeks, months or even years, so seeking
medical help is crucial. 

Limb injuries 

Broken or crushed bones, muscular trains or fractures are common injuries for the legs and arms of
people involved in a car accident. Depending on the severity of the crash, rehabilitation can last from
weeks to months. Experts suggest that a regular injury in smaller car crashes is due to the impaction
of the knee with the dashboard, which can result in acetabular or hip dislocation. Also, other
common injuries in the lower limbs are ankle, foot and leg injuries during frontal-impact road
accidents and broken bones in the arm.  

Internal injuries

As we said before, not all injuries are visible on the body. Medical professionals can detect internal
injuries, so treatment must not be delayed. For instance, common internal injuries include bleeding
that can lead to organ failure, organ damage that usually affects the stomach, pancreas, and
intestines, nerve damage, and collapsed lungs. 

Types of therapy you need after a car crash

Taking immediate action is the first step to ensure your recovery; a medical professional can address
your symptoms to boost the healing process. Also, your mental health is just as important, so
another thing you should do is to seek help from experts to get compensation for the harmful event and
execute your right to calm your mind before starting the rehabilitation progress.These are some
types of therapy you might need: 

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy focuses on restoring the victim’s strengths by improving flexibility and enhancing the
overall range of motion. It helps decrease pain and muscle tension. Physical therapy is
recommended for inflammations, tissue damage, fractured bones, spinal cord injuries, and neck
injuries. This type of rehabilitation is usually the first step towards recovery.

Neurological physical therapy 

Loss of strength, numbness, pins and needles can be signs that indicate some sort of nerve condition
or severe injuries that lead you to this type of rehabilitation related to brain functions. Concussions
and other neurological problems like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can accelerate rapidly, and they
must be treated immediately to prevent painful long-term effects. 

Chiropractic treatment 

A car crash can impact the alignment of the neck, back, and pelvis. With chiropractic treatment, you
can regain the right stability of the bones, relieve pain, and improve your mobility. This therapy is
usually recommended after deep research on all injuries, prioritising the neurological and internal
ones. 

Psychological therapy 

The mental impact of a car accident is not neglectable. Consider seeing a psychologist to get over the
traumatic event and cope with the negative feelings. Car crash victims can be subject to depression,
anxiety, and PTSD (post traumatic disorder) that influence their lives significantly. Symptoms of
mental issues can include insomnia, panic attacks, flashbacks and intrusive thoughts. Psychological
therapy is not a sign of weakness, but it’s a crucial step you should take to regain control over your
life. 

Massage therapy 

Massage is an effective method to alleviate pain; it promotes blood circulation, boosting the healing
process of the wounds, and it offers a relaxing effect to calm your mind. This method is
recommended 5-7 days after the accident, depending on the severity of your injuries. There are
many types of massages, from gentle ones to trigger point massage that focuses on the exact point
of the pain; your doctor can decide on the best option for your case. 

The bottom line 

We hope this article encourages you to take immediate action to get back on your feet. A car
accident is a traumatic event that has a significant impact on your life. Still, no matter the severity of
your injuries, you must prioritise your physical and mental health and leave the fears behind. The
rehabilitation process can be long and painful, but it’s essential to regain control over your life.

Also read: despite risk of injury, cyclists live longer.