If you’re in a motor vehicle and notice aches and pains afterward, your first inclination might be to panic. But there’s no reason to do so! While post-MVA recovery can be challenging, you can regain your strength and function with the right care.
Several injuries are common after a motor vehicle accident, including whiplash-related disorders, back pain, and soft tissue damage. These injuries can cause discomfort and limit your daily activities, but physical therapy at Fitness Matters offers effective ways to help you recover and return to your normal routine.
No matter what injury you’ve sustained, our team can play a vital role in your recovery and rehabilitation. We’ll design a tailored treatment plan to reduce pain, restore mobility, and strengthen the affected areas, helping you recover efficiently and effectively.
Today, we want to guide you through the post-MVA recovery process so you know what to expect after your accident. If you need more information, don’t hesitate to call our Ohio clinic!
Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
We always tailor treatment to meet your needs, so our first step is understanding your specific injury and symptoms. Car accidents can cause a wide range of orthopedic injuries. Here are some of the most common:
Whiplash-Associated Disorders (WADs)
- Often shortened to simply “whiplash,” WADs are neck injuries caused by the sudden jerking motion of the head during a collision. They can lead to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches. Physical use targeted strengthening and stretching exercises to restore normal movement and reduce discomfort.
Back Pain
- Back pain often develops after a car accident due to strained back muscles or sprains in the ligaments of your spine. We’ll use various techniques, such as manual therapy and specific exercises, to alleviate pain and improve spinal alignment.
Other Soft Tissue Injuries
- Your back isn’t the only part that can be sprained or strained during a car accident. You might damage tissue in your rotator cuff (a group of muscles in your shoulder) or sprain your knee. Physical therapy can reduce inflammation and pain and strengthen the affected areas, helping you recover mobility and function.
Outlining Your Post-MVA Recovery Journey
Step 1: Initial Assessment
- Before we can begin treatment, we need to understand exactly what we need to address. One of our expert physical therapists will thoroughly evaluate your injuries, medical history, and current pain levels. If necessary, we can also collaborate with other healthcare team members.
Step 2: Pain Management
- Our first order of business is reducing pain and inflammation. We’ll use a blend of techniques, including hands-on manual therapy, modalities like hot or cold therapy, and careful exercises, to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
Step 3: Restore Mobility
- Next, we’ll help improve your range of motion with targeted stretches and mobility exercises. Improved range of motion helps you move with less pain so you can work on the next step, strengthening.
Step 4: Strengthening Exercises
- Building strength is crucial when treating MVA-related injuries. Targeted exercises focus on strengthening muscles around the injured areas so you can return to your day-to-day activities.
Step 5: Functional Training
- In the final step, we focus on training you in movements you’ll need for your daily tasks, like lifting, bending, and walking. If your injury affected your balance or stability, we might also include balance exercises.
Start Your Own Post-MVA Recovery Journey Today!
Don’t let a motor vehicle accident hold you back! The team at Fitness Matters is your partner in the post-MVA recovery process. We’ll work closely with you and your healthcare team to provide a personalized, comprehensive treatment program to help you return to the activities that matter most.
Schedule an appointment today to learn more.
