What To Expect In Physical Therapy Following A Car Accident

According to the National Safety Council, in 2023, roughly 5.1 million Americans were injured in an auto accident. Being in a car accident can be traumatic, not just for the mind, but also for the body.

Keep reading to learn about what to expect in physical therapy after a car accident, and how ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic can help you on the road to recovery.

What To Expect In Physical Therapy Following A Car Accident

The recovery process is going to depend on the extent of your car accident injuries. Most of the most common injuries from car accidents will require some level of physical therapy. In general, the following is what to expect in physical therapy after a car accident:

Evaluation

At your first appointment, a physical therapist will assess your injuries and discuss what specific symptoms and issues you’re having.

At ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic, you will be offered an X-ray before and after treatment. The physical therapist will then work with you to create a customized treatment plan that works for you.

The Treatment Process

According to the Cleveland Clinic, physical therapy involves targeted movements and exercises that will either be done by you with observation or done by a physical therapist moving the affected part of your body for you, depending on the extent of your injuries.

Treatment with physical therapists may include one or more of the following:

• Stretching exercises
• Strength training exercises (with and without aids, such as resistance bands, weights, etc.)
• Massage therapy
• Hydrotherapy (therapy done submerged in water)
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS unit)

Ongoing Customization

Your physical therapist will continue to evaluate your progress and alter your treatment plan as you improve. This continuing process of customizing your care allows for the best chance of successful rehabilitation, while preventing further injuries, and keeping your goals in mind.

Benefits of Physical Therapy Following a Car Accident

Car accident physical therapy can reduce pain and improve healing times. Additionally, completing physical therapy can provide the following benefits:

• Improved circulation
• Increased strength
• Increased coordination
• Improved overall mobility
• Prevents disability from the injury
• Provides pain relief naturally
• Can get you back to full function or learn ways to accommodate for a permanent injury (in severe cases)
• Decreases the risk of chronic problems from the injury

How ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Can Help Your Recovery Journey

ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic provides patients recovering from injuries, such as those obtained in car accidents, with comprehensive and individualized care. We believe every patient is unique, which is why we offer various treatments and services.

We also understand the difficulties of recovering from an injury and we’re ready to support you through it.

At ZKORC, we provide patients with:

• Compassionate and dignified care
• Customizable treatment plans
• Evidence-based treatments
• Hands on care
• Onsite X-rays
• Attorney referrals

If you’re looking for expert physical therapy services following a car accident, check out ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic and request an appointment today. You can also take a look at our frequently asked questions page to learn more about us.

Physical therapy after a car accident can be an arduous task. If you’ve been dealing with pain, you may be worried that the process will be painful as well. Knowing what to expect in physical therapy following a car accident can ease some of the anxiety that you may be experiencing.  ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic is ready to help you with physical therapy and rehabilitation services to reduce your pain and give you the best chance of a full recovery after an accident.