Anyone who has been involved in a motor vehicle accident knows that it can be a traumatic, life-changing event. Whether the injuries suffered are minor or major, the accident in and of itself can wreak havoc on a person both physically and mentally. Injuries sustained can be grounds for individuals missing work, foregoing activities they would once partake in, spending time with loved ones, and dealing with a great deal of pain. Ergo, it’s imperative to treat injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents as soon as possible to prevent these instances from occurring.
Physiotherapy can help treat in the rehabilitation process of injuries sustained from motor vehicle accidents. If you have been involved in a MVA and are looking to get back on track as soon as possible, our Richmond Hill physiotherapy clinic can aid you in doing just that.
What injuries are typically correlated with motor vehicle accidents?
Injuries associated with motor vehicle accidents can range from minor to critical depending on the safety of the vehicle, the use of a seat belt, the speed at the time of impact, where the vehicle sustained the most impact, and how the occupants were seated at the time of impact.
Typical injuries sustained from MVAs that physiotherapy can aid with include;
- Whiplash
- Concussions
- Strains/Sprains
- Head, neck, backaches
- Fractures
- Muscle ailments
These injuries are, more often than not, seen in those who have been in a motor vehicle accident. Aside from injuries causing contusions and bleeding, injuries to the muscles and bones are among the most commonly seen.
How can physiotherapy aid in the recovery from injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident?
There is a wide array of treatment methods physiotherapists utilize in speeding up your recovery process. Physiotherapy is typically used to treat minor to moderate injuries and in some cases, severe injuries – after appropriate life-saving care is administered. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care go hand in hand when it comes to injuries that have caused damage to muscles, tendons, and joints. The type of treatment recommended depends on the severity of an injury, the sensitivity of the affected area, and the injured area itself. Physiotherapy can help loosen and relax muscles that have been strained or sprained, alleviate headaches derived from injuries (typically from head and/or neck injuries), relieve pain caused by stiff or damaged muscles, joints, and tendons, and improve motor skills that may have been impaired.
What are common methods utilized by physiotherapists for those who have been involved in a MVA?
There are a plethora of methods physiotherapists utilize – depending on the injury, they may only utilize one or choose to use a mix, cohesively.
Massage therapy – massage therapy works to alleviate any stress put on the muscles which can be significant post-accident. Often times, when a person is in a MVA, their body tenses up as a defense mechanism. Even if the injuries obtained are minor, the act of tensing the muscles through impact can cause strains/sprains and but a high level of stress on them. Massage therapy can work to loosen and relax the muscles. Massage therapy can also aid with symptoms obtained from injuries such as; headaches, nausea, acute pain, and loss of sleep.
Acupuncture – acupuncture is the act of placing sterile needles into various parts of the body, often times, the muscle trigger points. Acupuncture has a surplus of benefits and works to relax the muscles and reduce pain. Albeit, the thought of a surfeit of needles entering one’s body doesn’t sound pleasant, most patients report no pain throughout the process. Acupuncture focuses highly on the muscles which is one of the most commonly affected realms in motor vehicle accidents.
Active exercise – albeit, exercising may be the last thing on peoples mind post-MVA, it can actually provide an abundance of benefits. With moderate to severe injuries, there is a higher chance for loss of function, lowered range of motion, and loss of flexibility. This is typically caused by lack of movement thereafter the accident and the tense state of the body. With active exercise, physiotherapists will work with you to improve and regain any flexibility, motion, or strength that has been lost as a result of the MVA accident. Active exercise promotes tissue healing and can help ensure that any lasting pain is nominal.
Chiropractics – although outside of the scope of physiotherapy, chiropractic care can work cohesively alongside physiotherapy efforts in order to aid in one’s recovery. Chiropractics is typically utilized when one obtains a neck or back injury as a result of a MVA. The goal of chiropractic is to open up joints, increase their flexibility, and align their structure. Typically methods utilized by chiropractors include; adjustments, heat-therapy, and deep-tissue massages. Chiropractic care can also aid with symptoms obtained from the injury including; migraines, muscle tension, chronic pain, loss of range-of-motion, and WAD (whiplash associative disorder).
What are the ramifications of leaving an injury untreated post motor vehicle accident?
Whilst most people who sustain serious injuries are taken to the hospital right away, those who sustain minor to moderate injuries may not see just cause for treating their injuries. Regardless of the severity of pain, any injury sustained from a MVA should be checked out by a medical professional. Leaving an injury uncared for, big or small, can lead to; chronic pain, lasting symptoms, heightened chance of re-injuring said area, and decreased range-of-motion. Receiving the proper treatment can help ensure the affected areas have a chance to heal and strengthen.
Have you been injured in a motor vehicle accident? Our team of professional and knowledgeable physiotherapists and chiropractors can help you get back on track. Contact us today!
