Most people don’t anticipate a car accident when getting into their car. They likely expect every day to be like the one before, with the usual traffic and maybe a bit of road rage. However, forgetting to signal, running a stop sign, or the absent-mindedness of drivers around you can turn a dreary commute into a horrifying accident. You may need physical therapy after a car accident — but finding the right professional can be difficult.
According to Forbes, over 100,500 car accidents occurred on the streets of New York in 2022 alone, and 37,848 of those resulted in injuries or death. If, like the former, you’ve received injuries as a bicyclist, motorcyclist, pedestrian, or automobile driver, reach out to Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC. Below, we’ll explain what merits a qualified physical therapist and how to find them.
The Proper Training and Licenses
To practice as a physical therapist in the United States, one must follow the guidelines set by the American Physical Therapy Association. That includes taking part in prerequisites and programs that focus on the human body, like anatomy, pharmacology, and exercise physiology.
Areas of study may vary slightly between studying practitioners, depending on their specialty. For instance, a neurological PT pays closer attention to the nervous and spinal systems, while orthopedic physical therapists hone in on bones, ligaments, tissues, and muscles.
Afterward, the practitioner must pass an examination to receive a Physical Therapist Professional License and practice under an experienced PT. They must also meet state expectations to work in hospitals, private practices, and home healthcare organizations. The more credentials they have, the more likely you are to receive quality care during physical therapy in New York.
The Right Specialty
No two physical therapists are the same, meaning no two have the same qualifications to handle your ailments. Find out what type of therapy you need and research the different clinics around your area. For instance, if you need physical therapy after a car accident, find a practitioner with experience helping car accident victims rather than a sports injury PT who may have differing recovery tactics.
If possible, find an APTA Board-certified physical therapist since, according to APTA Specialist Certification, they’ll be one of over 30,000 uniquely certified specialists who have delved deeper into studies to transcend their practice and obtain recognition and leadership.
Building Healthy Relationships
If you were involved in a car accident, you have a specific set of ailments that your physical therapist needs to treat. The medical expert will spend the first session analyzing your symptoms and medical history, then perform an examination to understand your physical injuries and limitations.
The last thing you want is to see a different PT during each visit. So, ask about the treatment plan beforehand and whether you’ll work with the same professional throughout. If you are working with the same PT, meet with them to ensure you get along. They should also create a calming and encouraging environment so you feel safe and comfortable to discuss concerns and remain present during sessions.
Beneficial and Substantial Equipment
Now that you know who you’re working with, look closely at what you’ll be working with. Some offices contain very little equipment. Although not all car crash injuries require exercise bikes, treadmills, or even smaller tools like resistance bands and light dumbbells, a proper PT establishment should have them available. If they don’t, it reflects on the practice’s professionalism and negatively affects how they assist patients. Find out from your doctor what equipment would best help your situation and find a PT that offers the most up-to-date, state-of-the-art technologies.
Providing the Right Information
Not all of the tools you receive during physical therapy after a car accident include what you use in the establishment. The right PT offers valuable home exercise information that allows you to practice more often and shorten recovery time. This usually takes the form of worksheets explaining what muscles to stretch and how to do so safely, alongside how often to do it during the day for optimal results. Your PT may also provide virtual assistance with online videos and links to relevant programs. However, before leaving this information in your hands, the professional should guide you through these practices in person so you know what to do.
A Qualified Team Near You!
At Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, PLLC, we have an intimate team of three qualified doctors who provide 100% patient satisfaction. With extensive equipment and knowledge, we specialize in everything, from slip and falls to workers’ compensation injuries. For physical therapy after a car accident, call our New York team at (646) 737-6524!
We have top physical therapy techniques at three convenient locations. Reach out for help with car accident injuries today!
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection), and same-day appointments may be available.
The Importance of Post-Car Accident Physical Therapy
If you’re seeking physical therapy after a car accident, you want the most compassionate and reliable therapist you can find. As a top-rated physical therapist in New York, Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care provides effective therapy after a car crash. We help you heal faster without serious complications.
According to ValuePenguin, 43% of car accidents result in injuries. One study by Université de Lyon reports that 39% of whiplash victims are less satisfied with their overall health five years after the accident compared to people who never experienced whiplash. This highlights the importance of seeking physical therapy after your accident.
Even if you seek medical care right after the crash, many car accident injuries have a delayed onset. Scheduling an appointment soon after your incident greatly reduces the chance of long-term complications.
Physical Therapy Car Accident Treatments
When seeking physical therapy after a car accident, you may wonder what type of treatment the therapist will use to heal you. From a physical therapy perspective, car accident treatment usually consists of the following approaches.
Pain and Injury Management
The first step of physical therapy is managing your pain and ensuring you don’t make your injury worse. For more minor injuries, your therapist may suggest simple rest and pain management techniques like ice and over-the-counter medications. For more serious cases, they may prescribe a brace to prevent re-injury.
Healing and Restoration
Over the course of six to eight weeks (according to Colorado Health Clinic), your physical therapist will help you heal more quickly and completely from your injury than you could on your own. They’ll focus on stretches and exercises that oxygenate your muscles and help them recover while restoring the full range of motion.
Strength and Prevention
Your physical therapist will also work on strengthening your muscles to help prevent future injuries. Without the physical therapist’s help, you leave yourself vulnerable to hurting yourself from inadequately healing after the crash.
Access Qualified Physical Therapy Near You
Experiencing pain after a car crash is one of the universal signs you may benefit from physical therapy. At Quantum Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Care, you’ll love our bedside manner and our holistic approach to healing.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available. To schedule an appointment, call (646) 737-6524.
FAQs on Car Accident Physical Therapy
Below are some common FAQs on car accident physical therapy.
How long should I go to physical therapy after a car accident?
In most cases, you should go to physical therapy for six to eight weeks when dealing with soft tissue injuries and other mild ailments, according to Verywell Health. More serious or chronic conditions may last up to three months or longer, depending on the type of injury and progress rate.
How do I know if I need physical therapy?
You should get physical therapy after a car accident if you have immediate or slowly developing physical concerns following an accident. Some symptoms include weakness, limited range of motion, soreness, numbness, and fatigue, to name a few.
How long do PT sessions last?
Depending on the severity of your condition, you may have sessions that last between 30 to 60 minutes. Sessions may also occur two to three times each week, but as your PT monitors your progress, they’ll determine whether to increase or decrease these numbers.
What Happens If You Don’t Seek Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?
If you don’t seek physical therapy after your accident, you risk healing more slowly or experiencing long-term complications.
How Many Days Per Week Should You Do Physical Therapy?
You should do two or three sessions of physical therapy each week. Work with your physical therapist to determine the right schedule based on the severity of your injuries.
Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy?
Most insurance policies cover physical therapy after a car accident. If you’re unsure, reach out to your provider or insurance company for more information.