Signs You Need Physical Therapy After A Car Accident
After a car accident, your focus is often on healing and figuring out what comes next. Experiencing pain, stiffness, or difficulty moving may mean you need physical therapy. Recognizing these signs is important not just for your recovery, but also for your insurance claim or potential personal injury case. Proper treatment documentation can strengthen your case and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Common Signs You May Need Physical Therapy
Persistent pain or limited mobility after an accident is a red flag. Key indicators include:
- Pain or stiffness in your neck, back, or joints
- Difficulty performing daily tasks like lifting, bending, or walking
- Frequent headaches
- Weakness or fatigue in muscles
- Reduced balance or coordination
These signs not only affect your health but can also impact your ability to work and maintain your normal routine. Documenting them with a physical therapist can support a personal injury claim.
Simple At-Home Tests to Identify Issues
While a professional evaluation is critical, these at-home checks can highlight areas of concern after an accident:
Range of Motion Test
Gently move your neck, shoulders, and back. If you experience pain, stiffness, or limited movement, it may indicate injuries like whiplash or soft tissue damage. Early therapy helps restore function and provides evidence for your case.
Strength and Grip Test
Try lifting a light object or squeezing your hands. Weakness or discomfort may point to nerve or muscle injury, which can be important to document for insurance or legal purposes.
Balance and Coordination Check
Stand on one leg or walk in a straight line. Difficulty balancing or coordinating may indicate injuries that need treatment and should be noted for your claim.
Functional Movement Test
Assess your ability to perform daily tasks like getting up from a chair, climbing stairs, or carrying groceries. Discomfort or limitation can support a claim for damages related to lost mobility or pain.
How Physical Therapy Supports Your Legal Case
Physical therapy serves two purposes after an accident: aiding your recovery and providing documentation of your injuries. Detailed records of your treatment, progress, and limitations can be used as evidence to support compensation claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Restoring range of motion and strength
- Reducing inflammation and pain
- Improving balance and daily function
- Preventing long-term complications that could affect quality of life
Reducing Pain Without Relying on Medication
Physical therapy can help you manage pain safely without over-relying on prescription drugs. Exercise, stretching, and manual therapy can reduce discomfort and demonstrate that you’re taking reasonable steps to recover, which is important in a legal context.
Regaining Mobility and Daily Function
Moving carefully under professional guidance helps restore joint and tissue function. Progress in therapy also provides measurable evidence of your injuries and recovery timeline, strengthening your case for fair compensation.
Preventing Surgery and Long-Term Injury
Physical therapy can sometimes help patients avoid surgery by improving strength and mobility. Even if surgery is needed, documentation of your therapy shows the steps taken to address injuries, which can support claims for future medical expenses.
How Long Physical Therapy Lasts
The length of treatment depends on your injuries. Minor injuries like mild whiplash may need 4–8 weeks of therapy, while more serious injuries may require several months. Consistency in attending sessions and following prescribed exercises can impact your recovery and the evidence you can present for your claim.
Next Steps After a Car Accident
If you notice pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility after a crash, schedule a consultation with a physical therapist promptly. Keeping detailed records of your treatment is critical for personal injury claims. Documenting your injuries, progress, and limitations can help ensure you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Call B’Ivory LaMarr to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options while securing the medical care you need for a full recovery.