Oftentimes car accidents are some of the scariest parts of a person’s life, and all they want to do is return to some semblance of normalcy. Now, every type of injury is different, but there is a general course of action to a full recovery after a car accident. Today, we share five steps to return to full health after a car crash.
Visit A Doctor
The first thing you should do after a car accident is visit an injury physician, even if symptoms are minor. Sometimes it takes a few days for symptoms to arise, and you won’t be able to treat your injuries unless you know exactly what you’re dealing with. Using a series of simple tests, your doctor will be able to pinpoint what areas of your body were affected by the crash.
Rehab
Once your doctor provides you with a diagnosis, they’ll begin to chart a recovery course. Sometimes all you need to do is rest and avoid using a certain part of your body, while other times you’ll need a much more rigorous course of rehab. In the event your doctor prescribes physical therapy or strengthening exercises, make it a point to complete each activity. Your body does a great job of healing itself, but you can give it an extra boost through therapy and exercise.
Mental Makeup
Sometimes physical injuries are the least of your concern after a car accident. A car accident can cause severe stress and PTSD, so you need to take time to evaluate your mental mindset. Follow the steps in the above link, and consider talking to a therapist or close friends about your accident. They can help support you during this difficult time.
Proper Wound Care
Some injuries require you to change your wrap or dressing at regular intervals. Ignoring these sterilization practices can lead to infection, so always change your dressing when advised or if it gets wet. Also, look for signs of a problem. Again, different injuries have different symptoms, but in general, if you see any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor:
- Redness
- Swelling
- Discharge
- Burning sensation
- Fever
Don’t Rush Back
A car accident can be very traumatizing for your body, and rest is almost always advised. The problem is that many people live very active lives, and they don’t want to take time away from school, work or sports. If you don’t give you body enough time to heal, you’re leaving yourself open for re-injury and it can take longer for the original injury to heal. Wait until you are cleared by a doctor to return to activity.
Car Crash Physical Therapy
At OrthoRehab Specialists, we have decades of experience helping patients recover from car crash injuries. We offer direct access to physical therapy so you can make an appointment with us even without a referral. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to set up your appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics.
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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