Car accidents are more common than most people imagine. On average, 165,000 people are injured in a car accident every year in Canada.
The most common injuries that occur from car accidents are whiplash, muscular strains or ligament sprains in the neck, shoulder and back. If you are suffering from one of these injuries, it’s important that you seek medical attention quickly.
In some cases, an injury is fairly obvious -you may have swelling, deep bruising, or muscle and joint pain. However, this isn’t always the case, and some injuries can take weeks or months to appear.
You may experience fatigue, reduced range of motion, headaches, and stiffness after a car accident as well as difficulty doing your normal activities.
The Most Common Injuries Sustained After an MVA:
- Neck and upper back pain, Whiplash Associated Disorder (WAD)
- Headaches due to neck injury or a concussion
- Concussion
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Shoulder pain
- TMJ pain
- Low back pain
- Fractures
- Arm and leg injuries
- Chest and rib injuries
- Herniated discs
What To Do After a Motor Vehicle Accident:
The hours and days following an MVA can be difficult . Not only may you be dealing with the injuries from the accident, but you also have to navigate an unfamiliar and confusing insurance and treatment system in order to access the care that you need.
- Obtain medical treatment as soon as possible (especially if you have a head injury or blunt force trauma) in order to have a proper record of your symptoms and and diagnosis. This will be important for future medical treatment and insurance or legal claims.
- Contact your insurance agency as quickly as possible and report the accident. This is important as it provides a documentation of the accident and guarantees that you will be able to receive treatment for any injuries you suffered.
- Call Maplecare Physiotherapy and book an assessment. Your injuries may cause long-term pain for years to come if not properly and promptly treated. Physiotherapy will help to relieve discomfort and recover from injuries more quickly. It can help with the healing process and can help prevent long-term effects from the injury. Physiotherapy can not only help with treatment of your symptoms, but also with the complicated and stressful insurance claims process.
You do not need a doctor’s referral to be assessed and treated at Maplecare Physiotherapy. In most cases physiotherapy treatments are directly paid for by your insurance company. You are NOT required to go to the physiotherapist that your insurance company suggests.
Physiotherapy After an MVA:
After a car accident, you may experience pain, reduced range of motion, headaches, or stiffness. Immediately after the accident you may need to rest and apply ice to the affected body part.
But, while rest is essential for muscles and tissues that have damage, you do not want to be completely immobile. Studies show that this lack of movement can actually hinder your recovery process. Your physiotherapist will guide you through this.
Physiotherapy treatment may include:
- manual therapy
- electrical modalities
- ultrasound
- acupuncture
- massage
- myofascial release
- ice, heat
- bracing or taping
- a personalized active exercise program to increase range of movement, strength, stability
- concussion exercises
- education
