Physical Therapy In Omaha After A Car Accident Injury

No matter how severe your injury is, it is important to start physical therapy as soon as possible to bolster your chances of a complete recovery. Waiting to feel better can often lead to further injury and slowed healing down the road.  

Are you considering physical therapy as a treatment option for a car accident injury in Omaha or neighboring towns? If that's the case, Nebraska Accident and Injury Clinic's physical therapists would be delighted to assist you in determining the best treatment for your needs! For a free consultation, reach out to us today so that you can begin your journey to safe, sustainable pain management.

If you've been in a car accident, you may be wondering if you need physical therapy. Car accidents can cause various injuries, which may require physical therapy to heal properly. Here are some reasons why physical therapy may be a good idea after a car accident:   To help reduce pain and inflammation: 

• Help improve range of motion and mobility
• Physical therapy can help strengthen injured muscles and joints.
• Help improve balance and coordination.
• Speed up the healing process

Please keep reading to learn more about the common car accident injuries, how they impact your body and why physical therapy is the best solution. 

Any body part can be injured in a car accident, but here are some of the most common injuries reported.

Head and Neck Injuries  

Remember, always visit the emergency room for any head injury, even if it doesn't seem serious. A head injury can be serious, especially if there is internal bleeding. It is scary because most people don't know they have a head injury until it is too late.  

Whiplash - This is one of the most common injuries sustained in a car accident. It is caused when the head is whipped back and forth quickly. Symptoms of whiplash include:   

• Neck Pain 
• Headaches 
• Dizziness 
• Blurred Vision  

Concussion - Concussions are caused by a blow to the head that disrupts normal brain function. Symptoms of a concussion can include:  

• Headache 
• Dizziness 
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Amnesia 
• Slurred Speech  

Neurological Damage - Any type of head injury can cause damage to the nervous system. This can lead to movement, sensation, and even mental function problems.  Symptoms of neurological damage can include:  

• Weakness 
• Numbness 
• Tingling 
• Paralysis 
• Confusion 
• Loss Of Memory 
• Emotional Changes 

Spinal Cord Injuries  

The spinal cord is the main highway for communication between the brain and the body. An injury to the spinal cord can disrupt this communication leading to loss of function.  

Some common types of spinal cord injuries include:   

• Cervical injuries (injuries to the neck) 
• Thoracic injuries (injuries to the mid-back) 
• Lumbar injuries (injuries to the lower back)  

Symptoms of a spinal cord injury can include:   

• Loss of movement 
• Loss of sensation 
• Paralysis 

Back and Shoulder Injuries  

Sprains and Strains - These are common injuries that occur when ligaments or muscles are stretched or torn.  

Symptoms of a sprain or strain include:  

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Bruising 
• Muscle Weakness  

Dislocation - A dislocation occurs when a bone is forced out of its joint.   

Symptoms of dislocation include:  

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Deformity 
• Loss Of Range Of Motion  

Broken Bones - A broken bone is a common result of a car accident.   

Symptoms of a broken bone include:  

• Pain 
• Swelling 
• Bruising 
• Deformity 
• Loss Of Range Of Motion  

Spine and Disc Damage - This can occur when the spine is forced to twist or bend unnaturally. This can cause the discs between the vertebrae to rupture or herniate.   

Symptoms of spine and disc damage include:  

• Back Pain 
• Neck Pain 
• Pain That Radiates Down The Arm Or Leg 
• Loss Of Range Of Motion 

Chest and Abdominal Injuries

While they may not be the first injuries you think of, some issues can arise with your chest and abs.

Common chest injuries can include:  

• Bruising 
• Rib Fracture 
• Lung Injury 
• Heart Attack  

Abdominal injuries can include:  

• Ruptured Spleen 
• Liver Damage 
• Bowel Injury 
• Kidney Damage 

Once you have been diagnosed with a car accident injury, your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy. Here are some of the reasons why PT is the best option:  

• Safe alternative to pain medication - Pain medication can be addictive and lead to other health problems. Physical therapy is a safe alternative that can help you heal without drugs. 
• Helps you regain range of motion - One of the main goals of PT is to help you restore your range of motion. This is important because it will allow you to return to your normal activities. 
• Helps you regain strength - PT can help you recover the strength you lost due to the car accident. Doing so is important because it will help you stay independent. 
• Helps improve your balance - Car accidents can often cause problems with your balance. PT can help you improve your balance and prevent falls. 
• Helps with pain management - PT can help you manage your pain and prevent it from getting worse. 

There are many different types of physical therapy. The type of physical therapy you need will depend on the injuries you sustained in the car accident. Here are some common types of physical therapy:  

• Manual Therapy - Manual therapy is when the therapist uses their hands to massage the muscles and joints. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Therapeutic Exercises - Therapeutic exercises are exercises designed to help improve range of motion, mobility, and strength. 
• Acupuncture - Acupuncture is a type of therapy that uses needles to stimulate specific points on the body, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation. Exercise - Exercise is an important part of physical therapy for car accident injuries. It helps to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility. 
• Ultrasound - Ultrasound is a type of therapy that uses sound waves to help heal injured tissue. 
• Cryotherapy - Cryotherapy is the use of cold therapy to reduce inflammation and pain. 
• Physical therapy is a great way to treat car accident injuries. If you've been in a car accident, talk to your doctor about whether or not physical therapy is right for you.