In 2021, there were more than 100,000 diagnosed injuries caused by car accidents. While we all do our best to stay safe on the road, accidents still happen. Injuries from a car accident may affect you a little bit or a lot. The effects may last a few days or be more ongoing. To help with your recovery it is important to get Physiotherapy after a Car Accident.
Seeking treatment as soon as possible is important to ensure that these symptoms do not cause chronic pain. Left untreated, the injuries from car accidents may hold you back in life. They may prevent you from living life to the fullest and enjoying your usual activities. With the right care provided at the right time, you can address these issues before they become more severe.
Physiotherapy is an accessible, non-invasive, and flexible treatment approach. Physiotherapy can be used to treat a huge range of common injuries caused by car accidents.
What Car Accident Injuries Can Physiotherapy Help With?
Perhaps the most common injury caused by car accidents is whiplash. Whiplash occurs when your neck is forced to extend past its usual limits.
This can cause:
- Pain and tension in the head, neck, and shoulders
- Stiffness in the neck
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Blurry vision
- Fatigue
- Numbness in other parts of the body
Besides whiplash, physiotherapy can treat soft tissue injuries in other parts of the body, such as the knees, shoulders, or wrists. Your physiotherapist may recommend other complementary treatment such as massage or acupuncture treatment.
Physiotherapy’s effectiveness can depend on timing. Physiotherapy can help you heal from your injuries much more quickly. The effects of physiotherapy can be less effective if you wait to begin treatment after your accident. Here are the top reasons to see a physiotherapist as soon as possible after a car accident:
Get a Diagnosis and the Support You Need
Physiotherapists are often able to provide patients with a diagnosis within the first session. This offers invaluable insight to you on your options for treatment. From here, the physiotherapist can also offer the support you need to begin your recovery. Your Physiotherapist is a Primary Care Provider. This means your physiotherapist can complete the paperwork required by your insurer to start the injury claim. Do not delay treatment waiting to see your doctor or waiting for your insurance company.
Reduce Your Recovery Time
Starting physio right away can dramatically reduce the time it will take you to recover. When you work with a physiotherapist, you’ll get a treatment plan to help you recover as quickly and efficiently.
When started early, physiotherapy can sometimes help you avoid more serious treatments, such as surgery, later on. By starting physiotherapy treatment quickly, you’ll have less scar tissue build-up and a better chance of a full recovery. Prompt physio treatment can also negate the need for strong prescriptions to deal with the pain.
Get Pain Relief
Physiotherapy has huge long-term benefits for injures from a car accident. Physiotherapy can provide quick relief as well. If you’re dealing with pain in your neck, back, head, or elsewhere, physiotherapy can provide some much-needed relief from pain. Don’t endure days, weeks, or months of pain after your accident—get the help you need right away.
Avoid Long-Term Damage
The last (and arguably most important) benefit of physiotherapy is its ability to prevent long-term damage overall. As we mentioned before, many of these injuries may not heal efficiently on their own. In some cases, this can lead to more and more issues as your body tries to compensate. Physiotherapy breaks this cycle early and helps you get back to feeling your best again.
Working With PhysioWorks After a Car Accident – FAQs
Still confused about the process of getting physiotherapy after a car accident? Here are the answers to some of our most commonly asked questions:
Q: Is there a fee?
A: If you are injured in an automobile accident in Alberta, you are entitled to medical care. This coverage is regardless of whether you were at fault for the accident. The benefits you receive depend on the type of injury you have. For whiplash injuries, coverage (Protocol) is automatic. This covers a specific number of visits and is billed directly to your insurance company. For all other injuries, or whiplash injuries that go over the specified number of visits, coverage called Section B applies. For Section B coverage, you do need to exhaust your extended health care first. In most cases, we will bill your insurance company directly for Section B visits.
Q: Do I need a claim number to get physio?
A: We can commence your claim with a Policy number. Your physiotherapist will complete the form required to start the claim. Your insurance company will only pay for one assessment and one AB2.
Q: Do I need a doctor’s note to get physio after a car accident?
A: You can attend physiotherapy without a referral. Your physiotherapist may recommend you see a doctor to discuss medication or if further medical investigation is required.
Q: How do I get started with physiotherapy after a car accident? A: Contact us today. We can discuss your options for recovery now! Let us help you get your claim started and get you on the road to recovery.
