Car accidents are sadly quite common, and the average person can expect to be in at least one car accident during their lifetime.
It’s an unfortunately common occurrence that often leads to serious injuries, including broken bones, burns, head and neck trauma, and emotional distress.
Many people do not take the proper precautions to reduce their chances of getting into a car accident like wearing a seatbelt or driving within the speed limit – making it all too easy for these tragic events to happen.
There is a point following the accident when a person will want to get active and start the recovery process after being in a collision.
So when is it safe to start being active again? It all depends on the severity of the injuries sustained in the accident. Each body is different, and all injuries and pain are different meaning that the recovery process is going to be unique to each person, but we can help you in your decision on when it is safe to return to normal physical activities, such as exercise.
After being in a motor vehicle accident, it’s important to begin taking steps toward recovery – and one of the best things you can do is to start exercising. Working out can help your body regain strength and flexibility, reduce pain and stiffness, improve circulation, and even promote better mental health.
It’s important for those recovering from an accident to get the right kind of exercise that focuses on balance, posture, coordination, breathing exercises, and stretching – all of which will help optimize their healing journey.
We recommend you start the process of exercising and recovery as soon as it is safe to do so, and we hope that this blog will help you with understanding when to start exercising again, some of the things you can do to help you stay active following an accident, and the types of exercises to avoid as you begin to bounce back after the accident.
So, how do you get back to exercising after a motor vehicle accident?
The first step is to fully comprehend the stages of tissue recovery following an injury… This is significant since most people resume exercising when still in the inflammatory phase of healing, which can be damaging to their recovery time and create chronic illnesses later on.
Swelling could occur when you are injured or are in a motor vehicle accident. Swelling is a sign of inflammation and we advise that you do not begin working out or exercising when you do have active swelling. If you come into the clinic, a physical therapist can give you suggestion on how to deal with swelling and inflammation while giving treatment plans to help reduce the recovery time of the problem area.
Keep an eye on your injuries throughout the process to detect any flare-ups. Just because you used to exercise at a specific level before your injury, it does not mean you should try to push yourself to the same intensity immediately following the injury. Instead, begin with a simple, comfortable workout and gradually increase the intensity as you grow.
While you should expect to feel some discomfort during exercise, it should not be excruciating. Understand the distinction between “the burn” and pain. If you have any questions about the difference between the two, consult with your personal trainer or physical therapist.
Feeling a tiny burn during your workout can help you make progress in your recovery path, but exercising in discomfort will stymie that development.
Before any workout or physical activity, it’s essential to stretch your body. This warms up the muscles and gets the blood flowing. Stretching can also prevent injuries from occurring in the future as well as help restore your body’s natural range of motion.
Nonetheless, following a car accident make sure not to stretch within three days after; this is because stretching during that time may put extra strain on already injured areas while they are healing. Taking a break will ensure that you don’t accidentally cause more harm than good!
Although resting looks to be the greatest approach to healing after an accident, moving and exercising may be the most efficient strategy to speed up healing. People who have been injured in a vehicle accident must find ways to relieve discomfort while recovering flexibility and strength. Strengthening workouts are the best approach to do this.
Exercising after a motor vehicle accident can be challenging, but is important for aiding recovery. It is recommended to start with light exercises such as stretching, range of motion exercises and bodyweight activities like squats and push-ups.
Core stability exercises are also beneficial, as they help to support the spine in recovering from the trauma it has sustained.
Low impact activities such as swimming and cycling can also be helpful in the rehabilitation process. It is important to progress gradually and not push yourself too hard, as this could result in further injury.
If at any point during exercise you experience pain or discomfort, it is recommended to stop immediately and consult with a doctor for advice on the best next steps for recovery
Still have back, neck, or shoulder pain after a motor vehicle accident?
If you want to keep active, spend your weekends hiking or playing sports with your family, and prevent aches and pains without relying on pain pills after a car accident, arrange a free accident injury screening.
We’ve worked with many patients that are experiencing pain after an accident, and through Physical Therapy and Massage Therapy we have been able to alleviate or eliminate pain experienced after a motor vehicle collision.
To find out how our rehabilitative experts utilize a variety of physical therapy techniques that can help you overcome your pain and stay active, schedule a time to come see us by completing our online contact form in under 30 seconds or call our friendly team on (425) 252-3908.
Unsure whether we are right for you?
We understand that you may not have visited a Physical Therapy clinic before and be unsure whether it’s going to help you after suffering an injury in a motor vehicle accident. That is why we invite you to come in for a free free accident injury screening.
Arrange A Free Accident Injury Screening at one of our five locations (Bellevue, Everett, Factoria, Kirkland and Lake Stevens) today!
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