Car accidents, even minor ones, can be traumatic, both physically and emotionally. In the immediate aftermath of a sudden collision or fender bender, your adrenaline kicks in and masks the pain of any injuries. Often, it’s not until days or even weeks later that the physical effects of the accident become apparent, but by that time, the injuries may have worsened, leading to prolonged recovery times or chronic issues.
Many people are unaware that in Kitchener, drivers involved in any type of motor vehicle accident can immediately start physiotherapy; there is no obligation to wait for authorization from your insurance provider. What’s more, you choose your own physiotherapy provider so you can get the care that works best for your recovery. The most important thing to remember, however, is to always seek treatment right away. Even if you don’t feel injured following the accident, it doesn’t mean there isn’t underlying damage that could cause complications later on.
Why It’s Highly Recommended to Visit a Physiotherapist After Any Type of MVA
The no-fault insurance model in Kitchener means that your auto insurance coverage will provide all the care you need in the aftermath of a car accident — and there’s no need to wait. The first 48 hours after a collision are some of the most important. During this time, your body may develop stiffness, swelling, or inflammation, which can worsen without immediate intervention. Early physiotherapy can help address these symptoms and potentially prevent long-term complications.
Types of Car Accident Injuries That Physiotherapy Can Help Treat
Whiplash
One of the most common injuries after a motor vehicle accident is whiplash. It doesn’t take a major impact to be affected, nor do the symptoms always appear right away. Whiplash is a condition where the neck is forced beyond its normal range of motion, straining or damaging soft tissues like muscles and ligaments. People suffering from whiplash often experience neck pain, stiffness, and mobility issues which can make even regular day-to-day activities extremely challenging.
Unlike other types of soft tissue injuries, the symptoms of whiplash can worsen the longer treatment is delayed, leading to chronic pain and limited mobility, and possibly even the inability to return to work or participate in activities you enjoy.
Physiotherapy helps to alleviate pain, restore range of motion, and strengthen the affected muscles, promoting faster recovery and reducing the risk of long-term issues.
Concussion
Traumatic head injuries are a major concern after any type of car accident or collision. Mild head injuries like concussions can occur in this type of situation due to the sudden jolt or rapid movement of the head and neck — there doesn’t have to be a direct impact to get a concussion, nor will everyone lose consciousness.
Treating a potential concussion first requires proper diagnosis and then time to rest and allow the brain to begin to heal. With a concussion, many people will experience headaches, dizziness, memory issues, and sensitivity to light or sound, but the signs can look different for different people, and they may not show up right away.
While mild concussions will often heal on their own, physiotherapy can play a crucial role in managing lingering symptoms and helping to expedite your recovery.
Herniated Disc
Anyone who has ever had to live with a herniated disc understands how painful and debilitating the condition can be. Disc herniation occurs when the soft, gel-like center of a spinal disc pushes through its tougher exterior pressing on nearby nerves. People with a herniated disc often suffer from sharp pain or numbness which can make even simple everyday movements difficult. Unfortunately, this injury is common in car accidents due to the sudden impact and force exerted on the spine.
Physiotherapy is highly effective in treating herniated discs by focusing on pain management and strengthening the muscles that support the spine. With regular guided exercises and stretches, a physiotherapist in Kitchener can help reduce pressure on the affected disc and restore mobility.