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Why Physical Therapy Is Vital After Accidental Injury

May 27, 2019

Accidental injuries, such as car accidents, sports-related injuries, and other unplanned injuries can result in excruciating pain that can be crippling. Luckily, physical therapy is an effective treatment option that can drastically improve your quality of life and even help prevent major surgeries. Despite this type of therapy being used for several different conditions that range from carpal tunnel syndrome to neurological conditions such as traumatic brain injuries and stroke, accidental injury is one of the most common reasons for individuals to seek physical therapy.

Even though major injuries require the assistance of a qualified professional, minor accidental injuries can be treated at home by practicing relevant physical therapy exercises. However, this will require suitable equipment that can be purchased online from accredited retailers such as kempermedical. It is also a great idea to consult a therapist to guide you through suitable exercises to ensure that you are executing each movement correctly. Here are 5 reasons why physical therapy is crucial after an accidental injury.

1. Encourage Optimal Recovery

It is not uncommon for patients to be unaware of the seriousness of an accidental injury, especially in situations when a patient has whiplash after even a minor car accident. Whiplash can result in pain and stiffness of the shoulders, neck, and head. It can also cause loss of movement in the neck, chronic headaches and migraines, tingling and numbness, dizziness, fatigue, and even blurred vision. Other injuries that result from car accidents, such as back injuries can also be crippling to everyday life.

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By opting for physical therapy, you will be able to speed up the recovery period significantly and almost immediately alleviate pain. With routing exercise and general activity, your muscles will be able to strengthen and you will improve mobility and flexibility. This type of therapy does not require pain medications and it can effectively promote optimal recovery without any surgeries.

2. Prevent Potential Long-Term Damage

It does not just help patients alleviate immediate pain, but it can also prevent long-term damage, such as chronic pain and migraines. Because a large number of individuals are unaware of the seriousness of their injuries, they may only seek assistance with pain management long after the injury occurred. As a result, patients may develop complications. It is important to opt for therapy immediately after being any accidental injury to ensure optimal recovery and the prevention of long-term damage. It can undo damage long after an injury, although, it is most effective immediately after.

3. Physical Activity Can Effectively Reduce Pain

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Pain medication is often not a suitable treatment for accidental injuries because it can only block receptors and mask feelings of pain and discomfort, which eventually ware off. This means that the injury is in fact not healing at all. Physical therapy is an extremely effective method of pain management for injuries because physical activity helps to strengthen muscles and improve mobility, which will, in turn, heal the injury and effectively reduce pain instantly.

4. Avoid Surgery

Serious accidents are likely to require surgery as soon as possible, although, if the accident is not life-threatening, you can opt for physical therapy and effectively avoid surgery. However, patients that do not undergo it immediately after an injury may require minor surgery later on. Because relevant physical exercises can help strengthen fragile muscles, ligaments, and tendons, you will not need surgery, granted you begin therapy immediately.

5. Safe Treatment For Old Accidental Injuries

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As mentioned, it is always best to seek therapy immediately. However, this type of therapy is a great option for individuals who are suffering from old injuries. Patients are able to ideally manage their pain and strengthen muscles long after an injury with a commitment to routine physical therapy. In cases when the injury and relevant pain is mild, practicing exercises at home is a great idea to improve physical strength and flexibility.

Equipment Needed For Home Physical Therapy

Suitable equipment to practice physical therapy exercises at home will vary according to your specific injury, although, most items may appear similar to gym equipment. Items such as an exercise mat and an exercise ball are commonly used in several exercises to strengthen the neck, back, and legs. Resistance bands are required for strengthening of the arms, wrists, legs, and back. Additionally, injury specific equipment can also be purchased for optimal recoveries, such as hand therapy devices. It is completely safe and effective for treating injuries and numerous conditions, which makes it an ideal solution for everyone.

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