How physical therapy can help after a car wreck

You’ve been in a serious car wreck. Despite your injuries, you thought you’d be back on your feet by now — but you just aren’t progressing like you’d expected.

Physical therapy (PT) may be able to help. If you’re entirely unfamiliar with how it works or it’s been a while since you’ve seen a physical therapist, you may be surprised to learn that treatments have evolved significantly over the years. Physical therapists now specialize in treating different systems in the body.

Here are four types of physical therapists that can help you recover from your injuries:

Orthopedic physical therapists

This is the form of PT that most people recognize. It focuses primarily on your body’s musculoskeletal system and is particularly useful for whiplash injuries, knee injuries and other common injuries from car accidents.

Massage therapists

Massage therapy isn’t just for relaxation. It’s also used to help people with stubborn soft tissue injuries heal from the muscular damage they suffered in a wreck.

Cardiovascular therapists

A serious car accident can actually damage your heart and lungs — particularly if your ribs are injured by the seat belt or steering wheel. Cardiovascular therapy can help restore lung capacity and promote heart health after an accident.

Neurological physical therapy

Traumatic brain injuries are common in car wrecks — and the rapid intervention by a neurological physical therapist can help limit neurological damage. Early treatment can also help a victim regain control over their bodily functions when brain damage or spinal cord damage is involved.

If you suffered injuries in a serious car wreck, you may need extensive treatment — and that can be expensive. Find out how you can hold the other party responsible.