Motor vehicle accident rehabilitation is designed to help individuals recover from physical, emotional, and psychological injuries sustained in an accident. Its goal is to help individuals return to their normal daily activities as quickly and safely as possible.
The first step in MVA rehabilitation is a thorough evaluation of the individual’s injuries. This includes a full clinical history and physical exam with other assessments utilized or ordered as needed to determine the extent of the injuries and identify any underlying conditions that may have been exacerbated by the accident. Once the evaluation is complete, a treatment plan is developed that is tailored to the individual’s specific needs and goals.
There are many types of injuries that can result from motor vehicle accidents, some of which may be serious, but most of which tend to be relatively benign and respond well to care. After being involved in a motor vehicle accident, you should seek medical attention and follow through on an appropriate MVA rehabilitation program. These are the most common motor vehicle accident injuries that our clinic treats:
- Concussion is a functional injury of the brain that results from a sudden acceleration to the head. Common symptoms include headache, neck pain, dizziness, nausea, visual problems, balance problems, as well as cognitive and emotional symptoms. The best course of action following a concussion is early presentation to a qualified professional with concussion training who will guide you through a gradual return to everyday activities including work, school, sport, or exercise.
- Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are quickly jerked forward and backward. This causes pain, stiffness, and a restricted range of motion in the neck. It may also cause headaches, tingling, and numbness in the arms.
- Sprain/Strain injury is an injury to a ligament, which is the tissue that connects bones to one another. A strain is an injury to a muscle or tendon, which is the tissue that connects muscle to bone. Both sprains and strains can cause pain, swelling, and a limited range of motion.
- Spinal injuries such as herniated discs or a fractured vertebra can cause pain, numbness, tingling, and weakness.
- Bruises, also known as contusions, can cause pain, swelling, and discoloration in the affected area.
- Fractures are a break in the bone that can result in severe pain and limited movement depending on the type. The four types of fractures are simple, compound, incomplete, and complete.
Rebound Sport and Spine is a dedicated team of Chiropractors, Physiotherapists, and Kinesiologists with a common goal to provide the highest quality of injury care and preventive procedures.
Each of these healthcare professionals play a unique and vital role in the rehabilitation process following an MVA. For example, a Chiropractor may focus on increasing pain-free movement, a Physiotherapist may focus on increasing the functionality of this specific movement. A Kinesiologist may focus on strengthening overall movement and preventing future pain occurrence. The best approach to MVA rehabilitation is a multidisciplinary one where all the professionals work together to provide a tailored treatment plan for the individual needs of the patient. Together, all of these professionals function to help you move better and give you the tools to build confidence and resilience in movement.
Chiropractors use a variety of manual techniques to decrease pain and improve mobility, such as spinal manipulation and manual soft tissue therapy. They may also provide exercise and stretching to help individuals regain strength and flexibility. To alleviate pain and increase mobility, Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques, including exercise, manual therapy, and other soft tissue techniques such as cupping, and laser therapy. They also provide guidance and education about home exercise programs to assist individuals in their recovery. Kinesiologists can also assist individuals in improving their overall health and well-being by providing education and guidance on lifestyle changes, with a focus on personalized supervised exercise.
Recovery after an MVA is a process that requires ongoing support and guidance from a healthcare professional. If you are involved in an MVA, you may need to take the time to recover fully and receive the right support and care. The duration of MVA rehabilitation varies depending on the individual’s injuries and the severity of their condition. Some may be able to return to their normal daily activities within a few weeks, while others may require additional rehabilitation time. Give yourself the time and support you need to recover as fully as possible to return to a fruitful and active life.
A thorough and genuine personal commitment to healing is a strategy that will help you regain your freedom and physical ability. Let Rebound Sport and Spine help you – call us toll free at 1-778-771-3040.