People suffering from a car accident often deal with many problems due to sustained injuries. Most common car accident injuries include back and neck soreness, whiplash, head trauma, limited range of motion, just to name a few. These injuries may cause chronic or acute pain, as well as headaches and other conditions. Dealing with them can be quite overwhelming and stressful.
So, below are some of the ways an individual can soothe the pain after a car accident.
Physical therapy
Physical therapists can assist the injury healing process from the initial diagnosis up until the final stages of recovery. A licensed physical therapist uses techniques that will help soothe the pain that the patient experiences. Some of those techniques include massage, exercise routines, or red light therapy. Car accident victims usually experience long-term symptoms, so it would be best to start with physical therapy right away.
If you experience pain after car accident injuries, don’t hesitate to look for a licensed therapist that can help you stretch your muscles, helping you relieve the pain and strengthen your body. A continuous rehabilitation process helps the patient deal with the pain and prevent injuries that can cause complicated symptoms later on. Physical therapists are trained to help you regain motion and use of your body.
Massage therapy
If you prefer a more natural way of healing, massage therapy is a great way to relieve pain and encourage recovery in your muscles. There are many techniques including general massage, deep tissues, massage, aromatherapy, or stone therapy. Since the muscles are deep within the body, a deep tissue massage can help you reach those muscles and will help you relax.
There are plenty of benefits from massage therapy from flexibility and relaxation to better circulation and less inflammation. This type of therapy is not only seen as a luxurious way to pamper yourself but a great relaxing way to deal with pain from injuries due to a car accident. Along with physical health, it also helps deal with mental health which is important for people that suffer from such a trauma.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Chinese technique used to treat pain and it involves the insertion of thin needles through the skin at precise parts of the body. Many practitioners view acupuncture as something that stimulates muscles, nerves, and connects tissue. This technique is also used to treat other conditions like chemotherapy, headaches, menstrual cramps, and many more.
It has plenty of benefits from reducing inflammation and pain to relaxation and helping with fewer muscle spasms. If you consider doing this technique consult with your doctor and make sure you find a certified acupuncture practitioner that uses sterile needles to avoid any side effects. Some of the common side effects include minor bleeding or bruising, and soreness where the needles were inserted.
Exercise
Doing exercises like stretching and yoga can help you relax the stiffness in your muscles caused by stress from the accident. Having been in a car accident is stressful as it is and if you experience severe pain due to that, it can do a number on your mental health as well. Getting pain care soon after the accident is crucial and don’t forget to take control of your body’s responses to the pain as much as possible.
Deep breathing and meditation are very helpful in reducing post-accident stress and trauma. Doing yoga can give your muscles the oxygen they need to function well. These techniques will help your body to relax and promote healing. Note that continuing with Yoga can help you stay in shape and also have a more relaxed mind.
Psychological therapy
Many people dealing with physical pain underestimate the power that mental health issues can have on our well-being. The trauma from a car accident isn’t just physical pain but it can have deep psychological effects on the human mind. Some of the most common mental health issues caused by a car accident include anxiety, depression, and PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).
According to APA (American Psychological Association), car accidents are a leading cause of PTSD. These disorders can shatter the victim’s emotional state and interfere with their daily life. Side effects include anger management issues, loneliness, and even suicidal thoughts. Anxiety can develop into phobias and panic attacks, and depression can lead to regular fatigue, insomnia, and other conditions.
In closing
Dealing with pain after a car accident can never be easy, but if you know the right methods it can make your life easier and it can help you recover faster. Psychological and physical therapy are essential in overcoming trauma. Try out different techniques and see what suits you best to be on your way to a speedy recovery.