Auto Accident

An auto accident can happen when you least expect it.  Fortunately, we are here to help.  An auto accident can leave you shaken, sore, and scared.  Rest assured that the health professionals at York Rehab have the expertise to deal with the injuries and the experience to navigate the insurance paperwork, leaving you free to get on with the business of healing.

Whiplash is the most common injury we see after an auto accident, but we also treat a variety of other injuries, including sprains, strains and fractures of other body parts.  Contusions from the steering wheel, airbag or dashboard are also common auto accident injuries.  All of these conditions respond well to physiotherapy, resulting in full and complete recovery in most cases.

AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY – HELPING YOU HEAL
Following an auto accident, it is important to stay as active as you can, as the human body heals best when you keep it moving.   Frequent, short rests are helpful, but prolonged rest usually does more harm than good.  Often people are afraid to move because of pain, or don’t know how much activity is the right amount. Just because a movement is painful does not necessarily mean it is harmful.  This is why it is so important to see a physiotherapist who can guide and help you through this process.

In the early stages following the auto accident, treatment is aimed at reducing pain and swelling.  Your physiotherapist may suggest modalities such as heat, ice, acupuncture or ultrasound to help with this process.   It is also important to prevent stiffness at this early stage, because stiffness can lead to more pain later on.  This is why we usually prescribe gentle exercises, joint mobilization or massage.   These treatment techniques are gentle and within your comfort zone.

As the tissues heal, your physiotherapist will likely progress your treatment program to include more advanced exercises or manual therapy techniques aimed at helping you recover full mobility and return to all your normal activities.

Depending on the severity of the injuries, most people are back to their usual activity level within a few weeks or a few months following the auto accident.

For more information on starting treatment following an auto accident, visit answers to common questions after an auto accident.