Physical Therapy Can Help Assess Client Injuries After a Motor Vehicle Accident
Motor vehicle accidents can be traumatic events, both physically and emotionally. Even low-speed collisions can lead to injuries that affect mobility, comfort, and quality of life. Emergency care and medical evaluations are often the first steps after an accident. Physical therapy is also an important component of identifying injuries resulting from a recent car accident and as part of the recovery plan.
Physical therapy evaluations after a motor vehicle accident are important to ensure that you begin treatment to ensure you make a swift recovery, even if you “feel fine” at first.
Learn how physical therapy helps after a car accident, what a physical therapy evaluation includes, common car accident injuries we treat, and why early intervention is critical. If you or your clients have recently been in an accident, physical therapy can be an essential step in assessing sustained injuries and ensuring your client is on the pathway to feeling better.
Common Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries Physical Therapists Can Assess
Car accidents can cause a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries. Often, these don’t fully reveal themselves for days or even weeks. We treat a wide array of musculoskeletal conditions and car accident injuries including but not limited to: traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, fractures and broken bones, back injuries, ankle and foot injuries, shoulder injuries, and more.
Why Physical Therapy Evaluations Are So Important After a Car Accident
It’s tempting to skip a physical therapy evaluation or postpone it if you don’t have severe pain. But musculoskeletal pain from motor vehicle accidents can be subtle, and early symptoms like stiffness, fatigue, or soreness are easy to ignore. The true concern with car accident injuries is the potential for an underlying injury that doesn’t immediately present itself or has a delayed onset of symptoms. Here’s why an evaluation matters:
1. Early Detection Prevents Long-Term Issues
An experienced physical therapist can detect movement impairments and soft tissue imbalances before they evolve into chronic pain conditions or mobility limitations.
2. Insurance Claims and Documentation
Many auto insurance and personal injury claims require proof of injury and treatment. A physical therapy assessment provides another piece of formal documentation of potential impairments.
3. Personalized Recovery Plans
Physical therapists specialize in functional movement and biomechanics. A physical therapist will tailor your recovery plan to your specific injuries, needs, lifestyle, and recovery goals.
4. Reduce Dependence on Medications
Through manual therapy, exercises, and muscular re-education, you’ll recover function, strength, and mobility without the risks of long-term use of painkillers or anti-inflammatories.
What to Expect During a Physical Therapy Evaluation After a Car Accident Injury
Your initial physical therapy evaluation after a motor vehicle accident will typically include:
- A full subjective interview to understand the mechanics of the accident, your current symptoms, and acontributing factors.
- A postural and biomechanical assessment, where we observe how you move and identify compensation patterns.
- Orthopedic tests to evaluate joint integrity, strength, and flexibility.
- Neurological screening if nerve pain, tingling, or numbness is present.
- A personalized plan of care that may include manual therapy, mobility exercises, strengthening, and patient education.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How soon after a car accident should I see a physical therapist?
Ideally, within the first 72 hours — but it’s never too late. Even if it’s been weeks or months since your accident, an evaluation can still help identify lingering issues.
Will my auto insurance cover physical therapy?
Everyone has different insurance options and benefits. If you have questions about what you may or may not be covered for under your auto insurance as part of the injury or your own personal healthcare insurance, you should contact your insurance providers to get a better understanding. We can assist in verifying your benefits when you schedule an appointment.
What if I feel fine now?
Many MVA-related injuries show delayed symptoms. A proactive assessment helps catch subtle dysfunctions early and reduce your risk of developing chronic pain.
Signs You Should See a Physical Therapist After a Car Accident
Not sure if you need a PT evaluation after a car accident? It’s always a good idea to get an evaluation from a qualified healthcare professional, in addition, here are some signs to look out for: neck pain, stiffness, headaches, limited range of motion, back pain, radiating leg pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, difficulty walking, or a general feeling that something isn’t right.
Schedule a Physical Therapy Evaluation After a Car Accident
Recovering from a recent car accident is more than just managing your pain — it’s about restoring your full function and preventing long-term complications. Physical therapy offers a non-invasive, effective path to recovery.
We specialize in treating patients recovering from car accidents with personalized care plans, hands-on treatments, and proven results. Don’t wait for minor discomfort to turn into chronic pain.
Schedule a physical therapy evaluation at a physical therapy clinic near you.