MVA/Car Accident Physiotherapy Treatment in CF Shops at Don Mills
Our Physiotherapists in Toronto treat a wide variety of injuries as a result of Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA). Car accident injuries commonly include whiplash injuries to neck and back as well as shoulder, hip and knee traumas. Fortunately, only a small percentage of motor vehicle accidents result in more serious injuries such as fractures, head injuries or spinal cord injuries.
Soft tissue heals faster and stronger through mobility. This makes physical rehabilitation a key component of treatment after a car accident.
TABLE OF CONTENT
Click links below to learn more about treatment options after a car accident:
- What type of injuries are common in a car accident?
- Why is physiotherapy important after a car accident?
- How do I start physiotherapy after a car accident?
- Who pays for physiotherapy after a car accident?
- What does therapy usually consist of after a car accident?
- What type of therapy or goods and services am I entitled to?
- Do I need to have a doctor referral to start my therapy?
- Do I have to contact my insurance provider before starting therapy?
What type of injuries are common in a car accident?
Motor Vehicle Accident (MVA) related injuries are the ones that are caused as the result of car accidents. These injuries not only happen as the result of direct impact but sometimes, although there is no direct impact acceleration/deceleration of the body caused injuries to muscles, ligaments, and tendons.
These injuries can happen to any parts of the body and commonly cause conditions such as whiplash and low back sprain/strains. Some of the major injuries caused as a result of motor vehicle accidents include the following:
Whiplash: The most common injury affecting muscles and ligaments of neck & upper back
Mid & Low back injuries: 2nd most common injury sustained in car accidents
Headaches: Commonly experienced along with a whiplash injury
Rotator cuff injuries: Very common in minor injuries due to the position of body & seat belt
Knee pain: Usually due to a forceful thrust upon the dashboard
Fractures: Commonly seen in elderly due to osteoporosis or in more impactful accidents
Concussion: Could happen with a direct impact or due to acceleration of the brain within the skull
Neurological system injuries: Causing conditions such as Sciatica
Dizziness: Many accidents cause an impact affecting the vestibular (inner ear) system. Dizziness can also be associated with neck muscle injuries
TMJ disorders: Because of the close relationship between neck and face muscles, TMJ dysfunctions are commonly associated with whiplash
The seriousness of these injuries depends on the strength of the impact and the places injured. Most of the people would experience instant pain in the affected area and will need immediate help.
Why is physiotherapy important after a car accident?
The goal of treating patients after an accident is to reduce pain, increase strength, balance, and mobility. The ultimate goal is to help patients to get back to their daily lives, work, and social activities. Whiplash related pain can begin in a few hours and sometimes after a few days. Early intervention helps with reduced pain and reduces the amount of time away from work. It also encourages mobility and provides reassurance by educating patients on how to best manage symptoms and prevent chronic pain conditions.
When to start physiotherapy after a car accident?
It is advisable to start physiotherapy as soon as possible after the car accident to promote tissue healing. Delaying treatment will not be advisable unless there are areas of concern in which case a visit to primary care practitioner, family physicians or ER is advisable.
How do I start physiotherapy after a car accident?
Your treatment will start with an assessment by one of our physiotherapists or chiropractors. After the assessment is completed, a treatment plan will be discussed with you. Typically, for common injuries such as whiplash and back pain, we suggest a combination of physiotherapy, massage therapy, and rehabilitation. You may need chiropractic and/or acupuncture depending on the extent of your injuries.
Your physiotherapist or chiropractor will then complete the required forms outlining the injuries and treatment plan and we will send these forms to your insurance provider to obtain approval for your treatment. Our office staff is well versed and equipped to help address any questions or concerns you have.
Physiotherapy after a car accident by Physiomobility
A patient-centered physiotherapy program for an accident related injury is delivered by our team of physiotherapists, Kinesiologist, massage therapist and chiropractors. In the event of patients suffering from psychological complications such as sleep disturbance, anxiety or fear of driving, our psychologist and psychotherapist may also be involved.
The treatment of motor vehicle accident injuries depends on the area affected. Minor injuries usually recover with rest and simple stretching. However, in more severe injuries such as whiplash or bulging disk or major neurological or orthopedic conditions, a course of physiotherapy and rehabilitation is necessary. A physiotherapist will devise a treatment and rehabilitation plan which includes pain management, massages, and exercises to speed up the healing process and prevent developing chronic pain conditions. A gradual return to work and sport will be included in the plan.
Who pays for physiotherapy after a car accident?
Once a claim is approved, the cost of therapy will be paid by your motor vehicle insurance provider. If there is a private or employee health plan available, all invoices are required to be sent to those parties and MVA insurance will pay the balance.
Physiomobility is licensed by FSCO (Financial Services Commission of Ontario) to provide treatments for injuries related to Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA) and directly bill the insurance companies.
