“Each day in the United States, approximately 9 people are killed and more than 1,000 injured in crashes that are reported to involve a distracted driver” according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. We find ourselves reading in the headlines that actress Helen Hunt was involved in an auto flip, comedian Kevin Hart suffered major injuries in a car crash, Tracy Morgan was in a fender bender, Tiger Woods, and so on, you name it, nobody can escape it.
Every year, these drivers are responsible for about 2.5 million car crashes. Over 1000 people are injured every day in crashes caused by distracted driving alone, leaving the injured to find the best relief for their “lighter” injuries, which are usually addressed by a Physical Therapist.
While car accident injuries can vary from person to person and from crash to crash, there are some fairly common ones. This article provides a general overview of common car accident injuries that pertain to our Physical & Occupational Therapy Outpatient Clinic.
The most common injuries we see at CardioFlex Physical Therapy Davie are:
Whiplash – A sudden movement of the head and neck (such as from a rear-end collision) can cause serious neck muscle and ligament damage. Whiplash injuries can differ from person to person, depending on the accident and the health of the person involved in it.
Injuries to the arms, legs, hands, and feet – Accidents involving pedestrians can see leg and foot damages, extremities are what we use to protect ourselves and the most vulnerable. After the doctor treats patients they usually are sent to physical therapy for rehabilitation.
Motorcyclists involved in car accidents can suffer significantly more serious and more numerous injuries. These can include broken bones, ligament damage such as a torn ACL, and hematoma, general fractures that require rehabilitation therapy.
Herniated Disk – Just like you can break a bone in a car crash, you can also suffer from a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when one or more vertebrae in your spine either rupture or shift out of place. A herniated disc can cause pain and complications. Physical Therapy will take care of these complications most of the time.
Knee Injuries – The sudden impact of a crash can cause your knees to strike the dashboard or other parts of your vehicle. That can cause pain to your ligaments and your kneecaps. You might need braces, crutches or surgery to rebuild your knee and correct for damage. Later, you will see a Physical Therapist. Read more on the most common Knee Injuries CardioFlex treats.
Shoulder injuries – Shoulder injuries can result from force absorption after bracing the hands against the steering wheel or dashboard in a motor vehicle crash. The shoulder locks in position and receives excessive force from the impact of the collision. Discover some of the Shoulder Injuries we treat.
Wrist and hand injuries – Distal radius fractures (broken wrists) are very common in car accidents. This type of injury may require surgery, depending on the severity of the fracture. Read more on Hand and Wrist Therapy.
About CardioFlex Physical therapy Davie Florida
CardioFlex’s Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. CardioFlex Physical Therapy Davie Fl is well prepared for any type of condition that may require physical or occupational therapy. Physical therapy contributes to major reductions in pain and significant gains in physical independence through the employment of effective, personalized treatments. Our Physical Therapists work with patients to develop calculated and tailored programs that progress patients from rest to mobile, and in most instances, pain-free activity.