Recovering from a Car Accident? Here’s What to Expect During Auto Injury Rehab

You’ve Been in a Car Accident — Now What?

Even a “minor” car accident can leave you with lingering pain, reduced mobility, and a long road to recovery. Whether you walked away with whiplash, back pain, or just feel “off,” it’s essential to take your healing seriously. At Emery Physical Therapy, we specialize in auto injury rehab designed to relieve pain, restore function, and help you return to the life you love.

In this guide, we’ll break down what to expect during car accident rehab, common injuries we treat, and how physical therapy can support your long-term recovery.

Why Physical Therapy After a Car Accident Is So Important

Many people feel sore or stiff in the days following a crash and assume it will go away on its own. However, untreated injuries—especially to the neck, spine, and soft tissues—can become chronic and severely limit your daily activities.

Auto injury rehab with a licensed physical therapist can help:

• Reduce inflammation and pain

• Restore mobility and strength

• Prevent long-term complications

• Improve posture and body mechanics

• Support a faster, more complete recovery

And most importantly, early intervention can prevent small injuries from turning into lifelong problems.

Common Car Accident Injuries We Treat

At Emery Physical Therapy, we treat a wide range of auto-related injuries. The most common include:

🚗 Whiplash

Caused by a rapid back-and-forth movement of the neck, whiplash is one of the most common injuries after a rear-end collision. Symptoms include neck stiffness, headaches, and shoulder or upper back pain.

🚗 Back Pain and Disc Injuries

The impact of a crash can compress or strain spinal discs and muscles. You might experience sciatica, low back pain, or reduced range of motion.

🚗 Shoulder, Knee, and Joint Injuries

Seatbelts can strain the shoulder joint, while impact or bracing for a crash may injure the knees, wrists, or elbows.

🚗 Soft Tissue Injuries

These include muscle strains, ligament sprains, and bruising, which can restrict movement and cause persistent discomfort.

What to Expect During Your Auto Injury Rehab

At Emery Physical Therapy, your recovery plan is tailored specifically to your injuries, lifestyle, and goals. Here’s what you can typically expect:

1. Initial Evaluation

Your first visit includes a comprehensive assessment of your:

• Range of motion

• Posture and body mechanics

• Strength and flexibility

• Pain levels and areas of tenderness

• Balance and coordination

We also take a detailed history of your car accident, symptoms, and any imaging results you may have (X-rays, MRIs, etc.).

2. Personalized Treatment Plan

Your rehab plan is unique to you, but may include:

• Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to reduce muscle tension, improve joint mobility, and relieve pain.

• Therapeutic exercises: Customized routines to strengthen weak muscles, correct imbalances, and restore flexibility.

• Pain-relieving modalities: Ice, heat, electrical stimulation (e-stim), and ultrasound therapy can help manage acute pain.

• Postural training and ergonomics: Learn how to sit, stand, and move in ways that protect your body and reduce strain.

• Progress tracking and reassessment: We adjust your program as you improve to ensure you reach your recovery goals.

How Long Does Car Accident Rehab Take?

The length of car accident rehab varies based on the severity of your injuries and how soon you begin treatment. Mild injuries may resolve within a few weeks, while more complex issues may require several months of pain rehab.

What’s most important is consistency. Regular sessions and following your home exercise program can significantly improve your outcome.

Insurance and Legal Support

We understand the stress of dealing with insurance companies, attorneys, and medical bills. Our staff can assist with documentation for personal injury claims and ensure you get the care you need without unnecessary delays.

If your case involves a lawyer or third-party insurance claim, we’re happy to coordinate care and provide treatment notes as needed.

Don’t Ignore the Pain — Heal the Right Way

Even if you feel “okay” after a car accident, underlying injuries can take days or even weeks to show up. The sooner you begin auto injury rehab, the better your chances of a full, pain-free recovery.

At Emery Physical Therapy, we’re dedicated to helping you heal with expert, compassionate care. From the first evaluation to your last session, we’re with you every step of the way.