You’re Not Alone, Loss of Function After a Car Accident is More Common Than You Think

Dr. Tan Tran, DC • September 8, 2023
Car accidents are disruptive events, even to those who are fortunate enough to walk away without injuries. However, a majority of people do experience injuries after a car accident, and some can even interfere with their function. If you struggle with a loss of function after your car accident and have difficulty returning to your daily life, you’re not alone. Many others have experienced a similar loss, but have made a full recovery with the right treatment. Here’s how you can regain your function and your quality of life too.

What is Considered a Loss of Function?

Loss of function doesn’t just apply to those with paralysis or those that use a wheelchair. Loss of function applies to any injury or struggle that interferes with your day-to-day life and prevents you from accomplishing daily tasks without assistance. Some of the signs you may be struggling with loss of function include being unable to,
  • Reach for things
  • Get dressed
  • Walk without aid
  • Move your arms, legs, or head
  • Accomplish daily tasks without assistance

If you experience any of these issues after a car accident, you should seek care from a medical professional or physical therapist as soon as you can. With the right care and treatment, you can overcome your pain and regain the function you lost.

The National Safety Council on Severe Accidents

A majority of car accidents don’t result in loss of function, but it happens frequently enough to merit concern over driver safety. According to the National Safety Council, around 4.8 million people were seriously injured in a car accident in 2020. These serious injuries include spinal injuries, back injuries, severe breaks, or muscle tears, which can lead to a loss of function. The National Safety Council is urging for stronger precautions and regulations to protect drivers from the rising number of accidents in the past years. Some new regulations include banning phone use, investing in infrastructure, supporting crash victims, and more to achieve zero traffic deaths.

Regain Your Loss of Function

When you experience a loss of function after a car accident, you’re not alone. Many others have struggled with regaining their function, but they were able to seek treatment and make a full recovery, and you can too. Treatment can include medical care, physical therapy, chiropractic care, and for more severe injuries, surgery. The sooner you seek treatment, the better, as the earlier you get help, the quicker you are likely to make a full recovery.

How Physical Therapy Can Help You After an Accident

Physical therapy is a kind of treatment that is designed to help you recover your loss of function after a traumatic event, a head injury, surgery, or disuse. Your physical therapist will use various exercises and methods to target your source of pain and treat your loss of function after a car accident. You can start physical therapy alongside other treatments, before surgery, or after surgery. Here are some ways physical therapy can help you regain your loss of function.
  • Regain motor control
  • Rebuild muscle loss
  • Improve balance
  • Increase endurance and coordination
  • Prepare for surgery and support recovery

If you’re looking for a long-term solution to your issues, physical therapy is the best option for you. It gives you the tools you need to regain your loss of function and treat any other symptoms that might appear later. Take control of your recovery and get started with your local physical therapist today. A better quality of life is just around the corner.

A Step Towards Recovery

You don’t have to struggle through pain on your own. At Essential Chirocare and Physical Therapy, our purpose is to help our patients towards a full recovery after an accident so they can regain their quality of life. We work directly with you to determine where your areas of pain are, then we discuss the treatment that is right for you so you can move forward and move better. If you’re ready to take the next step in your recovery, explore our Physical Therapy Services to learn more about how we can help you.
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