Do you need to restore your range of motion after a car accident? Call Mount Prospect Health Center at 973-485-2332.
Can a chiropractor help with range of motion?
Many patients ask this question after experiencing car accidents that result in painful joint and muscle injuries. Even at low speeds, a car collision can cause injuries that prevent one from bending, twisting, or rotating their body.
Fortunately, an auto accident chiropractor can hasten the recovery process with medically proven techniques.
What Does a Chiropractor Do?
Chiropractors are healthcare professionals who treat medical conditions related to the musculoskeletal system. They administer dozens of techniques to help alleviate pain, improve balance and mobility, and relax tight muscles around the spine.
According to the American Chiropractic Association, over 35 million adults seek chiropractic treatment every year.
Some chiropractors specialize in treating specific injuries, such as limited range of motion in the joints caused by car accidents. These specialists provide comprehensive recovery plans corresponding to their patients’ ages, medical histories, and preferences.
Loss of Motion Caused by Car Accidents
According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, 30-50 million people worldwide suffer from non-fatal car crash injuries every year. Many of these collisions result in loss of mobility and range of motion. Common injuries that cause these problems include:
- Muscle strains and whiplash: Whiplash is a spinal injury caused by a sudden and forceful forward and backward jerking motion during a collision. This injury can cause your back muscles to strain and contribute to spinal misalignment. Auto accident chiropractors can use spinal manipulation to treat this problem.
- Impact injuries: Blunt force to the shoulders, knees, and hips can cause swelling or joint injuries that restrict your range of motion. Minor injuries may heal with time, while more severe injuries could result in lifelong complications. A chiropractor can treat these problems early to reduce your risk of sustaining long-term disabilities.
- Stress: Physiological stress caused by a car accident can cause your muscles to tighten. It can also discourage you from staying active and training your body for a better range of motion. A chiropractor can target pain points in your joints and muscles and alleviate stress quickly.
Problems Associated With Restricted Range of Motion
Can a chiropractor help with range of motion if you wait weeks before seeking help after a car accident?
Most professionals recommend getting medical care immediately after an accident, even if you don’t experience a range of motion problems in your joints right away. A chiropractor can effectively treat you if you experience any of the following conditions caused by a limited range of motion:
- Posture problems: Limited range of motion in your knees and hips can cause poor posture. According to the Better Health Channel, poor posture can lead to further spinal dysfunction and joint degradation.
- Muscle atrophy: Muscle atrophy refers to the deterioration or weakening of soft tissue due to lack of motion. Reduced range of motion could cause the muscles around your elbows, knees, and neck to become stiff and sore, exposing you to subsequent injuries.
- Swelling: Losing range of motion may cause muscles and joints elsewhere in your body to work harder to support physical activity. You may experience painful swelling and bruising across your legs, back, and arms.
Recovery Solutions
Before you can seek chiropractic treatment for your restricted range of motion, speak to your physician. A doctor can assess your injuries after a car accident and issue a formal diagnosis — ruling out pre-existing conditions or other underlying diseases.
They may refer you to a specific chiropractor or encourage chiropractic care as a complementary treatment to conventional surgery.
Chiropractic Treatment
After reviewing your medical history, your chiropractor will discuss practical treatment options during an initial consultation. They may outline several recovery strategies, including exercise, massage therapy, spinal manipulation, etc.
Some chiropractors may recommend weekly visits, while others may schedule you for bimonthly treatments.
Exercise
The World Health Organization recommends 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly to avoid injuries.
Gentle, chiropractor-guided exercise can help you restore your range of motion. These methods improve flexibility and train muscles to withstand tension and extension. You can expect your chiropractor to pace these treatments slowly to reduce discomfort.
Massage Therapy
Massages can loosen tension in tendons and joints, allowing you to enjoy a higher range of mobility. These treatments also help you relieve stress and can improve your quality of life. You can expect your chiropractor to administer massage therapy before and after exercise to prepare and cool down the body.
Contact Your Reputable Chiropractor in Newark, NJ, To Restore Your Range of Motion
So, can a chiropractor help with range of motion?
At Mount Prospect Health Center, we have the medical wisdom and training to help you recover. Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
With our chiropractor techniques, you can get back to doing the things you love.
Contact Mount Prospect Health Center in Newark, NJ. Call 973-485-2332 to schedule an appointment.
FAQs About Car Accident Chiropractor Treatment
You may have questions when seeking medical help after a car accident. Here are some common questions you may have for your chiropractor:
Why Should I Visit a Chiropractor After a Car Accident?
Chiropractors provide non-invasive treatments that improve the body’s range of motion and reinforce muscles and joints. Generally, car accident victims who partner with chiropractors specializing in these injuries have higher recovery success rates.
How Long Does Chiropractic Treatment Last After a Car Accident?
Chiropractic treatment could last several days to several months, depending on the severity of your injury. Most patients start to experience an improved range of motion within six weeks of routine chiropractic care.
Why Is My Range of Motion Not Improving After Getting Chiropractic Treatment?
Severe joint mobility problems could occur due to an asymmetrical range of motion in the hamstrings or other nearby muscles. Consequently, it could delay your recovery by several weeks. If you wonder, “Can a chiropractor help with range of motion?” speak to your doctor to discuss solutions.
