Immediate Medical Attention

If you've been in an auto accident, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask pain and some injuries don't show symptoms immediately. Always prioritize your health and safety first.

Auto accidents are unfortunately common on Southfield's busy roads, including Telegraph Road, Northwestern Highway, and I-696. Even minor fender-benders can result in injuries that may not be immediately apparent but can cause long-term problems if left untreated. Understanding when and how physical therapy can help is crucial for your recovery.

Common Auto Accident Injuries We Treat

Whiplash and Neck Injuries

The most common auto accident injury, whiplash occurs when your head is suddenly jerked forward and backward. Symptoms may include:

Neck pain and stiffness
Headaches
Shoulder and upper back pain
Dizziness or fatigue
Reduced range of motion

Back Injuries

The impact of a collision can cause various back injuries:

Herniated or bulging discs
Muscle strains and sprains
Compression fractures
Facet joint injuries

Other Common Injuries

Concussions and mild traumatic brain injuries
Shoulder injuries from seatbelt impact
Knee injuries from dashboard impact
Soft tissue injuries throughout the body

Why Physical Therapy is Essential After an Accident

Early Intervention Prevents Chronic Pain

Starting physical therapy soon after an accident can prevent acute injuries from becoming chronic pain conditions. Our Southfield clinic has seen many patients who waited months to seek treatment, making their recovery more difficult and lengthy.

Restore Normal Movement Patterns

After an accident, your body may develop compensatory movement patterns to avoid pain. Physical therapy helps restore normal movement and prevents these patterns from becoming permanent.

Reduce Inflammation and Pain

Our treatment techniques help reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing of damaged tissues.

Our Auto Accident Treatment Approach

Comprehensive Evaluation

We start with a thorough assessment that includes:

Detailed accident history and mechanism of injury
Physical examination and movement assessment
Review of medical records and imaging
Pain and functional limitation evaluation

Personalized Treatment Plan

Based on your specific injuries, we may use:

Manual therapy to restore joint mobility
Soft tissue massage and myofascial release
Therapeutic exercises for strength and flexibility
Postural correction and ergonomic training
Pain management techniques

Insurance and Legal Considerations

Michigan No-Fault Insurance

Michigan's no-fault insurance system typically covers physical therapy treatment after auto accidents, regardless of who was at fault. We work directly with insurance companies to ensure you receive the care you need.

Documentation for Legal Cases

If you're working with an attorney, we provide detailed documentation of your injuries, treatment progress, and functional limitations to support your case.

When to Start Physical Therapy

You should consider physical therapy if you experience:

Any pain or stiffness after an accident
Headaches that started after the accident
Reduced range of motion in your neck or back
Difficulty sleeping due to pain
Fatigue or difficulty concentrating

Remember: Some symptoms may not appear for days or even weeks after an accident. Don't wait for pain to become severe before seeking treatment.

Auto Accident Physical Therapy: What Southfield Drivers Should Know