At Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare, we know that a car accident is always a shock. The aftermath of a collision often brings confusion, and you may not always feel hurt right away, which is why understanding when to come see a physiotherapist or chiropractor is so important.
Professional care for whiplash, back injuries, concussions, joint pain, and soft tissue damage can help you manage your symptoms and feel better. Our multidisciplinary team can create a personalized plan to help you recover from your motor vehicle accident.
Whiplash & Neck Pain
Whiplash is one of the most frequent injuries from a car accident, especially a rear-end collision. It happens when your head suddenly snaps forward and backward, which can strain the muscles and ligaments in your neck. It can require targeted whiplash injury treatment to relieve the pain.
Signs of Whiplash
Everyone experiences pain differently, but you may have whiplash if you notice:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches, often at the base of the skull
- Dizziness or fatigue
- Shoulder or upper back pain
Physiotherapy & Massage Therapy for Neck Relief
The goal of treatment is to gently improve movement and reduce pain. Our physiotherapy team can guide you through specific exercises to improve flexibility and strength safely. A therapeutic massage can also help ease muscle tension and improve blood flow to the area, which may support the healing process.
Back & Spine Injuries
The force of a crash can put a lot of pressure on your spine. This can lead to different types of back injuries, from muscle strains to more complex issues with your spinal discs. You may feel pain immediately, or it might develop over the next few days, which is why exploring physiotherapy can be a vital step in your recovery.
Common Back Symptoms After an Accident
Similar to whiplash, everyone’s back injuries are going to feel a little different. It’s worth scheduling an appointment with our team if you notice:
- Lower back pain that feels sharp or dull
- Muscle spasms
- Pain that travels down your leg
- Stiffness that makes it hard to move
Chiropractic & Physio Care for Your Back
A chiropractor in Calgary can assess your spinal alignment and perform gentle adjustments to help with comfort and improve proper movement. Our chiropractic care services are designed to address the factors contributing to your discomfort.
At the same time, our physiotherapy programs focus on building core strength and stability. These exercises can help support your back during recovery and may reduce the risk of future issues.
Concussions & Head Injuries
Even if you don’t hit your head on anything, the jolt from an accident can cause your brain to move inside your skull. This can lead to a concussion, a mild traumatic brain injury (sometimes referred to as a TBI). If you experience severe symptoms such as worsening headaches, confusion, or loss of consciousness, it’s important that you seek immediate medical attention.
It’s also important to understand that you can get a concussion from whiplash alone. Concussions are serious and often benefit from proper management to support your recovery.
What to Watch for After a Head Knock
It’s important to understand what to look for after hitting your head. You may have a concussion if you notice:
- A severe headache or a feeling of intense pressure in the head
- Confusion or feeling “foggy”
- Sensitivity to light and noise
- Trouble with balance
Specialized Care for Concussion
Recovering from a concussion often requires a careful, personalized plan. Our team provides specialized services for concussions at our Calgary Concussion Centre, using therapies that help manage symptoms. We can help guide your safe return to daily activities at a pace that is right for you.
Joint Pain in the Shoulders or Knees
In a collision, it’s natural to brace for impact with your hands on the steering wheel or your legs against the dashboard, which can result in injuries to your shoulders and knees. Common problems include rotator cuff strains, sprains, or even ligament tears. For knee injuries, supportive tools such as custom knee bracing may be recommended.
Signs of Joint Injury
Every accident is different, but you may have a joint injury if you feel:
- Pain when you lift your arm or put weight on your leg
- A feeling of instability in the joint
- Swelling or bruising
- Reduced range of motion
Treatment Options for Joints
Physiotherapy is key for joint injuries. We focus on exercises that rebuild strength around the joint, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of future problems.
For shoulder issues, it is crucial to understand which exercises to avoid with a rotator cuff injury, as pushing yourself too hard can make things worse. Massage therapy can also help reduce swelling and pain in the surrounding muscles, making movement easier.
Sprains, Strains & Bruises
Soft tissue injuries refer to damage to your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. While bruises are easy to see, sprains and strains are internal injuries. They can cause lasting pain if not treated correctly.
More Than Just a Bruise
Sprains and strains can limit your movement and cause significant discomfort. You might notice swelling, pain, and difficulty using the affected muscle or joint. It’s important to address these issues, as they can sometimes turn into long-term discomfort if not addressed.
A Combined Approach to Recovery
A combination of treatments can work well for soft tissue injuries. A chiropractor can check for any related alignment issues, while physiotherapy can help you regain function and strength. Massage can target muscle knots and soreness to help you feel better and move more freely. Exploring all of our services can help you find the right combination for your needs.
Recovery Plans Tailored to You
After an accident, you might not be sure what kind of help you need, and it can be overwhelming. The good news is you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our team works together to create a recovery plan that fits you, using a combination of therapies across disciplines to address all aspects of your injury.
Book a Consultation
Your recovery is our priority. At Running Shoe Restorative Healthcare, our 1-on-1 sessions mean that you get the focused care you deserve. Book a consultation and start your path to recovery in Calgary.
