Finding the Right Physical Therapy Options After an Accident

When you’ve been injured in an accident, healing isn’t just about time; it’s also about receiving the proper care. Physical therapy plays a critical role in that recovery. Whether you’re dealing with a whiplash injury, a broken bone, or nerve damage, the right therapy can help manage pain, restore mobility, and rebuild strength.

But physical therapy isn’t just about feeling better; it’s also about protecting your legal rights. Consistent therapy helps document your injury progression and its impact on your daily life, which can be powerful evidence in a personal injury claim.

Here’s what you need to know about your options and how to choose the best path forward.

Types of Physical Therapy for Common Accident Injuries

No two injuries or recoveries are the same, so different types of physical therapy are used to treat specific needs.

Common therapy options used after an accident:

1. Traditional Physical Therapy (PT)

This is the most common approach, involving hands-on techniques, strength training, and guided exercises to restore movement, flexibility, and strength. It alleviates discomfort with musculoskeletal injuries like back strain, joint sprains, or soft tissue injuries.

2. Occupational Therapy (OT)

OT focuses on restoring your ability to perform daily tasks, like dressing, cooking, or typing, especially after injuries that impact fine motor skills or cognitive function. OT is often helpful for individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries or complex fractures.

3. Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy is performed in a pool and uses the water’s buoyancy to reduce stress on the body while promoting strength and movement. It’s an excellent choice for people with spinal injuries, arthritis, or those recovering from surgery.

4. TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

This therapy uses low-voltage electric currents to relieve pain. It’s used for chronic pain conditions or nerve-related injuries.

5. Ultrasound Therapy

Ultrasound waves promote blood flow and reduce inflammation in injured soft tissues. It is often used with other therapies for injuries like tendonitis or bursitis.

Your doctor or specialist will likely recommend a combination of these therapies depending on the type and severity of your injuries.

Maximizing Your Recovery With the Right Provider

Choosing the right physical therapist is just as important as attending your sessions.

Here’s what to look for:

Credentials and Licensing

Always verify that your provider is licensed in Wisconsin and holds proper credentials. A physical therapist should have a DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) degree and be state certified.

Experience With Accident-Related Injuries

Look for a provider who specializes in trauma, auto accident injuries, or post-surgical rehab. Therapists who frequently work with personal injury patients will understand how to document progress and provide thorough treatment plans that support your legal case.

Insurance and Workers’ Compensation Approval

Make sure the clinic accepts your insurance or is covered under your workers’ comp benefits. A quick call to confirm billing policies can save a lot of hassle, especially if you plan to seek reimbursement from the at-fault party’s insurance.

Communication With Your Legal Team

Some therapists are used to working with personal injury lawyers and can provide the detailed reports needed to support your claim, from treatment plans and prognosis to recovery timelines.

Consistency is Key: Why Showing Up Matters

Physical therapy works best when you stick with it. Skipping appointments or ignoring your home exercise plan can slow your recovery and even hurt your legal case. Insurance companies may argue that gaps in treatment mean your injuries weren’t serious, which can affect your compensation.

Keep up with scheduled sessions, ask questions about your progress, and follow your home plan to the best of your ability. Consistency helps your body heal faster and shows you’re committed to recovery, strengthening your injury claim.

Get Help Covering the Cost of Your Physical Therapy

Physical therapy after an accident is part of your legal right to recover compensation from the at-fault party. If someone else caused your injury, you shouldn’t be stuck paying out-of-pocket for the cost of recovery, and that includes physical therapy. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can get compensation for all your accident-related medical expenses.

Our attorneys can also explain how insurance companies calculate car accident settlements, for example, helping you understand what your case may be worth.

At Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers, we fight to help ensure our clients in Appleton and the surrounding areas get the care they need without financial strain. Our experienced Appleton personal injury lawyers can help you pursue full compensation for medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Call us today for a free consultation. Let’s make sure the cost of your recovery doesn’t hold you back.