Restore Range of Motion after a Car Accident
Research from the Association for Safe International Road Travel ascertains that an estimated 20-50 million people suffer from car accidents. Injuries from these vehicular mishaps differ from minor wounds and bruises to more severe injuries that can impact the range of motion. Now to start, you might be wondering what exactly is range of motion?
The range of motion of a joint relates to how far it can move without pain. The extension and flexion ranges are regulated by the joint type. Tendons, regional muscles, ligaments, the physiological control of movement throughout the joint, and other elements all help determine range of motion. The range of motion is measured in degrees of a circle.
Range of motion also refers to the range of motion of a joint, which can be static or passive, active or dynamic, or a hybrid of both. This is commonly added to enhance, sustain, and utilize the joint’s arc of motion.
After an automobile accident, quantifying the range of motion is especially critical. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than six million auto accidents happen in the United States every year. Even if the speed is only 5 mph, this is a hazardous accident because it causes whiplash. Whiplash occurs when the neck is stretched much beyond its natural range. One of the most noticeable signs is a reduction of range of motion and pain in the neck or shoulder area.
Symptoms may not appear immediately and may occur after a long period. After a mishap, testing your range of motion can help establish any more damage to the arms, back, shoulder, or other areas.
You should seek therapy if you have limited mobility, such as being unable to turn your head, move your arm, or turn your body without any pain or discomfort. These issues might not even resolve independently, and healing may necessitate chiropractic or other medical treatment. It is critical to seek therapy from a doctor or chiropractor as soon as possible. They’ll make a program to help you increase your range of motion, and they’ll do everything they can to get you back to where you were before the accident.
What causes a limited range of motion?
Joint difficulties may cause a restriction in range of motion. It’s possible that tissues surrounding a joint bulge. Stiffness or pain in the muscles around or related to a joint is also possible. After a car accident, you may have limited mobility for a multitude of reasons. This includes:
Pain
- Stiff muscles
- Dislocated joints
- Inflammation of the soft tissues that surround the joint
- Bone fractures
It is vital to check in with a chiropractor whenever a person has a limited range of motion. The chiropractor would examine your ailment that will involve a complete breakdown of your joints and muscles. A few questions will be asked of you like:
When did the mishap happen?
- Are you feeling any pain or stiffness?
- Where exactly is the location of the pain or discomfort?
The chiropractor will conduct a thorough examination to determine how your muscles, bones, and neurological system react. His or her team may also arrange for imaging to be done or perform other procedures to determine your range of motion. If you first consult with your primary care physician, they may recommend physical therapy or chiropractic care to help you regain full range of motion.
What tips can you use to restore active range of motion?
- Some workouts may be recommended by your healthcare practitioner. These exercises are simple to perform in the presence of a healthcare practitioner. This will verify that you are performing the task correctly and not endangering yourself by inaccurately performing it. You must exercise daily as directed by your doctor.
- All of the exercises advised by your chiropractor must be completed. If you have trouble remembering the order, start at the top and work your way down. This will assist you in recalling the sequence of movements. Starting with neck stretches is an excellent place to start. Then, when you get closer to your feet, do the rest of the activities in order. You must perform workouts on one side before moving on to the other side. Even if one side aches more than the other, you must do them evenly for your whole body.
- When exercising, you need to move methodically, gently, and smoothly. Rigid or quick motions should be avoided. Exercising or straining oneself is not a good idea, as this may set you back further in the recovery process.
- If you experience any pain while exercising, you must immediately stop. However, you should be aware that frequent exercise can serve to alleviate discomfort. If you have any reservations, please speak with your chiropractor to provide you with more assistance and supervision.
- The importance of sleep and rest in the rehabilitation process cannot be overstated. Your body boosts blood circulation in the body when you sleep, allowing tissue and muscle repair and regeneration. Also, as you sleep, your body’s stress hormone levels plummet, which might help lower internal inflammation. It’s critical to slow down and frequently rest after a mishap that results in a significant injury to let your body heal. Your energy levels, cognition, and temperament will all benefit from a good night’s sleep. Recognize your limits and avoid pushing yourself too hard or too soon. You run the danger of harming yourself even more if you try to “push through” catastrophic automobile accident injuries.
- Above everything, have patience. The healing and treatment process may be lengthy, rugged, and irritating. You may experience setbacks or feel as if you aren’t progressing at all. Continue to go forward by adhering to your treatment plan and paying close attention to your body. Everyone’s recovery process is unique and takes place at their own pace. However, by following the procedures outlined by your physician and therapist, you will give yourself the best possible opportunity to fully recover and return to the activities you enjoy.