10 Recovery Tips After a Car Accident

The aftermath of a car accident can be traumatic and overwhelming. The physical and emotional impact of the incident results in ongoing pain and makes performing daily tasks a challenge. Trying to jump back to your routine too soon can prolong the recovery period and limit your progress. In this article, we highlight ten tips to speed up the healing process to help you get back to your usual lifestyle.

1. Seek medical attention as soon as possible

It can be tempting to forgo the hassle of visiting your physician, especially when you do not feel any pain or the accident was not severe, which is not a great idea. The impact of a car accident may take days, weeks, or even months to become apparent. This is because the accident creates a rush of endorphins and adrenaline as the body’s flight and fight response kick in, making you not feel pain, no matter how severe. The longer you put off the trip to the doctor, the higher the risk of your injuries worsening, increasing the recovery period. 

Be sure to visit your doctor within 72 hours after your car accident for a checkup. The physician can run an imaging test to determine internal bleeding, tissue damage, swelling, or fractures and prescribe the best care. They will also provide you with a detailed report which you could present to your Silver Spring Car Accident Lawyers to help you build a strong case and maximize compensation.

2. Follow the doctor’s recommendation

Consulting a physician is not enough. You need to follow the recommended treatment plan to ensure a speedy recovery and avoid worsening the condition. This includes taking some time off work, minimizing your day-to-day activities to give your body time to heal, and taking the prescribed medicine. Do not quit the treatment plan when you feel like various aspects of the recommended strategy are not effective. Instead, speak to your doctor for recommendations to an alternative treatment option better suited for you. Be sure to also make appointments with the physician to assess your progress. 

3. Eat healthy

Consuming a healthy diet provides your body with the proper nutrients necessary for recovery. It also wards off various illnesses, including diabetes and obesity, and helps you maintain a healthy body weight and get better sleep. Instead of ordering take outs or ingesting junk food, include the following in your diet:

• Protein-rich foods like beans, fish, and chicken to improve the muscle-building process
• Plenty of fruits and vegetables to combat inflammation
• Citrus fruits and dark leafy greens rich in vitamin C to enhance the production of collagen that plays a crucial role in rebuilding tissues
• Calcium-rich foods such as yogurt, almonds, cheese, and milk for bone injuries
• Omega-3 fatty acids from walnuts, sardines, soybeans, and salmon to prevent excessive inflammation and speed up recovery

4. Drink plenty of water

The body dehydrates faster after a traumatic injury as it uses the extra water to aid the healing process, from replacing the damaged cells with healthy ones to reducing inflammation. You should increase your water intake to at least six cups every day to provide your body with the necessary resources required to recover quickly.

5. Manage stress

A car accident experience does not only hurt your physical health. It also impacts your mental health, and you may suffer from stress, anxiety, PTSD, depression, and emotional trauma. The situation could worsen when you have to take time off work or are physically incapacitated. Be sure to speak to professionals, family, and friends about your experience to heal faster instead of isolating yourself.

You could also engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation to cope with emotional stress. You also maintain a clear headspace to handle your insurance claim effectively by managing stress levels.

6. Get massage therapy

Massage therapy can help you recover from a car accident injury. It provides stress relief, reduces muscle spasms, improves range of motion, and enhances blood circulation to the injured parts. If you suffer from whiplash, a massage can help relieve tension from the neck muscles, so you should try the therapy.

7. Participate in physical therapy

Most doctors recommend physical therapy in your treatment plan as it is beneficial in your recovery process. Physical therapy can increase mobility and strength, relieve pain, improve range of motion, and get you back on your feet. It also speeds up the healing process and reduces the risk of contracting a chronic disease later. The physical therapist can develop a personalized treatment program based on your needs and individual situation. They could use different modalities to facilitate recovery, including exercises, massages, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and light therapy.

8. Stretch and exercise

While it can be tempting to lie on your couch or bed all day following a car accident, you should slowly begin an exercising or stretching routine. Stretching can help you regain flexibility, balance, endurance, and a full range of motion. Regular movement will also reduce inflammation and pain from the injury and keep your joints and muscles from getting stiff and weak. Be sure to seek recommendations from your doctor for the best exercise and stretching routines to indulge in to avoid being re-injured.

9. Get adequate sleep

It can be challenging to get enough sleep following a car accident as you may be traumatized by the injuries or are constantly anxious about getting back to work. However, getting quality sleep and rest can shorten the recovery period. Sleeping allows the body to conserve energy and use it for healing. It also enables HGH production, which helps build new body tissues. Invest in magnesium supplements or develop a bedtime routine to help you fall and stay asleep.

1o. Hire a car accident lawyer

Recovering from a car accident can be challenging when you are constantly worried about dealing with your insurer to get compensation or building a case when faced with a legal suit. Hire a car accident attorney to handle all communication with your insurance company or even represent you in a court of law when necessary so that you focus on recovering.

Endnote

What you do after a car accident sets the tone for your recovery. Implement the above strategies to help you heal faster and prevent life-threatening conditions or permanent damage