Auto Accident & Personal Injury
Physical therapy after a car accident helps with whiplash, neck and back pain, stiffness and the symptoms that sometimes show up days later. Western Slope Rehab and Performance treats auto accident injuries in Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands, and we accept auto insurance.
Get checked by a doctor or the ER first if
Physical therapy is for after serious injuries have been ruled out. Seek medical care right away if you have:
- A severe or worsening headache, confusion, vomiting or loss of consciousness
- Vision problems or trouble speaking
- Numbness, weakness or loss of control in your arms or legs
- Chest pain, trouble breathing, or severe belly pain
- Severe neck pain after the crash, or you cannot move your neck
Call 911 or go to the ER for these. Once you have been cleared, we can help you recover.
Why get evaluated even if the pain is mild
Not every symptom of a crash appears right away. Some can take days or weeks to show up, and some last for months. Ignoring pain after an accident can lead to more problems later, including pain that becomes long-term. If you have had a car accident and are in pain, seeing a physical therapist sooner gives us a starting point for your recovery.
Injuries we see after a crash
Whiplash
A sudden jerk of the neck and head, painful and limiting your neck's motion. For whiplash treatment see Neck Pain.
Back pain and disc injuries
Herniated discs and back strain, including back pain after a car accident. See Back Pain.
Head symptoms
Headaches and concussion symptoms after a head knock. See Headaches & Migraines.
Shoulder injuries
Seatbelt and steering-wheel loads can strain the shoulder. See Shoulder Pain.
Chest and rib pain
Rib and chest wall pain that makes breathing and moving hurt.
Dizziness and vertigo
A crash can disturb the inner ear. See Vestibular Rehab / Dizziness & Balance.
How physical therapy helps you recover
Pain relief and motion
Stretching, targeted exercise and Manual Therapy work to ease pain and restore movement.
Strength and function
Therapeutic Exercise rebuilds strength and endurance so you can get back to work and daily life.
Soft tissue work
Massage Therapy with Christine Smith, Massage Therapist or Elissa Lind, Massage Therapist can ease muscle guarding after a crash, and Dry Needling may be added when it fits.
Dizziness
If a crash left you dizzy or unsteady, Vestibular Therapy can address it.
Staying ahead of long-term pain
Treating an injury early may reduce the chance of long-term problems such as chronic pain. See Chronic Pain.
Paying for care after an accident
We accept auto insurance, and we handle other arrangements case by case. If a claim is open, bring your claim details and the adjuster's contact information, and ask us how your claim, whether PIP, MedPay or a letter of protection, can be handled. Our front desk can walk you through it. See Insurance for the plans we accept.
Start your car accident recovery in Grand Junction
We see patients from Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands. You can start physical therapy without a referral from a doctor in most cases. Some insurance plans, including Medicare, still need a doctor's sign-off on the plan of care (Direct Access). Call (970) 314-9822 and we will check your plan.
We see patients from Grand Junction and the surrounding Grand Valley: Fruita, Palisade, Orchard Mesa, Appleton, Clifton and the Redlands.