Seek Medical Care Immediately
The first thing you should do after you have been in a car accident is to see a doctor. If paramedics were called to the scene of the accident then you should always allow them to assess you. This is beneficial for your health and also for future insurance claims in proving that you did indeed suffer an injury in the accident and require coverage. Paramedics, emergency room doctors, and urgent care providers can all help address immediate concerns after a car accident, but it is the follow-up care for your injuries that will be the most important.
When you visit an accident injury clinic, you can expect to be treated by doctors who have experience and expertise in diagnosing and treating car accident injuries. The sooner you see a doctor, the sooner you can get the diagnosis and treatment necessary for your care. Visiting a doctor as soon as possible is part of taking care of yourself following an accident. Don’t wait to visit a doctor until the pain becomes unbearable or it may lead to complications and chronic pain. Instead, see a doctor as soon as you can and allow them to address the injury and your symptoms before they get worse.
Follow Your Treatment Plan
Your car accident doctor will develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses your specific diagnosis and also take into account your medical history and other risk factors. An individualized treatment plan is key to getting the quality treatment you deserve. A comprehensive treatment plan will address the root cause of your injuries as well as addressing all your associated symptoms. By getting at the source of your symptoms your doctors will be able to help you manage your pain and also help the injury itself to heal.
A treatment plan at an accident injury clinic may include doctors and specialists like orthopedic doctors, neurologists, chiropractors, and physical therapists so you can get a well-rounded approach to your care. When multiple doctors are contributing to your treatment and invested in your healing and recovery you will see the best results. An injury from a car accident very rarely affects only one specific bone or muscle in your body. Instead, car accident injuries can affect bones, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues that will all require attention and healing.
Practice Stretches and Exercises
While the beginning of your treatment plan may focus on addressing immediate concerns with more severe symptoms or time-sensitive issues, the rehabilitation aspect of your treatment plan is also an important part of the process. Your doctor may recommend stretches and exercises as part of your treatment plan to help you regain your strength and range of motion. When your musculoskeletal system is affected by a car accident injury it can lead to stiff, sore muscles and make some movements more difficult at first. Stretches and exercises prescribed by your doctor will help you to gently strengthen your muscles and increase your mobility over time. These types of activities also have added benefits of naturally promoting the flow of oxygen, blood, and other nutrients to the injured area to aid in the healing process.
Lean on Your Support System
It is incredibly beneficial to surround yourself with people who care and are invested in your healing process. Friends and family can help cheer on your successes, help boost your mood, and keep you motivated on following through with your treatment. They may even become your best exercise buddies and enjoy the benefits of gaining strength and a healthier lifestyle along the way.
The team of auto accident doctors at AICA Orthopedics plans to be part of your support system by providing you with the quality care you deserve through state-of-the-art diagnostics and customized treatment plans to address your specific injuries. Visit us online to learn more about the care we provide at our accident injury clinics across metro Atlanta and schedule an appointment to get started with us.
