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Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVA)

Recovering from a motor vehicle accident (MVA) is a journey, but you don’t have to do it alone. From minor strains to more severe injuries, our physical therapy focuses on getting you back to your best self. We’ll develop exercises to help you regain strength and mobility, offering pain relief strategies that fit your life. Together, we’ll work toward getting you back to normal as quickly and safely as possible.

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Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) can lead to a wide range of injuries that impact mobility, function, and quality of life. This comprehensive guide explores the vital role of physical therapy (PT) in the recovery process after a MVA. Readers will learn how targeted therapy techniques and personalized exercise programs can reduce pain, restore movement, and support long-term healing. Whether you’re recovering from an accident, exploring treatment options, or a healthcare professional looking to better understand the benefits of PT, this resource offers valuable insights to help guide effective recovery and rehabilitation.

Introduction to Physical Therapy for Motor Vehicle Accidents

PT following a MVA focuses on helping individuals recover from crash-related injuries. Treatment often includes manual therapy, therapeutic exercises,neuromuscular re-education,, and functional rehabilitation. The ultimate goal is to reduce pain, restore strength and mobility, correct compensatory movement patterns, and help patients safely return to their everyday activities.  MVAs remain one of the most significant public health and safety concerns in the United States. In 2019 alone, there were approximately 36,500 fatalities and 4.5 million people injured as a result of motor vehicle crashes.1 The economic cost of these incidents was estimated at an astounding $340 billion, accounting for medical expenses, lost productivity, legal and court costs, emergency services, and property damage. When factoring in the broader societal impact- such as diminished quality of life and long-term disability- the total harm from crashes reached an estimated $1.37 trillion in 2019.1 Beyond the financial burden, the physical and emotional toll of accident-related injuries can be extensive. A significant proportion of crash victims experience lasting pain or mobility limitations that require long-term rehabilitation.2 Research has shown that individuals who participate in PT-based rehabilitation following a crash return to work approximately 17.8 days sooner than those who do not.3 These findings underscore both the widespread impact of MVAs and the essential role of PT in promoting recovery, preventing long-term disability, and restoring quality of life.  PT plays a crucial role in both the acute and long-term recovery phases following an accident. By addressing pain, restoring range of motion (ROM), and rebuilding muscle strength, PT not only promotes faster healing but also helps prevent secondary complications such as stiffness, weakness, and compensatory movement patterns. Research consistently shows that patients who engage in guided PT after an accident experience improved physical function, decreased pain levels, and a higher overall quality of life as compared to those who delay or forgo treatment.3

Common Injuries Caused By Motor Vehicle Accidents

MVAs often involve rapid deceleration/accelration forces that place stress on the body, particularly the spine and its supporting soft tissues. One of the most frequent types of injury is whiplash, sometimes called cervical strain or sprain, which results when the neck is forcefully thrown back and then forward or vice versa. This causes stretching or tearing of the ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the neck. Symptoms may include neck stiffness, pain, reduced ROM, headaches, and neurological signs such as numbness or tingling.4 Neck and back pain more broadly are also very common after car accidents. Even in car accidents with no obvious damage, soft-tissue strains (muscle and tendon involvement), sprains (ligament involvement), facet joint irritation, and intervertebral disc injuries may occur. Lower back strains are frequently reported, sometimes radiating into the hips or legs, especially if the force impacts posture or twists the spine.5  Soft tissue injuries more generally encompass a range of damages: strains, sprains, tears, contusions, bruising, and injury to ligaments, tendons, and muscles. They may not show up on X-rays; often more advanced imaging such as MRIs or further clinical examination, from someone such as a PT, is needed to detect the extent of damage. Symptoms may be immediate or delayed over hours to days as welling, inflammation, and muscle guarding develop.6

Symptoms of Common Injuries Caused By Motor Vehicle Accidents

The symptoms that follow a MVA can vary widely depending on the mechanism of injury, forces involved, and the individual’s health status prior to impact. Among the most common post-accident complaints are pain, stiffness, reduced ROM, and headaches, particularly in cases involving whiplash, neck, or back injuries. Whiplash, caused by the rapid back-and-forth motion of the head, often leads to neck pain and stiffness that may appear immediately or develop over several days. Individuals may also experience limited mobility in the neck or shoulders, tenderness in the upper back, and headaches that often originate at the base of the skull and radiate towards the temples or forehead.4 Back pain is another frequent symptom, ranging from mild soreness to more severe discomfort due to muscle strain, ligament sprain, or injury to intervertebral discs and facet joints. These injuries may also cause radiating pain into the hips, buttocks, or legs if nerve irritation occurs. Soft-tissue injuries, including muscle and ligament strains or contusions, can result in persistent soreness, swelling, or weakness in affected areas. These symptoms sometimes take longer to surface following an accident as inflammation and muscle guarding develop.6 Although many individuals recover within a few weeks to months, a significant percentage continue to experience ongoing symptoms long after the initial injury. Studies show that up to 70% of people with whiplash injuries report lingering neck pain, stiffness, or headaches even 15 years post-accident.7  Factors contributing to chronic or recurrent symptoms include pre-existing spinal degeneration, multiple areas of initial pain, and delayed recovery. It is also important to note that even low-speed collisions can result in substantial tissue damage, as the severity of symptoms often depends more on the body’s position and force dynamics during impact than on visible vehicle damage.6

Diagnosing Pain for Motor Vehicle Accident Physical Therapy

After a MVA, it can be difficult to understand the source and extent of your pain. Thanks to direct access laws in many states, you can see a PT without first visiting your doctor, making it easier and faster to address post accident related symptoms such as pain or stiffness. PTs are trained to screen for serious injuries and will refer you to a physician if additional evaluation or diagnostic testing is needed, so seeing a PT first is both safe and effective for long-term recovery. 

PTs use a combination of clinical assessments and diagnostic tools to evaluate injuries sustained in a MVA. This includes reviewing your medical history, assessing posture, ROM, strength and flexibility, as well as performing functional movement tests to identify areas of dysfunction. PTs may also review imaging results if available such as, X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans, to guide treatment. By carefully evaluating the location and nature of pain, PTs can develop a personalized rehabilitation plan focused on restoring mobility, reducing pain, and preventing long-term complications.

Treatment Options

After a MVA, treatment options depend on the type and severity of your injuries. Many patients benefit from non-surgical approaches like PT and pain management, while more serious injuries may require surgical intervention. The right plan is determined in collaboration between your PT and physician to ensure safe and effective recovery. 

Non-Surgical Treatment Options

Most injuries sustained in a MVA can be effectively managed without surgery. PT is often the first-line treatment, focusing on reducing pain, restoring mobility, improving strength, and restoring proper movement patterns. Pain management may include over-the-counter or prescription medications, and activity modification to help control discomfort while tissues heal. These non-invasive approaches are typically safe, effective, and aimed at returning patients to their normal activities as quickly as possible.

Surgical Treatment Options

In cases of more severe injury-such as fractures, significant disc herniations, or joint instability- surgery may be recommended. The decision to pursue a surgical approach depends on the type and severity of the injury and should always involve careful discussion between your PT and physician. PT often continues both before and after surgery to optimize recovery, improve outcomes, and ensure safe return to daily activities.

Living with Pain from a Motor Vehicle Accident

Recovering from a MVA can be challenging, and as previously mentioned, many individuals experience ongoing pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. One of the most effective ways to cope with this pain is to stay active within your comfort level and gradually reintroduce movements or activities that may have been avoided due to pain- a method known as graded exposure. This approach begins with less challenging tasks and progressively increases difficulty as tolerance improves, helping rebuild strength, restore mobility, reduce fear of movement, and improve overall function.8 While movement and gradual activity are encouraged, some common remedies, like icing, are not generally recommended for long-term soft tissue pain, as it may delay healing in some cases.  A personalized treatment plan developed with a PT is essential for safe and effective recovery. PTs can guide you through exercises, movement strategies, and pain management techniques tailored to your specific injury, helping you to regain function and reduce discomfort. Seeking professional guidance ensures you recover safely while promoting long-term health and well-being.

Physical Therapy for Motor Vehicle Accident Injury

MVAs can cause a wide range of injuries, from whiplash and soft tissue damage to fractures and chronic pain. PT is an effective way to restore function, reduce pain, and prevent long-term complications after such accidents. Through targeted rehabilitation, PTs help patients regain strength, mobility, and confidence in their daily activities.  

When you begin PT after an accident, a thorough initial assessment is conducted. At Confluent Health, this includes a detailed review of your medical history, an evaluation of your pain and functional limitations, and specialized tests to identify joint, muscle, or nerve involvement. This assessment allows therapists to develop a personalized, patient centered treatment plan tailored to your unique injuries and recovery goals. 

PTs use a variety of methods to address common MVA-related injuries, some of which include: 

  • Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension. 
  • Therapeutic Exercises: Stretching, strengthening, and ROM exercises to restore function.
  • Postural and Ergonomic Training: Guidance on body mechanics to prevent reinjury. 
  • Graded Activity Programs: Structured, progressive exercises to gradually rebuild strength and endurance without aggravating pain. 

The primary goals of PT are to reduce pain and inflammation, restore mobility, improve strength, and promote overall functional independence. It also helps to prevent future injuries or the development of chronic pain while supporting your long-term recovery and quality of life. Since every individual’s injuries and needs are different, PTs create personalized treatment plans tailored to the type and severity of your injury, your daily activity requirements, and your specific recovery goals. This individualized approach ensures that each session is safe, effective, and focused on helping you return to your prior level of function.

Frequently Asked Questions

Physical therapy can help focus on restoring your mobility, strength, tolerance to activity, and overall function.

Whiplash, neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, joint stiffness, fear of driving, and many other symptoms are common following a car accident. Your physical therapist can help identify these symptoms and work towards alleviating them. 

It is best to begin PT as soon as possible. Early intervention helps reduce stiffness, restore mobility, and prevent chronic pain or compensatory movement patterns from developing.

Yes. Targeted exercises, manual therapy, and posture training can reduce pain, improve neck and back mobility, and promote tissue healing after whiplash. Consistent PT also helps retrain muscles and joints to move safely, reducing the risk of long-term discomfort.

Recovery time varies based on the severity of the injury and individual healing factors, however many people notice improvement within a few weeks of consistent treatment. More complex injuries or long-standing symptoms may require several months or PT to fully restore strength and function.

Resources

  1. https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813403.pd
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8895876/
  3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11839784/
  4. https://painandinjury.com/blog/2025/07/29/common-soft-tissue-injuries-after-auto-accidents
  5. https://www.apmss.net/neck-back-pain-after-motor-vehicle-accidents/
  6. https://www.hg.org/legal-articles/soft-tissue-injuries-in-a-motor-vehicle-accident-19715
  7. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8951014/
  8. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19574658/

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