When you’re in pain and unable to move as freely as you would like, your first thought probably isn’t about what type of specialist you should see. You likely just want to feel better. After your check-up, your emergency or primary care doctor may refer you to rehabilitative treatments like chiropractic care or physical therapy. When choosing your specialist, visiting a physical therapist or a car accident chiropractor after an accident can have a different approach to treatment.
Both professionals can help with your recovery and ease car accident injuries, but they both have their own unique skill sets that might be better suited to your needs. Today we explain the differences and similarities between car accident chiropractors and physical therapists, along with how best to choose treatment following an accident.
What’s The Difference Between A Chiropractor And A Physical Therapist?
When it comes to overall health, there are some striking similarities between a physical therapist and a chiropractor. In fact, both professionals are licensed to practice in all 50 states and have similar education and training. Both specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of neuromusculoskeletal disorders (disorders involving muscles and the nervous system). Every day they help people with everything from back pain to headaches through hands-on methods to help ease pain and restore function to your body.
First, unlike a physical therapist, a chiropractor can manipulate your spine in order to realign it. However, it’s important that a licensed chiropractor makes adjustments versus taking matters into your own hands. It’s important to get checked out by a doctor first in order to avoid making the injury worse. A physical therapist will focus on rehabilitation exercises and manual therapy methods like massage and joint mobilization to help heal you and restore mobility.
Is Chiropractic Care Or Physical Therapy Better For After Car Accident Care?
This is a tricky question to answer. When evaluating your needs after an accident, the best post-accident path will be different for each person. There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment.
In general, chiropractic care and physical therapy are recommended after car accidents because they can help to relieve pain and restore mobility, strength, and flexibility. However, it is important to know that these treatments are not interchangeable. There are some differences between chiropractic care and physical therapy. Physical therapy also tends to focus more on exercises rather than manipulation. Chiropractic treatment, on the other hand, involves adjusting the joints to relieve pain and restore mobility. While physical therapy can be beneficial after a car accident, it is not necessarily better than chiropractic care.
It takes time to heal any wounds or injuries that have been sustained during an accident, so it can be important to seek out medical attention where appropriate. Occasionally, some people will be able to benefit from both types of care in order to speed up the healing process.
How Can A Physical Therapist Help After An Accident?
Physical therapy is a type of treatment that focuses on movement, exercise and treating the body as a whole. A physical therapist will work with you to create a personalized plan after your initial assessment. They may start you off with gentle exercises to help increase blood flow and reduce pain while mobilizing your joints. As you progress, you may be asked to do more challenging exercises so your body can get back to full strength. Physical therapy after a car accident can help you learn how to manage your pain. A therapist may recommend a certain type of medication or use other treatment methods like massage to help ease your symptoms.
How Can A Chiropractor Help After An Accident?
Chiropractors specialize in treating spine injuries, so if you have an injury to your spine, a chiropractor might be a better fit for your needs. A car accident chiro will use hands-on techniques to manipulate your spine and ensure that your vertebrae are properly aligned. This may include spinal adjustments or manipulating the muscles around your spine. They may also use therapeutic exercises, like the ones a physical therapist would use, to help you recover.
A chiropractor might also use electrotherapy, such as massage and ultrasound, and recommend lifestyle changes, like getting more sleep, to help you recover. Depending on the severity of your accident, how quickly you seek treatment and how your body reacts, chiropractic care could help you recover more quickly. However, it’s important to note that chiropractic care isn’t right for everyone. Depending on your health, age, injury and other factors, you may not be a good candidate for chiropractic care.
Choosing The Best Treatment After A Car Crash: Chiropractor Or Physical Therapist?
If you are experiencing pain and discomfort but are unsure of where to turn, you can always consult with your primary care physician first. Your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist who can help you heal quickly and properly, like a chiropractor or physical therapist. While these professions are similar in nature, they each have their strengths. Depending on your specific circumstances, you may heal faster with one type of treatment over the other. When you decide to visit a chiropractor or a physical therapist, they will be honest and tell you which type of treatment may be more effective for your case. However, regardless of your injury, both chiropractors and physical therapist offer treatment options that will cater to your needs.
For more information about car accident injury treatment and pain management, contact us at Affordable Chiropractic in Killeen, Texas. We offer an all-natural approach to healing through spinal adjustments, accident injury chiropractic care, and more.