Being seriously injured in an auto collision can impact nearly every aspect of your life. You may be left struggling with debilitating pain, limited mobility, and an inability to perform routine daily activities.
For many car accident victims in Louisiana, comprehensive physical therapy is crucial to regain strength, flexibility, range of motion, and functionality. The duration of this intensive rehabilitation varies based on the injuries sustained.
Following your doctor’s orders, including how long to attend physical therapy, is essential to protecting your well-being and ensuring your right to fair compensation.
The Purpose and Process of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often essential for recovering from an injury after a car accident, helping victims regain mobility and reduce pain. It targets specific injuries through a tailored treatment plan to restore function and prevent long-term damage. Possible treatments include:
- Manual Therapy: Techniques such as massage and joint manipulation to alleviate pain and improve movement.
- Exercise Therapy: Custom exercises to strengthen muscles and improve flexibility.
- Heat and Cold Therapy: Application of heat or cold to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
- Electrical Stimulation: Use of electrical currents to reduce pain and promote muscle function.
- Vestibular Rehabilitation: Specialized therapy to address balance issues stemming from inner ear disorders.
- Neurological Therapy: Tailored exercises to improve coordination, strength, and motor function, focusing on specific neurological issues after a stroke or spinal cord injury.
Duration of Physical Therapy for Specific Injuries
The length of physical therapy varies based on the injury type and its severity. Although your recovery period may differ, the following offers some general guidelines:
Injury | Expected PT Timeline | Type of PT |
Broken Bones | 6-8 weeks | Manual, exercise, and ultrasound therapy |
Sprained Joints | 2-8 weeks | Manual, heat and cold, and exercise therapy |
Torn Ligaments | 3-8 weeks | Exercise or manual therapy and electrical stimulation |
Nerve Damage | 3 months to over a year, dependent on severity | Electrical stimulation and exercise or manual therapy |
Head Trauma | 1-6 months; tailored to symptoms | Vestibular rehabilitation and neurological therapy |
Spinal Cord Injuries | Several months to ongoing, based on diagnosis and recovery progress | Neurological, aquatic, and exercise therapy |
The Importance of Following Medical Advice in Physical Therapy
Following your prescribed physical therapy regimen exactly as directed by your medical team is crucial for maximizing your recovery. This includes:
- Attending All Scheduled Appointments: Missing sessions can disrupt continuity and slow therapeutic progress. Commit to the full course recommended by your therapist.
- Completing All Prescribed Exercises: At-home exercise programs reinforce the benefits of in-clinic sessions. Perform all recommended stretches and exercises as instructed.
- Communicating Honestly With Therapists: Provide open feedback about your mobility, pain levels, and concerns. This enables adjustments for optimal rehabilitation.
- Following All Professional Guidance: Your therapists are the experts; follow their advice about activity or lifestyle modifications, using prescribed equipment and aids, and other recommendations for safe healing.
Should You Stop PT if You Feel Fine? The Possible Impact on Insurance Claims
Deciding to discontinue prescribed physical therapy before being fully cleared by your medical team can have severe consequences. Not only can stopping PT too early impact your health, but it can jeopardize any injury claim or lawsuit you pursue against the at-fault party’s insurance company.
Insurers often try to minimize the compensation they pay on claims. If you stop going to physical therapy sessions before your doctor advises, the insurance company might see it as a sign that your injuries aren’t as severe as you claimed. They’ll argue that if you were truly hurt, you wouldn’t be able to skip the treatments recommended by your doctor and physical therapist.
Sticking to the prescribed physical therapy plan eliminates the chance for insurers to use this against you. Continuing PT until you’re fully healed or reach maximum medical improvement (MMI), as determined by your doctor, can strengthen your case for the full compensation you deserve.
Protect Your Rights and Maximize Your Recovery
Physical therapy is an essential part of healing after a car accident. By following your doctor’s recommendations and attending all your therapy sessions, you’ll be on your way to a full recovery.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident in Louisiana, don’t navigate the legal complexities alone. The Baton Rouge car accident lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can help you understand your rights and your doctor’s treatment recommendations so you have the best chance of getting the full compensation possible. Contact us today for a free case review. Let our experienced team help you get back on your feet.
Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Chad Lederman, Director of Legal Operations at our New Orleans office.