After an auto accident, one of the biggest challenges you may face is recovering physically and emotionally. Often, you may experience chronic pain, stress, and anxiety that may stop you from doing simple tasks and engaging in your favourite activities.
Though everything at this time can be daunting, the last thing you should do is try to force your way into your normal routine. Instead, you must listen to your body and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, here are five tips to help you successfully rebuild your health and fitness.
Have Enough Rest and Eat Right
One of the best steps you should take after a car accident is to get enough rest. You need to let your body heal, and that takes time.
Take some time off work and your daily routine, depending on the severity of your injuries. Moreover, ensure you sleep for at least 8 hours each night.
Eating right is also crucial to regaining your strength. So, take plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, and drink plenty of water. Most importantly, avoid alcohol as it may delay your healing and worsen injuries.
Consult a Professional Mental Health Therapist
If you’ve been in a serious car accident and have suffered trauma, you must seek help from a professional mental health therapist. You will likely experience some form of stress or anxiety, and it’s crucial that you get help managing your condition as soon as possible.
A therapist can help you process your emotions and work through any trauma you may have experienced. They’ll also assist you in establishing healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with potential PTSD symptoms, like sleep disturbance or flashbacks.
Follow the Regular Treatment Protocol and Your Doctor’s Recommendations
Your doctor might recommend certain routines and treatment protocols, especially if you suffered serious injuries in an auto crash. While some of the programs might be difficult to follow initially, don’t be tempted to skip them, as the benefits will likely outweigh any short-term inconvenience.
For example, if you suffer from chronic back pain, you might have an injury that requires physical therapy every day for six weeks to heal properly. Ensure you attend all your sessions and talk to your physical therapist about your progress.
As you follow the treatment protocol, note the reaction of your pain levels. If your prescribed therapy is not working or is making things worse, discuss with your physician about other possible options.
Pursue Compensation to Help Pay for Treatment
After a serious car crash, you’d need to focus on getting the right treatment. However, treating auto crash injuries may involve expensive procedures, such as surgery and physical therapy, that might go beyond what you can afford.
In case another driver was to blame for the accident that caused your injuries, you should pursue compensation to lessen your financial burden. But you need to understand that filing a compensation claim is a lengthy process that involves plenty of paperwork and cumbersome legal procedures.
Luckily, with professional assistance from a personal injury lawyer, you can seamlessly navigate through the complicated process of filing a claim. If you are about to get started with your search for a personal injury attorney, this article by Dolman Law might help you find the right legal assistance.
Incorporate Light Exercises into Your Routine
As you heal from your injuries, it’s important to incorporate light exercises and stretching into your daily activities.
Walking is a perfect way to start your exercise routine. Start with short walks around the block and gradually increase the distance as you feel comfortable. Other low-impact exercises to try include swimming and yoga.
Exercises will help increase your flexibility and range of motion, which is important for long-term recovery. Stretching, on the other hand, can reduce stiffness in joints caused by accidents that result in injury or trauma.
However, be sure to consult with a physical therapist before starting any exercise routine if you have back pain or are experiencing numbness in your limbs. Don’t forget to ask for professional help to learn proper stretching techniques.
