If you have been in a car accident, you are likely to be feeling both physically and mentally out of whack.
Depending on the severity of your accident, you may not yet be able to return to work or you may not even be able to get out of bed.
It is important to remember that recovering from any car accident can take time, as both your body and mind need to be allowed to heal.
Discover how you can support your recovery and get back to fighting fit below.
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Always see a doctor
Even if you do not think that you have sustained any injuries or are not in any pain, it is imperative that you seek medical attention to check for any internal injuries.
You should know that even minor injuries can cause long-term health complications, so it is always better to be safe than sorry. Either request an ambulance at the scene or take a trip to the nearest hospital.
Get enough rest
Following a car accident, rest is crucial, even if you have only sustained minor injuries. Resting enables your body to conserve energy, which, in turn, facilitates regeneration.
Speak to your work about taking time off to allow your body and mind time to heal, and don’t feel pressured to return to your job sooner than you feel ready.
Undergo physical therapy
Physical therapy plays an important role in recovery from many car accidents and can help to prevent long-term injuries and complications, as well as help to treat short-term disability after car accident.
There are lots of different types of physical therapists, so make sure you find one who specializes in the injuries you have sustained. You can speak to your doctor about a referral or look online to find a local physical therapist in your area.
Focus on your overall health
If you want to reduce your recovery time, then you need to focus not only on your injuries but also your overall health and well-being.
Make sure you consume a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get the recommended amount of sleep.
In particular, focus on eating foods that are high in protein, calcium, and vitamin C, as these all help to support your body’s natural healing process.
Consider massage therapies
As well as physical therapy, massage therapy has been proven to be highly effective in aiding the recovery process. More specifically, it can help reduce pain, relieve anxiety and stress, and combat sleep problems.
A good option for people suffering from complications such as headaches or back and neck pain, massage therapy can be used alongside more traditional treatments to great effect.
Talk about the accident
If you are struggling with the mental effects of your accident, then it can be helpful to talk about how you feel. Some people prefer to talk to family and friends, whereas others find it easier to talk to someone that they don’t yet, such as a therapist or counselor.
If you think that you might benefit from talking to a professional, then you can ask your doctor for a referral.
