Common Car Accident Injuries—And How Long Recovery Takes
Here are the key steps to getting on the road to recovery after a car accident.
Not every injury from a car accident shows up right away. In fact, accident victims often experience the effects of shock, adrenaline, and other natural responses to trauma. In these cases, pain may not be felt until hours or days following the impact. At VirtualOrtho, we specialize in diagnosing and treating the most common soft-tissue and musculoskeletal injuries. Here are the top injuries caused by accidents and what recovery typically looks like (of course results can vary from patient to patient).
Most Common Injuries After a Car Accident:
Whiplash or Neck Strain
Symptoms: Neck stiffness, headaches, dizziness
Average Recovery Time: 4–8 weeks with consistent therapy
Common Treatment: Guided neck mobility exercises, posture correction, and pain management. Often medical equipment, such as a neck brace or TENS unit can help.
Lower Back Pain
Symptoms: Radiating pain, muscle spasms or weakness, difficulty standing
Average Recovery Time: 6–10 weeks with consistent therapy
Common Treatment: Core strengthening, stretches, and movement retraining
Shoulder or Rotator Cuff Injuries
Symptoms: Limited range of motion, pain lifting arms
Average Recovery Time: 6–12 weeks, depending on severity
Common Treatment: Targeted exercises, soft tissue work, and progressive loading
Knee Sprains and Joint Pain
Symptoms: Swelling, instability, pain when walking
Average Recovery Time: 3–8 weeks, depending on severity
Common Treatment: Balance training, quad strengthening, and mobility drills
Soft tissue Bruising and Muscle Strain
Symptoms: Tenderness, soreness, restricted movement
Average Recovery Time: 2–6 weeks, depending on severity
Common Treatment: Controlled motion and blood flow stimulation exercises
Why start sooner?
The earlier you begin treatment, the faster and more completely you recover. Waiting too long can lead to chronic pain or long-term mobility issues. Plus, who likes to be in pain longer than necessary? We make it easy to start treatment right from the comfort of your home, with licensed doctors and physical therapists experienced in car accident recovery.
Click here to schedule your VirtualOrtho initial evalution.
Recover Faster After a Car Accident with Virtual Physical Therapy
Here are the key steps to getting on the road to recovery after a car accident.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, starting physical therapy quickly can dramatically improve your outcome. But getting to a clinic when you’re in pain—or without reliable transportation—can be a difficult task. That’s where we come in!
We provide doctor-led virtual physical therapy, tailored to people recovering from car accidents. The care that we provide is fast, effective, and from the comfort of your home (or anywhere you’re comfortable).
Here’s why virtual physical therapy could work for you:
Super Fast Access to Care - Anyone who has been hurt in an accident knows that you don’t want to wait days or weeks to begin treatment. VirtualOrtho connects you with a licensed, doctor of physical therapist (DPT), often within 24 hours. You’ll have a 1-on-1 consultation to develop your personalized treatment plan to get on the path to recovery.
Care With Less Hassle - in-person physical therapy is great, but not everyone has the ability to attend 12 in-person visits. Our patients don’t have to drive across town or wait in waiting rooms. You’ll receive personalized care right from your home, on your schedule.
Real Results, Backed by Evidence - Studies like this one show virtual PT is effective and leads to great outcomes for many patients. It can be ideal for injuries like whiplash, back pain, joint sprains, and muscle strains, which are all common after the impact of an auto accident.
We’re here to help in all 50 States - no matter where you live or where the accident occurred, we’ve got your back. That’s why our motto is “Amazing care from anywhere.”