Common Car Accident Injuries—And How Long Recovery Takes
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.