PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR CAR ACCIDENT INJURIES
Oregon Car Accident Statistics
Car accidents are an unfortunate reality in Oregon, with thousands of collisions occurring each year. According to the Oregon Department of Transportation, there were nearly 47,000 reported crashes in 2023 alone, 83% of which resulted in injuries. Many of these accidents occur in high-traffic areas like Portland, where congestion and adverse weather conditions contribute to increased risks. While some accidents result in minor damage or injuries, many individuals suffer from lasting physical effects that require specialized care to achieve full recovery.​​
Common Car Accident Symptoms & Injuries
Even minor car accidents can cause significant physical strain on the body. Some of the most common motor vehicle accident injuries and symptoms include:
1. Whiplash
One of the most common car accident injuries, whiplash occurs when the head is suddenly jerked forward and back, leading to neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.
2. Concussions & Head Injuries
Even with airbags, the force of impact can lead to head injuries, dizziness, memory problems, and sensitivity to light and noise.
3. Back & Spinal Injuries
Herniated discs, muscle strains, and spinal misalignments can result from sudden impact.
4. Shoulder & Knee Injuries
Seatbelts protect lives but can cause shoulder strain, while impact forces may lead to knee trauma.
5. Chronic Pain & Postural Imbalances
Many individuals experience lingering pain and stiffness, which can be exacerbated by poor posture and compensation patterns developed after the accident.
How Physical Therapy Can Help with Car Accident Injuries
Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to recover from car accident injuries. Rather than simply masking the pain with medication, physical therapy addresses the root causes of discomfort and dysfunction.
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According to the American Physical Therapy Association, early physical therapy intervention can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and decrease the risk of long-term disability. Key benefits of physical therapy after a car accident include:
1. Pain Management
Targeted exercises, manual therapy, and movement techniques help reduce pain and improve mobility.
2. Restoring Mobility & Strength
Addressing muscle imbalances and retraining movement patterns can prevent long-term dysfunction.
3. Preventing Chronic Issues
Early intervention can reduce the risk of chronic pain and postural misalignment that can develop after an accident.
4. Improved Nervous System Function
Physical therapy can help recalibrate the body’s response to trauma and stress, reducing symptoms such as dizziness and fatigue.
5. Personalized Recovery Plans
A tailored approach ensures that each individual gets the care they need for their specific injuries and symptoms.
Move Pain-Free Again with Root & Branch Physical Therapy
At Root & Branch Physical Therapy, we take rehabilitation to the next level with our expertise in Postural Restoration.
Unlike traditional physical therapy, which often targets isolated movements, our approach addresses how your entire body adapts and compensates after an injury. By identifying and treating these imbalances, we help restore your body’s natural alignment, promoting faster recovery and long-term wellness.
Here’s what sets us apart and why our patients trust us:
Individualized Care
Our one-hour private sessions allow us to thoroughly assess and treat each patient without the distractions of a crowded gym or the feeling of being rushed out the door.
Holistic & Comprehensive Approach
We don’t just treat symptoms; we analyze breathing patterns, postural imbalances, and neuromuscular function to facilitate long-term healing.
Expertise in Chronic & Complex Cases
Many of our patients seek us out after other therapies have failed to provide relief. We specialize in addressing persistent pain and dysfunction that can linger long after a car accident.
Compassionate, Understandable Therapy
We make recovery accessible by educating and empowering our patients, walking through why your injury happened, how your body is compensating, and the actionable steps needed to heal.
Accredited & Highly-Rated
Our highly trained physical therapists specialize in Postural Restoration and bring extensive expertise in neurorehabilitation, orthopedic therapy, therapeutic yoga, and advanced manual therapies. Dr. Alex de la Paz was named Portland’s Top Physical Therapist 5 years in a row, and together, we’ve earned over 70 5-star reviews (and counting) across Google, Yelp, and ZocDoc.
If you’ve been in a car accident in the Portland metro area and are struggling with pain, stiffness, or postural issues, Root & Branch Physical Therapy can help you regain function and get back to the activities you love.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and take the first step toward lasting recovery.