Real Life Story

I was involved in a car accident in Utah County and taken directly to the ER. The Dr. evaluated me and sent me directly to a physical therapist that accommodated my immediate needs. He took the time to thoroughly teach me all about the muscles in my neck and back and what gentle stretches I could do to help myself get better. The therapist also took the time to teach me what positions I needed to avoid in order to let my muscles heal as fast as possible. I only needed one visit with the physical therapist and I took home a customized home program for my individual needs. I felt 100% better two days after my accident and never missed a day of work. I am so grateful I had an ER doctor who sent me to therapy the same day as my accident.

Bill
Heber City, UT

Whiplash injuries are common among people involved with motor vehicle accidents. Whiplash injuries occur when the extrinsic and intrinsic muscles of the spine become severely elongated over an extremely short period of time, causing extensive trauma to the muscles and other connective tissues of the neck and spine. Traditionally these injuries are seen and treated with medications and rest for 2-4 weeks.

Emergency room physicians have been discovering the benefits from immediate intervention using a 2-4 day physical therapy treatment protocol, in addition to necessary medications and rest. The patients benefit more because they have a much quicker recovery. Usually, they are better within 2-4 days instead of 2-4 weeks, and they are able to get back to their normal routine much quicker. Orrock/Mendenhall Sports Medicine is a physical therapy group you can trust. We will see patients right away and will take the time to teach you how to get better.

An injured muscle cannot heal properly if it is continually stressed and loaded incorrectly. If a patient is taught early the proper movements, stretches, and postures that promote recovery in the injured tissues, then the patient can start the healing process immediately. Otherwise, these patients significantly postpone their recovery due to a lack of knowledge or understanding about proper injury care. Most patients that receive physical therapy within 24-48 hours of their accident require only 1-3 visits before they are ready to take home a custom program and continue progressing with self-treatment. Emergency room physicians have found that this form of immediate treatment is best for the patient who is involved in a MVA and who has been thoroughly evaluated and cleared for physical therapy.

To maximize your chances for optimal recovery, often a physician will suggest you consult with us to evaluate and modify your treatment and exercises to meet your specific needs.
For more information about moving vehicle injuries check out these links:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/whiplash/DS01037