One of the most important things to do after being in a car accident is to get a complete medical checkup even if the accident was minor and you feel fine. Your doctor may uncover hidden injuries which you may not have realized you have and which may have consequences if left untreated. Once you are in the hands of a medical professional, they will explain what treatment options are available to you so that your injuries can heal and you can go back to your life as it was before the accident. Accompanying the medical treatments with activities that can strengthen your body after the accident will also bring benefits to you.
It is impossible to craft a single exercise routine for everyone who has ever been in an accident. Factors such as the severity of the injuries, the age of the victim, and their physical condition before the accident will play a role in what your therapist may recommend. Here are some options.
While massage will help the body relax, foam rolling will help by providing a deeper massage that pinpoints the affected area. You may need a professional to give you the massage while the foam rolling can be done at home.
Wait at least three days after the accident before attempting any stretches since your body needs some time to recover. Once it is safe, include some gentle stretches for your legs, torso, arms, head, and neck. Your aim should be to improve the range of motion and improve the blood flow to the affected area to help it heal.
If your injuries do not involve broken bones in your lower body, walking is effective in improving circulation and speeding up recovery. If you opt for sitting on the couch for long stretches of time, recovery will be that much longer. Start walking as soon as you can.
Some exercises will help you regain your strength much faster. Here are some examples to try. Do them 10 times and repeat the set three times.
Sit in a chair and lift small weights (a can of soup will do if you do not have weights). Lift the weights out to the sides, arms shoulder height, and lower the arms slowly down. You may also stretch the arms in front of you and move them up and down slowly. Also, scissor the arms in front of your chest, keeping your arms at shoulder height.
Get on your hands and knees, keeping your spine straight. Lift one leg straight out and stretch out the opposite arm. Hold for 10 seconds and switch to the other leg and arm. This will help stretch the back and legs.
Place your hands and feet on the floor and raise your body to form an inverted V, making sure the spine is straight at all times. Keep your neck straight and hold the position for 10 seconds. Relax and repeat 10 times.
If you have access to a pool, exercising in the water is also helpful when you are trying to regain your strength. Check to see if there are any aqua aerobic classes nearby.