5 Most Common Types of Auto Injuries

Physical therapy helps individuals in a wide range of situations, including recovery and rehabilitation after auto injuries. Basecamp physical therapists in Flagstaff, AZ, have treated many people for motor vehicle accident injuries. Here are the five most common types of auto injuries that people suffer:

1. Whiplash
Whiplash is arguably the number one most common auto injury. This injury affects the muscles and ligaments in the neck. It most often occurs when a driver and/or passengers are rear-ended by another vehicle, causing the head to violently and quickly move forward and backward in a “whipping” motion.

2. Soft Tissue Injuries
The trauma of auto accidents often causes damage to connective tissues, such as ligaments, tendons, and muscles. These can occur anywhere on the body where the body has been subjected to blunt force trauma. This includes things like being thrust inside the vehicle against a hard surface, such as the side of the door, the glove box, the middle console, etc.

3. Burns
Fires and/or explosions cause burns to the skin that may reach deeper tissues. Even superficial burns can be debilitating when they encompass large body areas. Second and third-degree burns require treatment from a variety of professionals, including Flagstaff, AZ, physical therapists like those at Basecamp.

4. Broken Bones
The force of a motor vehicle collision can break bones throughout the body. Commonly fractured bones include ribs, arms, legs, and the pelvis. These often cause mobility problems, which is where physical therapy can usually help.

5. Concussion
A concussion, a form of traumatic brain injury (TBI), happens when there’s a blow to the head or the body is shaken violently. Symptoms can include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and temporary loss of consciousness, indicating brain injury. Physical therapy is especially helpful when the brain injury has led to a loss of cognitive ability, where a person may need to re-learn motor skills.

At Basecamp Physical Therapy & Performance, we understand the many injuries that auto injuries can cause. When you need help after a motor vehicle accident, you can rely on your Flagstaff, AZ, physical therapist to help with healing, create a rehabilitation program, and be there to support you every step of the way. Contact us to learn more.