Car Accident Physical Therapy

In most cases, no. Most states allows for "Direct Access," meaning you can come directly to a physical therapist for an evaluation and treatment without seeing a doctor first. This gets you on the road to recovery faster. However, if you are using insurance there are some specific plans that do have requirements regarding signatures or referrals. If your insurance has specific requirements, we will let you know before your first visit.  (Medicare does NOT require a referral to get started with therapy).

During your first visit, you'll undergo a comprehensive evaluation. We'll discuss your medical history, assess your current condition, and perform a physical examination. This helps us understand your specific needs and goals. Based on this information, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you might have about your treatment.

Yes. When appropriate, we use manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization, soft-tissue work, dry needling, and directional loading strategies. These help decrease pain quickly so you can move more easily and progress into strengthening.

In many cases, yes. Most pain improves with the right combination of movement correction, strength training, and hands-on care. We’ll also tell you honestly if imaging or a surgical consult is appropriate.

Yes. One of our main goals is education. You’ll understand exactly what is causing your pain, why it’s happening, and how to fix it. Knowing the root cause reduces fear and speeds up recovery.

If pain limits your workouts, daily activities, sleep, or quality of life—even slightly—PT is the right next step. A short evaluation can determine exactly what’s going on and what your fastest path forward looks like.

Even low-speed collisions can injure the neck, back, shoulders, or hips without obvious symptoms right away. PT helps you recover faster, reduce pain, improve mobility, and prevent long-term issues like chronic whiplash, headaches, or stiffness. Early evaluation gives you the best chance at a full recovery.

In most cases you do not need a referral. You can schedule a PT evaluation immediately through Direct Access. If your insurance or attorney requires a referral or specific documentation, we can help coordinate that for you.

Ideally within the first 7 days—but it’s never too late. Early treatment reduces inflammation, restores mobility, and prevents long-term dysfunction. Even if you feel “mostly fine,” hidden injuries may surface later without proper care.

This is extremely common. Adrenaline and inflammation can delay symptoms. PT can still help reduce stiffness, restore movement, and prevent chronic problems—regardless of when symptoms started.

Yes. Most auto accident claims and PIP (in states that have it) cover medically necessary physical therapy. We also work with attorneys when appropriate. We can verify your benefits and explain your coverage in simple terms before your first appointment.

Not necessarily. Most injuries from car accidents are movement-related and respond best to PT. If imaging is needed (X-ray or MRI), your therapist will refer you to the appropriate provider.

No problem. We frequently work with attorneys and can share your evaluation and treatment documentation as needed. Your therapist will make sure all clinical findings are written clearly and thoroughly.

Yes. Many people still have lingering stiffness, weakness, headaches, or nerve symptoms because the root cause was never addressed. PT restores mobility, strengthens supporting muscles, and improves movement patterns so symptoms stop coming back.

Absolutely. Even old accident-related pain can improve once the underlying mobility restrictions, compensations, or tissue irritations are identified and treated. We routinely see patients who improve long after the injury occurred.

Untreated car accident injuries often lead to chronic neck or back pain, headaches, stiffness, nerve irritation, weakness, and long-term mobility issues. Early PT prevents these problems and helps you return to normal activity safely and quickly.