When it comes to selecting a rehab specialist following your ICBC accident, either a Kinesiologist or Athletic Therapist can be a beneficial decision to treat symptoms and return to pain-free movement with an optimum level of function.
The question is, which treatment option is right for you?
Throughout this article, we will discuss the importance of Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy rehab services and how they may benefit you following your ICBC accident. By the end, you’ll have a thorough understanding of each active rehab modality to help you save time and allow you to make a well-informed decision on your recovery plan. Since ICBC covers your rehab sessions, you’ll save money along the way as well!
Car Accidents, Injuries and ICBC Claims
The physical consequences of motor vehicle accidents can worsen the longer you wait to attend active rehabilitation. Fortunately, ICBC covers a wide range of active rehabilitation services to help eliminate your treatment costs and get you on the path to recovery with ease. ICBC active rehab is a customized treatment plan created by either a Kinesiologist or Athletic Therapist to help you address and manage your pain by addressing muscle weakness or imbalances to help you get back to moving and feeling better than ever before.How it Works
Following the initial assessment, you’ll be pre-approved for 12 sessions with your recovery specialist within the first 12 weeks of your accident. In most cases, patients will receive ongoing active rehab treatment for 1-2 days every week for over 12 weeks in order to get them on the right path. If you’re past the 12-week time frame from your accident, you can still receive treatment! However, we will need to perform an initial assessment before submitting your treatment plan to your ICBC adjuster. A doctor’s note that supports your treatment may also be required. For more information, check out our latest post on ICBC coverage for Kinesiology and Athletic Therapy. Other ICBC active rehab treatments include:- Physiotherapy
- Massage therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Acupuncture
- Chiropractic care
Common physical symptoms you may experience after a car accident
Car accidents can be incredibly traumatic and can put our bodies under immense physical stress. Although not every motor vehicle accident is the same, this type of stress on the body can cause common physical symptoms and injury. While bracing for impact, we unintentionally overexert our muscles to the point of swelling or inflammation which can contribute to pain or immobility following an accident. Even in a rear-end car accident where you may not be prepared to brace for impact, the counterforce of the collision can put an immense strain on your neck and back muscles. Our bodies are designed to withstand only so much force. As an outcome of the physical trauma of a motor vehicle accident, it’s common to have bruising, muscle and ligament tears, muscle spasms, nerve damage, headaches or migraines and even a herniated disc.Recovering from Injury with Active Rehabilitation
There are a ton of impressive benefits to working with an active rehab specialist following an accident. Throughout this treatment process, you will:- Engage in a personalized recovery plan to help you return to normal daily activities
- Manage your symptoms early to prevent long-term damage and pain
- Restore function, mobility, strength and stability
Kinesiology: What To Expect
A Kinesiologist is an active rehab and human movement specialist knowledgeable in anatomy, physiology, neurology and motor control. Engaging in an active based approach, Kinesiologists are trained to address motor vehicle accident injuries, provide rehabilitation following surgery, create balance and fall prevention plans and offer strength and conditioning guidance for patients of all ages.Benefits of Kinesiology Treatment
After a car accident, a Kinesiologist can help you in the following ways:- Assess the root cause of your pain
- Offer early detection and correction of muscle imbalances
- Improve muscle strength
- Reduce pain during rest and movement
Athletic Therapy: What to Expect
An Athletic Therapist specializes in treating acute and chronic injuries to bones, muscles and joints. While there is a large component of athletic therapy that addresses sport-specific injuries, many clients choose to forego treatment for their car accident injuries as well. Using specialized skills, athletic therapists are capable of addressing most musculoskeletal issues in the effort of relieving pain and improving quality of life.Benefits of Athletic Therapy Treatment
Athletic therapists are experts in injury assessment, prevention and rehabilitation. Throughout your sessions, you’ll receive a practical injury recovery program that includes:- Manual techniques and therapies
- A customized exercise rehab plan to address pain, imbalances and immobility
- Bracing and taping (if necessary)