Physical Therapy after Boating Accident will be necessary to recover from a boating accident. The type of physical therapy you need depends on your injuries after the accident. Typically, you will have to undergo a series of exercises and bodily motions to regain full functionality and mobility. Depending on the severity of the accident and your injuries, you may receive physical therapy at home or in a hospital setting.
The physical therapy process after a boating accident
The physical therapy process after a boating accident is long and tedious. It starts with a careful assessment by a doctor of your overall condition. After the initial assessment, the doctor will recommend or prescribe you to a physical therapist. The physical therapist will then perform a series of tests to assess the extent of your injury. Based on the results from their tests, they will develop a plan with you that best suits your needs and goals for recovery.
During your initial meeting with the Physical Therapy after Boating Accident, it is essential to discuss how much time you can dedicate to recovery each day. It is also important to discuss your goals for recovery. During this time, the physical therapist will evaluate you so they can design a program that will meet you at your current level and help improve your condition gradually over time.
There are many common physical therapy treatments used in treating boating accident-related injuries. These include stretching exercises, pool therapy, strengthening exercises, joint protection techniques, and heat or cold therapies. Stretching exercises will help increase the range of motion in the affected area, while strengthening exercises will help build muscle strength around weakened muscles and joints.
Tips on staying safe when boating
By following these tips, you can prevent falls, fractures, and other severe injuries while boating:
Wear a life jacket: It only takes an instant to fall over the side or be hit by a boat’s propeller. The best way to prevent injury from a fall overboard is to wear a life jacket.
Always pay attention: Distraction is one of the leading causes of falls and boat collisions. Make sure your children know the importance of paying attention when on board, and be incredibly diligent about keeping an eye on them when they’re close to the water.
Steer clear of alcohol: Alcohol impairs judgment and slows reaction time, making it hard to avoid falling overboard or colliding with another boat. Even if you don’t plan on piloting your boat, ask your skipper or host ahead of time if they’ll allow alcohol on board. If they say no, respect their wishes.
What to expect physically during recovery
The physical therapy will begin as soon as you are ready. The first week is dedicated to monitoring the body’s progress and possible complications arising from the accident. The following weeks will consist of various exercises designed to increase the range of motion and strength of your leg. These exercises should not be painful, but they may cause soreness.
The first 14 days will be the most difficult. You may feel a burning sensation as the nerves in your leg repair themselves. The physical therapy staff may also use a massaging device to help heal these nerves faster. This also may cause some soreness and discomfort in the early stages of your recovery, but it is an essential part of healing properly. The muscles in your leg will likely atrophy during those first two weeks, and it is essential to begin strengthening them immediately after.
After you have reached the third week of physical therapy, you should be able to stand on your own without assistance from crutches or a cane. Your range of motion will still be limited. Still, you should notice significant improvement over time, especially if you are diligent about all aspects of your physical therapy program (including any exercises completed at home).
