A car accident can leave you feeling “okay” at first—then sore, stiff, or foggy a day or two later. In Arvada and the Denver metro area, it’s common for people to develop symptoms like whiplash, headaches, back pain, shoulder pain, or dizziness within 24–72 hours of a collision. The good news: with the right plan, most people can make steady progress after car accidents.

Manual therapy (hands-on physical therapy) can be a key part of that plan—especially when it’s paired with targeted exercises and clear guidance on what to do between visits.

Understanding the recovery process is crucial for anyone involved in car accidents, as it helps manage expectations and improves outcomes.

First things first: make sure you’re medically safe after car accidents

Physical therapy is not emergency care. Seek urgent medical attention if you have any of the following after an accident:

• Loss of consciousness or confusion
• Severe or worsening headache
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• New weakness, numbness, or trouble walking
• Repeated vomiting
• New bowel or bladder changes

Once serious injury is ruled out, a physical therapy evaluation can help you move forward with a structured recovery plan.

Why you may feel worse later (even after a “minor” crash)

Right after a collision, adrenaline can mask symptoms. In the hours and days that follow, inflammation and muscle guarding often increase. Even low-speed impacts can irritate joints, muscles, ligaments, and nerves—especially around the neck and upper back.

If you notice stiffness, pain with turning your head, headaches, pain with sitting or driving, or radiating symptoms into an arm or leg, it’s a sign your body may benefit from evaluation rather than “waiting it out.”

What manual therapy is (and what it’s used for)

Manual therapy is the hands-on portion of physical therapy provided by a trained clinician. After a car accident, the body often protects itself by tightening up and moving less. Manual therapy is used to improve mobility, calm irritated tissues, and help you move more normally—so exercise becomes safer and more comfortable.

Depending on your exam findings, treatment may include:

• Soft tissue mobilization to reduce muscle guarding and trigger points
• Myofascial techniques to address restrictions in connective tissue
• Joint mobilization (and, when appropriate, manipulation) to restore motion
• Assisted stretching to improve range of motion without flare-ups
• Nerve gliding if tingling, burning, or radiating pain is present

Important: manual therapy is most effective when it supports a full plan that includes movement retraining and progressive strengthening—not just a one-time “adjustment.”

Common car accident injuries and symptoms we see in Arvada

Every accident is different, but many people report a combination of symptoms like:

• Whiplash / neck pain: stiffness, reduced range of motion, headaches, shoulder pain, jaw tension
• Mid-back pain: tightness with twisting, deep breaths, or posture changes
• Low-back pain: soreness with sitting, bending, lifting, or getting in/out of the car
• Nerve irritation: numbness, tingling, or shooting pain into the arms/hands or legs/feet
• Dizziness or balance changes: feeling “off,” lightheaded, or unsteady

A thorough PT exam helps identify what’s driving your symptoms (mobility restrictions, muscle guarding, nerve sensitivity, balance/vestibular involvement, or a mix) so the plan matches your needs.

What to expect at your first post-accident PT visit

A high-quality evaluation should feel detailed and personalized. Your therapist should ask about the crash, symptom timing, prior injuries, and what activities make symptoms better or worse. Then you can expect:

• Screening for red flags that require medical referral
• Mobility testing for the neck, spine, and affected joints
• Strength and movement-control testing to identify weak links
• Neurologic screening if tingling, numbness, or weakness is present
• A clear plan with home exercises and pacing guidance

You should leave knowing what your therapist thinks is happening, what the next steps are, and what progress should look like over the next 2–4 weeks.

How long does recovery take?

Some people feel significantly better within a few visits. Others need several weeks, especially if symptoms are more widespread or involve dizziness, nerve irritation, or sleep disruption. Helpful factors usually include:

• Starting care early (after medical clearance)
• Following a simple daily home program
• Gradually returning to walking, strength, and normal activities
• Improving sleep and reducing repeated flare-ups

Insurance and documentation basics

Auto insurance policies often include medical coverage (commonly called MedPay), but details vary. A clinic familiar with motor vehicle injuries can help you understand what documentation is typically needed and how to track progress over time—so you can focus on getting better.

FAQ: Recovery after a car accident

Do I need physical therapy if my car barely looks damaged?

Yes. Vehicle damage doesn’t reliably predict how your body responds. Symptoms depend on how forces traveled through your neck, spine, and soft tissues—not the appearance of the bumper.

Should I rest until the pain is gone?

Short rest can help early on, but prolonged inactivity often increases stiffness and sensitivity. Most people recover better with guided, graded movement and the right home program.

Can manual therapy help whiplash and headaches?

Often, yes. Whiplash can irritate joints and muscles in the neck and upper back that contribute to headaches. Your therapist should evaluate mobility, posture, and movement control to address likely drivers.

What if I have tingling or numbness?

Tell your provider promptly. PT can screen for nerve involvement and help determine whether you need additional medical evaluation while still guiding safe movement strategies.

Will exercises make me worse?

The right exercises should be matched to your tolerance. Your therapist should adjust intensity and volume so you build capacity without constant flare-ups.

Ready to schedule in Arvada?

If you’ve been in a car accident and you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, headaches, dizziness, or limited mobility, manual therapy-focused physical therapy can help you recover with a clear plan. Schedule now

Manual Therapy Associates
12001 W. 63rd Place, Suite 202, Arvada, CO 80004
Call or text: 303-668-2898

This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new neurologic symptoms, seek medical evaluation.