How do I know whether I should go to a chiropractor or physical therapist after my car accident?

Well first off, Estner Injury Centers focuses mainly on acute care, mainly accident rehabilitation. Studies show that chiropractic care for whiplash type injuries have greatest patient satisfaction, quicker and more long-lasting healing times and is economically efficient. Estner Injury Centers has effectively and safely treated thousands of accident-related patients over its 20-year (plus) history. 

So here is the breakdown between Physical Therapy and Chiropractic medicine:

Chiropractic care typically focuses on spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to address musculoskeletal issues, emphasizing the relationship between the spine and nervous system. Physical therapy takes a broader approach, using exercises, stretches, and various techniques to improve overall movement, function, and mobility, often targeting a wider range of conditions beyond just the spine. Commonly, it is just too early to undergo exercise and muscle stretching due to spasm and inflammation, so chiropractic is the better choice initially.

Chiropractic care is often sought after a car accident because there are musculoskeletal injuries such as whiplash, back pain, or neck pain. The skeletal issues must be addressed early on as they support the muscular structure and are usually overlooked by physical therapist. Chiropractors may use spinal adjustments and manual manipulations to help alleviate pain, restore proper alignment, and promote healing. They also incorporate other therapies like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, infrared modalities, traction and later in treatment, sports taping, cupping, instrument myofascial release, exercises, stretches, and modalities to aid in recovery. 

Chiropractors can refer for all radiology studies in RI without the involvement of your PCP (other than Medicare). Chiropractors will typically accept attorney liens to guarantee payment and wait until your case settles. Estner Injury Centers has a network of outside specialists such as orthopedists, neurologists, pain management and podiatrists. Estner Injury Centers will fill out your disability forms at no charge. Estner Injury Centers can issue out of work or school notes.

Of course, physical therapy is helpful, and we regularly refer out to PT but our approach of reducing inflammation and muscle spasm initially then addressing alignment and muscle stretching seems to be more effective based on years of consistent outcome metrics. Additionally, many people who have tried PT after an accident continue to have issues that eventually resolve after chiropractic care was finally introduced. Unfortunately, a lot of time and money gets wasted in the process and it could be avoided by seeing a chiropractor first, namely the caring team at Estner Injury Centers.