An auto accident can be a life-changing incident, causing significant injuries that affect your daily life. Even a minor accident can result in injuries that manifest days or weeks later, leaving you in need of treatment to prevent the damage from worsening.
People often rely on physical therapy after car accidents to reduce pain, restore function, and avoid complications in the future. So, how do you know whether you should consider car accident physical therapy in Queens, NY, if your injuries seem minor?
We specialize in car accident physical therapy at JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. Consult our guide below to learn when you may need this type of treatment to help you recover from collision injuries.
Car Accident Injuries That Often Require Physical Therapy
According to the citywide Motor Vehicle Collision Report Statistics from the NYC Police Department, in March 2026 alone, 1,591 motorists and 1,119 passengers sustained injuries from auto collisions. Car accidents can cause a broad range of injuries that can lead to limited movement and chronic pain without rehabilitation, including:
- Whiplash: According to a study in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, about 60% of people with a whiplash injury following a car accident experience persistent neck pain six months after the collision.
- Back pain: The impact from the collision can damage back muscles, compress spinal discs, and irritate nerves.
- Concussion: A concussion is one of the most common types of traumatic brain injuries. It can cause headaches, coordination issues, and other symptoms.
- Spinal cord injuries: Spinal cord damage can range from severe to mild.
- Soft tissue injuries: Sprains, strains, and soft tissue tears can restrict your range of motion and cause ongoing pain.
What Physical Therapy Can Do for Car Accident Injuries
Physical therapy is a conservative way to manage pain without surgery or an over-reliance on prescription medication. Manual therapies, pain management techniques, and targeted rehabilitation exercises and stretches can help reduce discomfort while improving mobility, flexibility, and daily function.
A physical therapist will assess your condition using various tests and examinations to determine whether you would benefit from treatment. A 2025 study published in Orthopedic Reviews reports that about 73% of physical therapy patients claim that this conservative treatment contributed to their long-term injury resolution.
How To Know if You Need Physical Therapy in Queens, NY, Following a Car Accident
It can be difficult to tell whether you need physical therapy after a car accident if you don’t know what to look for. Not all auto collisions cause injuries that require or benefit from physical therapy. You could also experience a delay in symptoms, so you might assume you’re uninjured when you’re not.
It may be time to schedule a consultation with a physical therapist if you notice the following warning signs after a car accident.
Limited Range of Motion
You may experience stiffness, swelling, and a reduced range of motion after an accident. If the problem only affects certain parts of your body, you could have a joint injury, muscle strain, or inflammation. Physical therapy may help improve your range of motion so that you can resume your everyday activities without restriction.
Persistent Pain
Lingering pain in your joints, neck, shoulders, or back indicates the need for professional care. The aches and discomfort may be due to a spinal misalignment, whiplash, or soft tissue damage.
Difficulty Performing Daily Activities
Do you have problems bending, walking, or lifting after a car accident? If so, you may need physical therapy. Car accidents can cause balance issues, muscle weakness, or pain that restricts normal body functions.
At-Home Tests To Help Determine Whether Physical Therapy May Be Beneficial
If you’re still unsure if you need physical therapy after a car accident, you can perform these simple tests at home:
- Range-of-motion test: If you experience stiffness, pain, or restricted movement when trying to gently move your back, neck, and shoulders in all directions, you may require physical therapy to restore mobility and function.
- Balance and coordination test: Try to walk in a straight line or stand on one leg for a few seconds. If you can’t maintain your balance or coordination, you may have lingering issues from the accident.
- Grip test: Try squeezing your hand or lifting something light. Noticeable weakness or discomfort may indicate nerve or muscle issues.
Start Your Healing Journey With JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., in Queens
Understanding the importance of physical therapy after a car accident starts with knowing that even minor auto collisions can cause an injury. Our professionals at JPM Physical Therapy, P.C., provide compassionate, comprehensive care in Queens, NY, including physical therapy, chiropractic care, and pain management. We offer personalized treatment plans for every patient to aid in their recovery.
Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). To start physical therapy after a car accident, call (516) 689-9921 to schedule an appointment with JPM Physical Therapy, P.C. Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions About Car Accident Physical Therapy
Before scheduling an appointment with a physical therapist in Queens, NY, learn more about the treatment’s effects on car accident injuries below.
How Long Can My Body Be in Shock After an Auto Collision?
Shock from a car accident could last for 24 to 72 hours as the adrenaline wears off. However, psychological or emotional shock can last longer than that.
What Can I Expect When Visiting a Physical Therapist in Queens, NY?
When visiting a physical therapist in Queens, you can expect to discuss your symptoms, accident, and medical history before undergoing a physical examination. The therapist will then create a personalized treatment plan that may include massage, targeted exercises, electrical stimulation, or other manual therapies.
How Long Would I Need Physical Therapy After a Car Accident?
The amount of time you would need physical therapy after a car accident depends on the type and severity of your injuries. For instance, nerve damage may require sessions for three months to a year or longer, while a bone fracture may only require six to eight weeks of hands-on treatment.