Common Mistakes to Avoid During MVA Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain their strength, mobility, and overall function after an accident. However, there are several common mistakes that patients may make during their MVA physiotherapy treatment that can hinder progress or even cause further complications. Motor vehicle accident physiotherapy Edmonton At In Step Physiotherapy, our experienced physiotherapists guide patients through their recovery process to avoid these pitfalls. 

Skipping Sessions or Stopping Treatment Prematurely

One of the most significant mistakes patients make is skipping physiotherapy sessions or prematurely stopping treatment once they start feeling better. While the immediate pain may subside, this doesn’t mean the injury has fully healed. If you stop treatment too soon, there is a risk of re-injury or developing long-term complications. Physiotherapy helps restore strength, flexibility, and mobility, which are essential for a full recovery.

Overexerting Yourself

While it's important to push yourself during physiotherapy to regain strength and mobility, overexerting yourself can be counterproductive. Trying to do too much too soon can worsen your injuries or cause new ones. In the early stages of rehabilitation, it’s essential to listen to your body and avoid pushing past your limits.

Solution: Gradually increase the intensity of exercises, and always communicate with your physiotherapist about how you feel. They can adjust your plan to ensure you’re progressing safely and at the right pace.

Not Following Home Exercise Recommendations

Your physiotherapist will likely give you exercises to perform at home in between sessions. Failing to do these exercises can slow down your recovery and even result in setbacks. Home exercises are designed to reinforce the work done during therapy and promote healing outside of the clinic.

Solution: Be diligent about completing your prescribed exercises. Set aside time each day to do them, and let your physiotherapist know if you’re struggling with any particular exercises so they can provide modifications or guidance.

Not Managing Pain Appropriately

Pain management is an important aspect of MVA recovery. While it’s normal to experience some discomfort during the healing process, ignoring pain or using pain as a reason to avoid therapy altogether can delay recovery. On the other hand, relying on pain medication to mask discomfort without addressing the root cause can prevent you from actively participating in your rehabilitation.

Solution: Use pain medication as prescribed, but don’t rely on it entirely. Managing pain properly will allow you to stay engaged in your recovery without overloading your body.

Neglecting Posture and Ergonomics

After an MVA, poor posture and improper body mechanics can contribute to discomfort, pain, and further injury. Many patients make the mistake of neglecting their posture during daily activities, which can undermine the progress they’ve made in therapy. Whether it’s sitting at a desk, sleeping, or lifting objects, improper body mechanics can lead to imbalances that slow down recovery.