Outpatient physical therapy plan of care following a motor vehicle accident: case report

Background and Purpose: Motor vehicle accidents are a common occurrence globally. They can lead to complex injuries with an extensive plan of care. During motor vehicle accidents, the head, neck, low back, and limbs are most frequently injured. This case report provides an example of how to treat a patient with a complex physical therapy diagnosis caused by a motor vehicle accident. This case report provides an example of how to treat a patient with a complex physical therapy diagnosis caused by a MVA. Case Description: The patient was a 33-year-old female who presented with complaints of cervical, left upper extremity, and low back pain following a motor vehicle accident at the end of May. The patient exhibited impairments including pain, decreased ROM, and cervical muscle imbalances causing cervicogenic headaches. Interventions focused on reducing pain and tension throughout the spine, improving range of motion and strength in the back and core, and improving activity tolerance to occupational activities. Outcomes: Patient demonstrated improvements in all impairments and outcome measures performed at initial evaluation. The patient remained engaged with all exercises throughout her plan of care, including her home exercise program. Discussion: When providing therapy to patients after a motor vehicle accident, there can be many factors to keep in mind. They often have injuries to many body regions leading to an extensive plan of care. Common interventions for treating mechanical neck pain and discogenic low back are beneficial; however, it is essential to closely monitor these patient’s due to the variability in the patient’s irritability from one session to the next.