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Gentle Care

Auto Injury MVA

What to Do After an Auto Accident — Your Guide to Recovery

What to Do After an Auto Accident

At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we understand how overwhelming an auto accident can be. Knowing the right steps to take can make all the difference in your recovery journey. Here's what you should do right after an accident:

01

Call Your Insurance Company

Report the accident as soon as possible.

02

Exchange Insurance Information

Gather contact and insurance details from all parties involved.

03

Gather Witness Contact Information

If there are witnesses, collect their names and contact information.

04

Take Pictures of the Vehicles

Document the damage and the scene for insurance claims.

05

Contact Gentle Care Chiropractic

Early treatment helps speed up recovery, prevent long-term pain, and reduce the likelihood of complications.

Whiplash neck pain from auto injury

Compassionate Car Accident Chiropractic Care

Nearly three million Americans are injured in car accidents each year. At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we understand the physical and emotional toll this can take. Our compassionate chiropractors are dedicated to helping you restore your health, range of motion, and confidence.

Common Car Accident Injuries

6 common symptoms after a car accident

Whiplash

Sudden back-and-forth movement of the neck, causing ligament sprains and muscle strains. We perform X-Ray studies with flexion and extension to diagnose cervical instability.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Includes concussions and contusions, often leading to headaches, dizziness, and trouble concentrating. Early treatment can prevent chronic presentation.

Soft Tissue Injuries

Damage to muscles, ligaments, and tendons that can cause pain and limit mobility.

Broken Bones and Fractures

Immediate medical care is crucial to ensure proper healing. Continued treatment with laser therapy and shock wave therapy can improve healing.

Scar Tissue Strain/Sprain

Untreated injuries can lead to scar tissue within muscles and ligaments that restricts movement and causes pain. Massage and manual therapy can encourage proper tissue healing.

What to Expect During Your First Visit

When you visit Gentle Care Chiropractic for the first time, you'll be welcomed with care and compassion. You will fill out a patient information form to help us understand your health and history. Our chiropractor will then meet with you to discuss your symptoms, the details of your motor vehicle crash, and any medical treatment you may have received.

We conduct a comprehensive physical exam to assess:

Range of Motion
Muscle Tone
Muscle Strength
Neurological Integrity

If necessary, we may recommend X-rays, MRIs, or other tests to get a clearer picture of your injuries. If you have these results already, feel free to bring them along.

Chiropractic adjustments at Gentle Care Chiropractic adjustment session

Comprehensive Treatment Plans Tailored to You

At Gentle Care Chiropractic, we believe every recovery journey is unique. Based on your evaluation, we create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific injuries. This may include:

Chiropractic Adjustments

Relieve restriction, restore motion, and reduce pain.

Massage Therapy & Acupuncture

Alleviate tension, break up fibrotic scar tissue, promote blood flow, all supporting the healing process.

Physical Therapy

Rebuild strength and improve mobility.

Our goal is to help you recover fully and get back to doing what you love, pain-free!

Benefits of Chiropractic Care After a Car Accident

Pain Relief

Gentle spinal adjustments relieve pain by realigning the body and reducing nerve compression.

Restored Range of Motion

Misaligned joints are corrected, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness.

Reduced Inflammation

Chiropractic care helps to diminish inflammation and promote faster healing.

Minimized Scar Tissue

Regular treatment can prevent scar tissue buildup, which limits mobility.

Non-Invasive & Drug-Free

Achieve pain relief without surgery or harmful medications.

100% Covered by Auto Insurance (PIP)

Did you know your auto insurance covers 100% of your chiropractic treatments under Personal Injury Protection (PIP)? This means you have no out-of-pocket expenses for your care.

Frequently Asked Questions

01 What should I do immediately after a car accident if I think I'm injured?

Even if your symptoms seem mild at first, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare professional. Soft-tissue injuries, whiplash, and spinal misalignments often don’t appear for hours or days after a crash. An early chiropractic exam helps identify underlying issues, reduces inflammation, and prevents long-term complications.

02 How soon should I see a chiropractor after a motor vehicle crash?

Most experts recommend visiting a chiropractor within 72 hours of an accident. Early evaluation documents your injuries for insurance, speeds up recovery, and prevents untreated inflammation from turning into chronic pain. Many auto injury cases benefit from same-week or same-day care.

03 I don’t feel pain yet—should I still get checked after a car accident?

Yes. Many patients feel “fine” immediately after impact because adrenaline masks symptoms. Common crash-related injuries, like whiplash, joint misalignment, ligament strains, or nerve irritation, can appear days later. A chiropractic assessment ensures injuries are identified early before they worsen.

04 What injuries can a chiropractor diagnose and treat after a car accident?

Chiropractors commonly treat whiplash, neck and back pain, muscle strains and soft-tissue injuries, sciatica or nerve compression, shoulder and hip injuries, headaches from spinal dysfunction, limited range of motion, and inflammation and muscle spasms. Evidence-based chiropractic care addresses both structural and soft-tissue damage for a more complete recovery.

05 Will auto insurance cover my chiropractic treatment after a crash?

Yes. In most cases, auto insurance plans—including PIP and MedPay—will cover chiropractic care for accident injuries. Our clinic can help verify your benefits, explain your options, and guide you through the claims process so you can focus on healing.

06 How long does it take to recover from whiplash or auto accident injuries?

Recovery varies depending on the severity of the crash and how soon treatment begins. Many patients start noticing improvement within 6–12 visits, while more complex injuries may require a longer care plan. Early, consistent chiropractic treatment and conservative therapy often leads to faster and more complete recovery.

07 What are signs I should see a chiropractor after a car accident?

Seek chiropractic care immediately if you experience neck pain, stiffness or limited movement; back pain or sharp aches; headaches or migraines; muscle tightness or spasms; tingling, numbness, or shooting pain; dizziness or fatigue; or difficulty sleeping due to discomfort. These symptoms often indicate underlying soft-tissue or spinal injuries that respond well to chiropractic treatment.

08 Can chiropractic care help if my pain has been ongoing for months after the accident?

Absolutely. Many patients seek help long after a crash when symptoms persist or worsen. Chronic pain often comes from untreated inflammation, joint dysfunction, scar tissue, or nerve irritation. Evidence-based chiropractic care can restore mobility and reduce long-standing discomfort, even months post-injury.

09 What therapies do chiropractors use to treat injuries after an auto accident?

Effective treatment plans often combine multiple modalities: spinal adjustments to improve alignment and mobility, soft-tissue therapy to reduce muscle tension, therapeutic massage for circulation and pain relief, Class 4 laser and cold laser therapy for increased energy and oxygen, shockwave therapy for deep tissue healing, electrical stimulation (E-Stim) to reduce muscle spasms, and rehabilitation exercises to restore strength and stability.

10 Do I need a referral from my doctor or attorney to start chiropractic treatment?

No referral is required. You can schedule directly with our clinic. We also work closely with primary care doctors, attorneys, and insurance adjusters to ensure your treatment is documented properly and your recovery is supported at every step.

Been in an Auto Accident? Don't Wait.

The sooner you start treatment, the better your chances of a full recovery. Book your appointment today — we'll take care of the insurance paperwork.

Beyond Treatment

We believe great care goes beyond treatment — it's an experience. Our team is dedicated to creating a space that feels warm, comfortable, and personal, so every visit leaves you feeling cared for and refreshed.

Location

21860 Willamette Dr. West Linn, Oregon 97068

Contact

(503) 650-2394

Gentle Care

Start your journey to a healthier, more active life. Whether you're recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or seeking to enhance your mobility, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

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