The stiffness of muscles becomes frequent after motor vehicle accidents (MVA) because of both immediate impact-caused tension and recovery-period immobilization. Stretching exercises that use gentle movements play a vital role in post-accident rehabilitation through motor vehicle accident physiotherapy services offered in Grande Prairie.
Stretches to Relieve Tension After a Vehicle Injury
The following stretches effectively target injury areas from vehicle trauma so motor vehicle accident physiotherapy in Grande Prairie can reduce discomfort and tension.
1. Scapular Squeeze Stretch
Motor vehicle accident victims can gain relief from upper back and shoulder tension through the scapular squeeze stretch. Stretch the scapular muscles by sitting or standing straight while resting the arms at your sides. You can execute this exercise by pressing your shoulder blades toward each other as if you were maintaining control of a modest object in between them. Maintain this position between 5–10 seconds then release. Perform this movement ten times at a controlled speed in its whole duration. This particular stretch increases posture quality while relieving upper back tension together with improving shoulder functionality which benefits recovery from vehicle accidents.
2. Thoracic Spine Rotation Stretch
When stiffness occurs in the mid-back section after a vehicle accident the thoracic spine rotation stretch provides the perfect remedy. The stretch can be done by sitting on a chair with feet resting on the floor while hands support the head. Torso rotation should occur gradually toward a side as your body remains fixed at the hips. Perform the move during 10 seconds before returning back to starting position. The exercise requires eight to ten repeated rotations between both sides of the body. This stretchboth expands flexibility and loosens mid-back tension and builds up fundamental body mobility which assists both recovery duration and postural stability.
People who need treatment to treat their low testosterone levels should obtain TRT through healthcare professional prescriptions after receiving diagnosis.
3. Seated Piriformis Stretch
The seated piriformis stretch focuses on relaxation for both your hips and lower back areas since long durations of sitting can create tension or vehicle accident injuries place stress on these areas. One should sit on a chair with feet touching the floor while keeping knees bent at 90 degrees to perform this stretch. Fold your right ankle on top of your left knee. The stretch requires movement of the upper knee downward and a small lean toward the front. The stretching period should last for 15–20 seconds until you experience the muscles in your hip and lower back slowly relaxing. Repeat 2–3 times per side. Performing this stretch reduces hip tension while it relieves lower back distress thus allowing improved movement capacity.
4. Neck Lateral Stretch
The neck lateral stretch provides effective relief from whiplash-induced neck stiffness following impact events or from tension after such incidents. You should start this stretch by maintaining either a sitting or standing position with proper body alignment. Direct your head toward your shoulder by bending it in order to place your ear near your shoulder. Execute the posture for 15 seconds then back to center position slowly. Perform this stretch on each side by alternating between them 3 to 5 times. The stretch works on neck tension and improves range of motion while aiding whiplash recovery by relieving tight neck muscles to achieve normal functions.
5. Hamstring Wall Stretch
You can prevent muscle stiffness in both legs and the lower back using the hamstring wall stretch since it addresses problems resulting from accidents and immobilization during recovery. The process for this stretching exercise requires positioning your lying body perpendicular to a wall close to the floor. While positioned against the wall you will rest one leg flat on the ground or keep the other bent. Step backward to achieve a mild stretching sensation in the hamstring. Maintain the stretch for one to three decades before exchanging legs. Repeat 2–3 times per leg. The hamstring flexibility enhancement through this stretch together with its support for lower back recovery and its ability to boost blood flow will accelerate overall rehabilitation.
6. Cat-Cow Stretch
The simple cat-cow stretch helps expand spine movement while loosening upper body tension along the back together with the neck. Begin this stretch in a position where the hands rest below the shoulders and knees rest below the hips. During inhalation lower your stomach towards floor position while lifting your head and tailbone (cow position). The inhalation triggers upward movement of the spine by pulling the chin toward the chest while adopting a feline position. Perform this exercise 10–15 times while maintaining seamless transition from one movement to the next. Stretching this part specifically improves spinal flexibility while decreasing stiffness and reducing tension to aid complete recovery.
7. Child’s Pose with Shoulder Reach
The modified child’s pose variation targets the lower back together with the hips and shoulders which are commonly affected in car accident injuries. Position yourself on the floor by kneeling while keeping your feet together and your knees spread wide apart. Lower the body by sitting on heels while stretching arms as far forward on the floor surface allows. From this position stretch your upper body by reaching your arm to one side until the shoulder and back receive gentle extension. Sustain each stretch position between 20–30 seconds before trading between arms. Repeat 2–3 times per side. The stretch operates effectively to eliminate both lower back and shoulder and hip tension because it facilitates deep relaxation together with increased flexibility.
Recovery Through Gentle Movement
Regular practice of basic stretching exercises reduces muscle stiffness and supports healing from motor vehicle accident injuries when receiving physiotherapy services in Grande Prairie. The targeted areas developed during vehicular accidents benefit from each stretch that car accident physiotherapy uses to build relaxation along with flexibility and strength over time. Get recovery assistance by consulting our Grande Prairie-based Junction Point Physiotherapy for specialized guidance and an individualized rehabilitation program. Expert medical treatment improves recovery success rates and safeguards the patient’s safety for regular tasks.
