Aligned Integrated Health
Soft Tissue Injury After a Car Accident
The Injuries X-Rays Do Not Always Show
A soft tissue injury after a car accident is damage to muscles, tendons or ligaments, such as a sprain, a strain or whiplash, rather than a broken bone. These injuries are the most common result of a collision, and because they do not show on a standard X-ray they are easy to underestimate. At Aligned Integrated Health, soft tissue injuries are a central part of our auto accident care in Scottsdale.
This page explains the types of soft tissue injury, how they feel, how long a soft tissue injury can take to heal, and how we approach care.
- A hands-on exam that looks beyond the X-ray
- Massage therapy and gentle adjustments in one clinic
- Rehabilitation that rebuilds strength and motion
Sprains, Strains and Whiplash
In a collision the body is thrown in one direction and then snapped back, often faster than muscles can brace. That sudden stretch can overload the soft tissue that holds the spine and joints together.
Key Features:
- Sprains: Stretched or torn ligaments, the tissue that connects bone to bone.
- Strains: Overstretched or torn muscles or tendons, a common muscle strain after a car accident.
- Whiplash: A neck injury that combines sprain and strain from rapid back and forth motion.
Soft Tissue Injury Symptoms and Healing
Here is what soft tissue injuries usually feel like and what affects how they heal.
How a Soft Tissue Injury Feels
Common signs include pain and tenderness, stiffness, swelling or bruising, muscle spasm and a reduced range of motion. A soft tissue injury to the back often feels like a deep ache or tightness that worsens with bending, lifting or sitting for long periods. Neck injuries may bring headaches or pain that spreads into the shoulders.
How Long Does a Soft Tissue Injury Take to Heal?
How long a soft tissue injury takes to heal depends on which tissue is involved, how severe the injury is, your age and health, and how soon care begins. Some strains settle relatively quickly, while ligament injuries can take longer. Rather than give you a number that may not fit, Dr. Dan will explain what he sees in your exam and how he plans to measure progress.
Can Soft Tissue Damage Be Permanent?
Many soft tissue injuries heal well, but some people develop lingering stiffness, weakness or recurring pain, especially when an injury is ignored or the area is never fully rehabilitated. Restoring motion and strength in the injured area is an important part of reducing that risk.
When to Seek Medical Care First
Get emergency care for severe pain, a visible deformity, inability to bear weight, numbness or weakness that is getting worse, or any of the warning signs listed in our guide to delayed symptoms after a car accident.
How We Treat Soft Tissue Injuries
Care may include massage therapy to ease spasm and guarding, gentle Pro Adjuster adjustments to restore motion in the spine, and chiropractic with rehabilitation exercises that rebuild strength. Every visit is documented, which matters if your care is part of an insurance or personal injury claim.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first visit starts with a conversation about what happened, how you feel now, and what you want to get back to. Dr. Dan performs a hands-on exam, checks how you move, and takes X-rays when they will help guide your care. He walks you through what he found before any treatment begins. Most insurances are accepted, walk-ins are welcome, and our New Patient Special covers the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays.
Related Conditions We Treat in Scottsdale
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a soft tissue injury?
Injuries to muscles, tendons and ligaments, such as sprains, strains and whiplash. They are the most common injuries after a car accident.
Why didn't my X-ray show anything?
X-rays show bone, not soft tissue. A normal X-ray does not mean you are not injured, which is why a hands-on exam matters.
Should I rest a soft tissue injury?
Short-term rest from painful activity can help, but long periods of complete rest often lead to stiffness. Guided movement is usually part of recovery.
Are you accepting new patients with car accident injuries in Scottsdale?
Yes. Walk-ins are welcome. Call (480) 661-1977.
Start Soft Tissue Injury Care in Scottsdale, AZ
Aligned Integrated Health is at 10752 North 89th Place, Suite C130 in Scottsdale. Dr. Daniel J. Gerwig, D.C. has been practicing since 2001 and sees patients here himself. Most insurances are accepted and walk-ins are welcome.
New Patient Special. Includes the consultation, exam, report of findings and X-rays. See the current offer. Not valid for use with federally sponsored programs, such as Medicare and Medicaid.