Injuries after a motorcycle crash include contusions, skin abrasions, soft tissue injuries to tendons, ligaments, and muscles, sprains, strains and tears, facial and jaw fractures, traumatic brain injury, broken bones, misalignment, neck and back injuries, and biker’s arm. The Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Team can develop a comprehensive view of the sustained injuries to create a personalized treatment plan to reduce inflammation, increase flexibility, correct misalignments, rehabilitate the body, relax, stretch, and strengthen the musculoskeletal system, and restore mobility and function.

Motorcycle Crash Injuries

Motorcycle crash injuries are not easy to recover from. Acute soft tissue injuries caused by sudden trauma are common, as well as herniated discs, pelvis, and spinal misalignments that can have a cascading effect on the rest of the body.

Pelvic Misalignment

• The pelvis comprises the pubic joint in the front and two sacroiliac joints in the back.
• The sacroiliac joints work to connect the pelvis to the spine.
• The pelvis also connects various muscles, including the pelvic floor and hip.

When the hip sustains a crash/collision impact or the impact causes the individual to fall on their hip, the hip or pelvis can become misaligned. Pelvic misalignment is one of the leading causes of severe back problems and pain. To realign the pelvis, a chiropractor will develop a physical therapy program that will include the following:

• Therapeutic massage to relax the muscles and increase blood circulation.
• Directed stretching of tight and overactive muscles.
• Strengthening or reactivating weak and inhibited muscles.
• Exercises to train proper pelvis positioning awareness.

Neck Injuries

In addition to whiplash, spinal misalignment to the vertebrae in the neck can occur. A chiropractor can help restore the range of motion. The treatment team will develop a therapy program in addition to chiropractic. The primary focus is to improve the flexibility and strength of the neck. The common types of physical therapy include:

• Massage.
• Neck stretches.
• Back strengthening.
• Core strengthening.

Leg and Foot Injuries

Extremity injuries frequently occur, particularly to the feet and legs, and include:

• Sprains.
• Strains.
• Muscle tears.
• Road Rash.
• Bone fractures.

The therapy team will build a treatment plan that works through each system up the foot, knee, and hip. This plan will help heal soft tissue injuries by applying techniques like massage therapy and at-home exercises.

Rider’s Arm

Motorcyclists may extend their hands out to protect themselves from the impact when falling. This position can lead to injuries that affect the shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands. The physical therapy team can help heal soft tissue injuries and increase mobility using mobilization. Chiropractic can restrengthen damaged shoulder muscles, support torn ligaments, and treat tissue damage.

• This hands-on technique involves easing a joint or muscle through normal movement patterns to release and relax stiffness and increase mobility.
• Manual adjustments, deep tissue massage, exercise, and hot/cold therapy help restore health and mobility and expedite recovery.

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Injury Rehabilitation

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References

Dischinger, Patricia C et al. “Injury patterns and severity among hospitalized motorcyclists: a comparison of younger and older riders.” Annual proceedings. Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine vol. 50 (2006): 237-49.

Mirza, M A, and K E Korber. “Isolated rupture of the anterior tibialis tendon associated with a fracture of the tibial shaft: a case report.” Orthopedics vol. 7,8 (1984): 1329-32. doi:10.3928/0147-7447-19840801-16

Petit, Logan, et al. “A review of common motorcycle collision mechanisms of injury.” EFORT open reviews vol. 5,9 544-548. 30 Sep. 2020, doi:10.1302/2058-5241.5.190090

Sander, A L et al. “Mediokarpale Instabilitäten der Handwurzel” [Mediocarpal instability of the wrist]. Der Unfallchirurg vol. 121,5 (2018): 365-372. doi:10.1007/s00113-018-0476-9

Tyler, Timothy F et al. “Rehabilitation of soft tissue injuries of the hip and pelvis.” International journal of sports physical therapy vol. 9,6 (2014): 785-97.

Vera Ching, Claudia, et al. “Traumatic tracheal injury after a motorcycle accident.” BMJ case reports vol. 13,9 e238895. 14 Sep. 2020, doi:10.1136/bcr-2020-238895