Motorcycle accidents can leave serious injuries, both seen and unseen. Whether it’s a broken bone or emotional trauma, recovery takes time and care. For riders in Arkansas, the need for caution and aftercare is growing.
Arkansas has seen more motorcycle crashes in recent years, and the situation is becoming more concerning. In fact, there has been a 23% increase in deadly motorcycle accidents in Arkansas, showing just how dangerous the roads have become for riders.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
After a crash, you may feel okay, but don’t assume you’re unhurt. Internal bleeding, concussions, and soft tissue injuries can go unnoticed without a proper medical check-up. That’s why seeing a doctor right away is so important.
According to a report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than passengers in cars, and those who survived often had long-term injuries. Many of these injuries are not visible on the surface, making early medical attention critical. Even if you walked away from the crash, don’t skip the hospital. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A doctor can help you:
- Detect hidden injuries
- Prevent further damage
- Start proper treatment early
- Document your injuries for insurance claims
Embrace Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is one of the best ways to get your body moving again after an accident. It helps reduce pain, improve flexibility, and rebuild strength. A trained physical therapist will guide you through safe movements designed to support your healing process. Follow the routine your therapist gives you. Progress might be slow, but with time, you’ll feel stronger.
Some benefits of physical therapy include:
- Faster recovery
- Lower chance of long-term pain
- Reduced stiffness in muscles and joints
- Improved mental health
Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
Your body needs time to heal. Don’t rush back to work or heavy activities. Instead, get enough rest and give yourself permission to recover fully. Taking breaks and giving your body time to heal isn’t laziness, it’s necessary for long-term recovery.
Some self-care tips include:
- Getting enough sleep
- Eating small, healthy meals regularly
- Avoiding stress
- Following your medication schedule
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
What you eat and how you care for your body matters a lot after an injury. Eating healthy meals and drinking plenty of water gives your body the strength it needs to heal.
Try adding these to your meals:
- Protein (chicken, beans, eggs) for tissue repair
- Fruits and vegetables for vitamins
- Whole grains for energy
- Water for hydration
Avoid junk food, soda, and alcohol. These slow down healing and can interact with your medication.
Seek Mental and Emotional Support
A motorcycle accident isn’t just physical, it can affect your mind too. Fear, sadness, and even PTSD are common. Don’t ignore these feelings. This is why taking care of your emotional health is just as important as treating physical wounds. Here’s how to care for your mental health:
- Talk to a counselor or therapist
- Join a support group
- Open up to a loved one
- Practice meditation or deep breathing
Conclusion
Motorcycle accidents can be traumatic, but the right steps can help you recover fully. If you live in Arkansas, where crash numbers are rising, take your health seriously.
Start by seeing a doctor, follow through with therapy, rest when needed, live healthy, and don’t ignore emotional pain. Healing is possible, but only if you take the time to care for yourself completely.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
