Staying in great shape during the winter months isn’t always easy, but one of the best ways to do just that is by getting in a good, long bike ride several times a week. Though the sport is relatively safe and puts less stress and strain on your joints than running or other outdoor activities, accidents can and do happen. When you find yourself injured after a bike accident, there are a few things you need to do before you start looking into physical therapy services to speed your recovery.

See Your Doctor as Soon as Possible

The best thing you can do after a bike accident is to call your doctor. Even if your injuries don’t seem severe, you should always get them checked out by your trusted physician. Remember, just because you don’t feel that hurt or notice that much pain doesn’t mean your injuries aren’t severe. You might not know the extent of your injuries without more sophisticated tests. Let your doctor know what happened when you schedule the appointment. This will help them better diagnose your condition.

Give Yourself Time to Recover

When you’re trying to maintain your physical fitness, there’s a temptation to get back on the bike as soon as you can. After an accident, that’s not always the best idea. You need to give your body time to heal and recover fully, even if your injuries are minor. If you don’t, you risk complicating the injuries and further slowing your recovery time. The longer it takes for you to get back to normal, the harder it will be for you to get back on the bike. When in doubt, take it easy and listen to the needs of your body. If pushing it feels wrong, continue taking time off.

Attend Physical Therapy If Needed

Even when you think you’ve fully recovered after a bike accident, you may still have a ways to go until you’re back to normal. If you’re struggling to figure out ways to speed your recovery or to regain your full range of motion, the best thing you can do is schedule a physical therapy appointment. During your initial consultation, your physical therapist will be able to assess your movement and review your injuries to help you find the right recovery protocol to speed things along. With their help, you’ll avoid making the injury worse and will be able to get back on two wheels more quickly and with less pain than you otherwise would.

Getting Back to Normal Is Possible

All bike accidents, even minor ones, can cause you serious pain. The sooner you can overcome those injuries and get yourself back to feeling like you used to, the sooner you’ll be able to be back on two wheels. If you feel like you’re hitting a plateau in your recovery, don’t try to push through it on your own. Schedule an appointment at your closest physical therapy location as soon as possible. The sooner you do, the easier it will be to get you back to riding like the pro you are.