Any workplace injury is a disruption. The more severe the injury, the more likely it is to impact your ability to carry out your tasks, which can lead to an uncertain financial future. That’s why it’s vital to seek medical treatment for any type of workplace injury. Once you have been properly diagnosed, your doctor might prescribe physical therapy. For most
workplace injuries, physical therapy plays a vital role in the healing process. It helps individuals regain their strength, overcome mobility challenges, and build confidence after a debilitating injury. Do you need physical therapy after a work injury? It might be the fastest path to recovery and getting back to work.
What Type of Workplace Injuries Require Physical Therapy?
While some jobs are inherently more dangerous than others, injuries can occur in any type of work environment. Which of the following injuries are you dealing with?
- Back and neck injuries
- Slip and fall accidents
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Equipment-related trauma
- Overexertion injuries
- Transportation incidents
- Workplace violence
- Exposure to harmful substances
Each of those injuries will require a customized physical therapy plan that targets the specific challenges you need to overcome.
What Are the Benefits of Physical Therapy for Workplace Injuries?
Physical therapy provides a transformative approach to your healing journey. The goal is to address the root cause of your injury and promote long-term recovery. The following are some of the benefits you can achieve through physical therapy.
Accelerated Recovery
Physical therapy is a personalized program of exercises and therapies designed to accelerate your recovery. Rest is beneficial, but so are deliberate exercises. Your physical therapy may include various techniques, such as manual therapy, electrical stimulation, or therapeutic exercises. Each of these techniques can help promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Pain Management Without Medication
Becoming dependent on medication is a genuine risk associated with chronic pain from a workplace injury. A physical therapy session can include non-invasive pain management methods, such as heat/cold therapy, massage, and joint mobilization. Those approaches help reduce pain naturally. When successful, physical therapy can minimize the reliance on prescription medications.
Restores Mobility and Function
A back, neck, or shoulder injury that occurs on the job can limit mobility and make it challenging to return to work. With guided physical therapy, you can rebuild your flexibility, strength, and endurance. That will help you get back to your job quickly.
Prevents Injury Recurrence
There’s such a thing as going back to work too soon after an injury. If the underlying condition is not addressed, you could re-injure your back, shoulders, or other weak areas of your body. Physical therapy helps strengthen those weak areas and reduces the risk of re-injury.
Improves Mental Well-Being
Along with the physical challenges from a workplace injury, there is also an emotional component to the injury. You can become stressed and depressed due to your injury. When you recognize improvements in your recovery progress, it can provide a much-needed boost for your mental health.
Personalized Care
Some people have a higher threshold for pain than others. Although a diagnosis may be similar, how an individual responds to treatment is unique. Your physical therapist will work closely with your doctor to create a customized plan that will target your specific recovery needs and job requirements.
Supports Return-to-Work Readiness
There are specific jobs, such as assembly line positions, that require repetitive motion. Your physical therapy can prepare you to return to work by simulating the exact tasks you perform on the job.
How to Pay for Physical Therapy
A course of physical therapy could last for several weeks or possibly months. During that time, you might be restricted from work. Your workers’ compensation insurance coverage could cover the cost of your therapy and a portion of your salary. That is the insurance paid by your employer to provide coverage for employees injured on the job. It’s essential to note that just because workers’ compensation is in place, it does not guarantee that your benefits will be approved. If you encounter a denial or delay, you can contact Western Justice Associates, PLLC. We can provide you with the information and guidance you need to understand the best options for pursuing your workers’ compensation claim. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation today.
