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Workplace injuries are daunting and can be challenging both physically and emotionally. After getting injured in the workplace, recovering your health along with your ability to work is often a top priority. Physical therapy is a common option that is highly effective at achieving those goals. However, many people ask, “Can you go to physical therapy after an injury at the workplace”? The short answer is simply, yes. Here is what you need to know about getting back on your feet with the help of a physical therapist.

Why Choose Physical Therapy After a Work Injury?

People get injured in a multitude of ways and physical therapy is a safe, personalized, and effective treatment for almost any injury. It can help achieve many of the goals that people want after experiencing an injury in the workplace. 

  • Relieve pain without medication: Physical therapy techniques such as manual therapy and therapeutic exercises reduce pain naturally, preventing you from having to rely on over-the-counter pain medicine or prescription-strength painkillers. 
  • Regain mobility and strength: Targeted exercises help you restore your range of motion and rebuild weakened muscles. This gets you back to moving and grooving like you did before your accident. 
  • Prevent future injuries: Physical therapy focuses on correcting movement patterns and improving posture to reduce the risk of re-injury, helping you to make sure what was a one-time injury doesn’t end up plaguing you.  
  • Facilitate a faster return to work: Therapists design recovery programs that aim to get you back to your job as quickly and safely as possible.

Common Work Injuries Treated with Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can address a variety of work-related injuries, including:

  • Sprains and strains: These soft tissue injuries are common in physically demanding jobs. These injuries occur often when people least expect them to. 
  • Back and neck pain: Poor ergonomics or lifting heavy objects can lead to spinal issues even when using proper lifting form and equipment.
  • Repetitive strain injuries: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome or tendinitis often arise from repetitive motions. Professions such as painters, mechanics, and many other trades are plagued by repetitive stress injuries. 
  • Fractures and post-surgical recovery: Physical therapy can help you regain strength and functionality after broken bones or surgeries.
  • Slip-and-fall injuries: Therapists work to improve balance and stability following such accidents.

How to Start Physical Therapy After a Work Injury

If you’re considering physical therapy, follow these steps:

  1. Report your injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible after the accident to ensure your claim is documented. Even if something doesn’t seem like a big deal at the time, it can turn into a major injury so don’t ever feel silly about making an injury report. 
  2. Visit a healthcare professional: Get an initial diagnosis and treatment plan from a doctor who can refer you to physical therapy.
  3. File a workers’ compensation claim: Most states require employers to cover medical costs, including physical therapy, for valid workplace injuries.
  4. Schedule a consultation with a physical therapist: Choose a licensed therapist experienced in treating work-related injuries.

What to Expect During Physical Therapy

Your physical therapy journey will typically include:

  • Evaluation and goal setting: Your therapist will assess your injury, discuss your work duties, and create a tailored treatment plan. Their job is to get you back on your feet and fit for work as soon as you are ready. 
  • Hands-on therapy: Techniques such as massage or joint mobilization to alleviate pain.
  • Targeted exercises: Strengthening, stretching, and mobility exercises specific to your injury. This will help ensure that your body has the tools to support the area that was injured. 
  • Education and ergonomics: Guidance on how to perform work tasks safely and avoid further injuries.

Benefits of Physical Therapy for Workplace Injuries

Physical therapy offers numerous advantages, such as:

  • Reducing the need for surgery or prolonged medication use
  • Helping you regain confidence and independence
  • Customizing recovery plans to match your job demands
  • Improving overall physical and mental well-being

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

Recovering from a work injury can be a complex process, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. Physical therapy is an essential resource to help you regain your strength, reduce pain, and get back to work. Consult with your doctor or workers’ compensation provider today to explore how physical therapy can support your recovery. Reach out to us here at PickPT as soon as you are ready to start your recovery journey, we are here for you.