Benefits of Physical Therapy After a Work Injury
The National Safety Council reports that over four million workplace injuries required medical consultations in 2023.
Some of the most common causes of work-related injuries include:
- Contact with objects or equipment
- Overexertion while carrying, holding, lifting, pushing, throwing, or turning
- Repetitive tasks
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Transportation incidents
Workers benefit from physical therapy after many types of work injuries, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Broken bones
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Dislocations
- Sprains
- Stiffness
- Strains
- Tears
- Tendonitis
- Whiplash
What Is Physical Therapy After a Work Injury, and How Does It Support Safe, Effective Recovery?
After a work injury, you may need physical therapy. A physical therapist will conduct an examination, assess your injury, and create a treatment plan that alleviates pain and increases mobility with exercises and manual therapy.
Your physical therapist will also educate you about strategies you can use to avoid aggravating your injury or reinjuring yourself. Suppose you’re suffering from a repetitive stress injury or posture-related pain. Your physical therapist will show you how to improve your posture or use assistive devices to prevent inflammation.
Why Is Physical Therapy Important for Reducing Pain, Restoring Mobility, and Preventing Reinjury After a Workplace Accident?
Suppose your doctor recommends physical therapy after your work injury. You may wonder, “Do I really need physical therapy?”
Physical therapy is an essential part of your treatment and recovery after a work injury. The benefits of physical therapy include:
- Increased flexibility: Physical therapy helps reduce stiffness, which is a common symptom of work-related injuries.
- Increased mobility: Pain and stiffness from work-related injuries can limit your range of motion. Physical therapy involves exercises designed to reduce pain and increase your range of motion.
- Injury prevention: Restoring muscle strength, increasing your range of motion, eliminating inflammation, maintaining proper posture, and using assistive devices can help you prevent injuries.
- Reducing pain: Medication masks pain, but physical therapy addresses the cause. Physical therapy helps you avoid further discomfort by eliminating inflammation and improving your muscle function.
Physical therapy also helps people recover faster from work injuries. Consequently, those who receive physical therapy can return to work more quickly, thereby limiting the financial hardships associated with being off work.
How Does Physical Therapy Help Injured Workers Return To Work Safely and Confidently?
Physical therapists use exercises and education to improve your health by eliminating inflammation, strengthening your muscles, and increasing your range of motion. When you return to work, you can be confident in your physical abilities because your physical therapy addresses the root cause of your injury.
Your physical therapist will educate you on strategies to avoid reinjury, such as correcting your posture. This education reduces anxiety because you’ll be confident in your ability to return to your workplace and remain safe and healthy.
What Role Does Physical Therapy Play in Workers’ Compensation Cases and Recovery Documentation?
Physical therapy is essential in personal injury cases because physical therapists are licensed medical professionals qualified to evaluate injuries and substantiate their validity and grounds for compensation. Documentation from a physical therapist can strengthen your case during settlement negotiations and help ensure your claim is approved.
When Should an Injured Worker Begin Physical Therapy After a Work Injury?
You should start physical therapy as soon as possible after your work injury. The exact timeline may depend on the nature of your injuries. Someone suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome may be able to start physical therapy within days of their diagnosis. In contrast, someone with a compound fracture may need surgery before starting physical therapy.
Starting physical therapy promptly will expedite healing and help you return to work sooner. You’ll also eliminate your pain sooner, improving your quality of life and the ability to engage in your favorite recreational activities.
How Does Our Rehabilitation Expertise Help Patients Receive Personalized Care and Achieve Long-Term Recovery Outcomes?
ZKORC develops customized treatment plans for each patient, ensuring you receive treatment that addresses the root cause of your injury. We then use a variety of exercises and treatments to support your recovery. Our goal is to implement a treatment plan that eliminates inflammation and pain and restores your functions.
We treat each patient with the dignity they deserve, and we don’t just promote physical healing; we help you retain your self-respect, while building your confidence in your ability to return to work and remain healthy.
Contact ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic and Schedule a Complimentary Consultation Today
When you review our frequently asked questions, you’ll see that we offer complimentary consultations. A complimentary consultation is a risk-free opportunity to get professional feedback about your symptoms and learn how you can benefit from physical therapy.
At ZKORC, we accept many insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, ensuring injured workers can get the treatment they need to expedite their recovery.