Can Physical Therapy Speed Up Recovery From a Work Injury?  

If you’ve suffered an injury at work, you know how debilitating, painful, and downright frustrating it can be. Maybe you’re looking for an option to feel better without surgery, without more pills or injections, or without more side effects.  

If so, then physical therapy is probably for you. Physical therapy is a non-invasive, non-medication-based treatment that helps injuries heal properly and make people feel better. But can physical therapy really speed up recovery from a work injury?  

Unequivocally, the answer is yes. In many instances, physical therapy can speed up healing from a work injury, traumatic injuries from car accidents, after surgery, and much more.  

How Does Physical Therapy Support Recovery After an Injury? 

Physical therapy is a series of guided exercises and hands-on treatments that helps the body recover from injuries and other traumatic events properly. After an injury, the body often heals in ways that are not ideal. This can cause stiffness, soreness, and reduced range of motion. Physical therapy helps correct these abnormalities. 

Proper physical therapy can heal or improve a whole host of issues. Physical therapy can increase strength, increase mobility and range of motion, and importantly, reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation.  

But physical therapy goes beyond immediate improvement. Over the long-term, it can prevent future injuries or stop injuries from happening again, it can teach more ergonomic ways of movement, and it can prevent long-term complications.  

Some common workplace injuries that benefit from rehabilitation include:  

• Back injuries 
• Joint injuries 
• Muscle strains 
• Broken bones  
• Mobility limitations 
• Reparative stress injuries 
• And more 

Guided exercises and hands-on treatment help restore strength and movement and help ensure these issues don’t crop back up in the future.  

How Can Early Treatment Help Improve Recovery Outcomes?  

So, can physical therapy shorten treatment time for injuries? It can, especially if therapy is started as early as possible. Physical therapy can improve treatment times in two ways — over the short term and over the long term.  

The first way physical therapy works to shorten total treatment times is by ensuring issues don’t become chronic. After an injury, the body may attempt to heal itself by building scar tissue or compensating in unhealthy ways for the injury. This can create future issues if not dealt with properly.  

Secondly, movement is healthy after an injury. It can increase blood flow to an injury site, promote proper tissue healing, and even reduce pain and swelling.  

Additionally, many physical therapy exercises are designed to increase strength around the injury, prevent future injury, and ensure patients don’t have to spend further time regaining strength.  

While physical therapy can help many injuries no matter the stage they’re in, it’s always best to begin early so you don’t have to overcome your body’s unideal healing.  

How Can Therapy Help You Return to Daily Activities and Work?  

When you first come to ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic, you’ll receive a personalized recovery plan made specifically for you and your injuries. This plan will act as your road map to success.  

During the course of treatment, you will engage in a number of exercises and hands-on therapy techniques, such as manual manipulation and massage, to improve flexibility, restore movement, and build strength. During this time, you may also learn how to safely use walking and mobility aids, such as canes and grabbers.  

Mental benefits will accrue as well. Your balance may improve, your confidence will grow, and you’ll learn new techniques for safe body mechanics, while working and living your daily life. Physical therapy will also help prevent setbacks in your injuries and mental state.  

Your course of treatment can be altered at any time on account of your progress or comfort. Our treatment plans are never static or one-size-fits-all. With consistent treatment and by following therapy recommendations, by the end of treatment, you should be far better equipped to return to work and daily activities with less pain, more strength, and restored confidence.  

For a Healthy, Productive Life, Think ZK Physical Therapy & Chiropractic in Las Vegas 

If you’ve suffered a work injury, it is in your best interest to start physical therapy as soon as you are cleared by your doctor. Beginning therapy early can shorten total treatment time, ensure your body heals properly, and reduce overall pain and stiffness.  

For more information on rates and what to expect, see our frequently asked questions page. If you have further questions or would like to schedule a consolation over the phone, contact us today.