Being off work after an injury can be both emotionally and financially devastating. Considering the difficulty most people face after experiencing a work injury, it’s imperative that an individual recovers as quickly as possible. If you or a loved one has been injured on the job, contact us today to receive the treatment you need.
A qualified physical therapist or occupational therapist can help you recover from an injury. Oftentimes, a workman’s compensation will cover the costs. For any rehabilitation to be covered by workman’s comp it’s essential that your therapy treatments are ordered by a physician. Your insurance needs to give approval for work injury rehab as well.
What Is a Work Injury?
There are several types of injuries that often occur in the workplace. It’s important to note that if these injuries aren’t treated in a timely manner they could get worse and even lead to secondary conditions, such as osteoarthritis.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
This occurs when the median nerve in the wrist becomes pinched or compressed.
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the tissues along the bottom of the foot.
Tendonitis
This is when a tendon becomes inflamed from overuse or infection.
Muscle & Ligament Sprains
Overexertion or falls can cause strains or tears in muscle and ligament tissues.
Back Problems
The Mayo Clinic reports that work-related back problems can occur due to repetition, force, or even prolonged inactivity.
Bone Fractures
A broken bone can occur because of a vehicle accident, a fall, or being struck by a heavy object.
Causes of Work Injuries
Even jobs that aren’t physically demanding can pose potential risks to workers. The repetitive movement that involves working on an assembly line or typing can cause injury. Even sitting for long periods of time can cause repetitive injuries. Sometimes, lifting heavy objects can lead to sprains, strains, and a variety of lower back problems.
Sudden injuries can occur if you’ve been hurt in a work-related vehicle accident, struck by a falling object, or have slipped and fallen while at work. Finally, exposure to hazardous materials can cause an immediate injury or be the cause of a long-term illness.
How Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Helps Work Injuries
Physical
therapy and occupational therapy can help you recover and get back to
work as quickly as possible after a work injury. A physical therapist or
occupational therapist can help alleviate symptoms while improving your
mobility. According to Move Forward,
therapists can achieve great results without using drugs or invasive
treatment, such as surgery. They can use a variety of treatment methods,
including therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, and massage.
Some of the specific treatments your physical therapist or occupational therapist may use include joint mobilization or manipulation, exercise, Active Release Technique (ART), Graston or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, therapeutic ultrasound, aquatic therapy, electrical stimulation, and dry needling. A PT or OT may also use a combination of these treatments in order to reduce pain and inflammation, increase muscle strength, and restore your mobility as quickly as possible. Your treatment will likely be modified as you progress through different stages of healing. It’s also important to apply for a workman’s compensation as soon as possible. You may need to have your physician file a WC-205 form if the workman’s comp is initially denied.
If you’ve suffered from an injury, work injury rehab could help you get back to work as soon as possible. Our team of qualified physical therapists and occupational therapists can put together an individualized rehabilitation program that meets your specific needs. A physical therapist and occupational therapist can also teach you safer ways to perform your work duties to prevent recurring injuries. Contact Us today at Lake City, Florence, Columbia, Spartanburg & Camden, SC Clinics to schedule an appointment with a qualified physical therapist or occupational therapist!
Work Hardening is a specialized program with a different focus from post-injury therapy. The focus is to get the worker in work shape to successfully return to their pre-injury job. The primary job functions are simulated in the clinic with indirect supervision from a therapist. This can be done in a group setting in which each patient is working on their job-specific tasks required to get them back to work. Work Hardening is an ideal way to get a recovered patient back to work while minimizing the potential of re-injury. For more information, Contact Us today at Lake City, Florence, Spartanburg & Camden, SC Centers.
