What Is A Work Injury?
Work-related injuries and accidents cost U.S. companies more than $62 billion dollars each year (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Musculoskeletal disorders make up more than one-third of those and are completely preventable. Essentially, any injury, ailment, or illness that is sustained while an employee is on the job can be defined as a work injury. Depending on your occupation, you may be at a higher risk of sustaining a work injury than others. Both sedentary jobs (e.g., office workers, teachers, trucker drivers) as well as more physically demanding jobs (e.g., construction workers, first responders) can impose potential health hazards to employees.
The following are a few of the most common causes of a work-related injury:
- Repetitive movement, especially typing, assembly line work, and overhead movement
- Excessive sitting
- Overuse
- Lifting heavy objects
- Being struck by falling objects
- Operating heavy machinery
- Slips and falls
- Work-related motor vehicle accidents
- Hazardous material exposure
How Physical Therapy Can Help?
Whatever injury you may have sustained on the job, physical therapy has been known to be a quick, effective, and successful treatment method. Our physical therapists use the most advanced treatment methods aimed at relieving pain, improving mobility, and promoting overall healing. At your consultation, your physical therapist will perform a physical evaluation to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs. Treatment options are determined after an initial evaluation by a physical therapist in conjunction with your physician’s orders. From there, an individualized treatment plan will be designed to help you recover as quickly as possible. The treatment may consist of physical modalities (moist heat, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, phonophoresis, iontophoresis, whirlpool, traction), therapeutic procedures (joint mobilization, posture re-education, passive stretching, activities of daily living, therapeutic exercise, range of motion, gait training), job simulation activities, body mechanics training, and work conditioning.
Your physical therapist will also help you prevent recurring injuries through interventions such as work hardening programs and ergonomic evaluation and re-training, which will teach you safer and more energy-efficient ways to perform typical work duties as well as avoid further injury in the future. Physical therapy is a safe, easy, and natural way to quickly recover from your work injury.
Job Stimulation — overhead painting
Body mechanics training for lifting simulation
If you’re suffering from a work injury, get treatment today. For more information, please feel free to call or contact us. Our team is made up of enthusiastic, hands-on providers who offer a comprehensive range of services. We look forward to giving you the care you deserve.