Three Reasons To See A Physical Therapist For Work Related Injuries

In 2014, there were 3.0 million nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses reported in the United States. Two of the most common types of injuries sustained on the job that kept employees away from work included sprains and strains. One type of treatment that is effective for these types of injuries is physical therapy. Here are three more reasons you should seek physical therapy if you have strained or sprained a part of your body while at work.

Physical Therapy Can be Done at Home

If you've been injured on the job, a physical therapist can help you develop a program you can do from the comfort of your own home. While you still may need to go into the clinic, especially when you first begin treatment, you can speed up your recovery time by doing the recommended exercises at home. The prescribed regimen will depend on the type of injury you sustained and which part of your body you damaged. For sprains and strains the most common types of treatment include:

• Strengthening and stretching exercises
• Exercises to help increase range of motion
• Exercises to help increase endurance
• Hot and cold compresses to reduce pain and swelling

Your success for overcoming your work injury will largely depend on how well you follow the program recommended by the physical therapist.

Physical Therapy Offers a Nonsurgical Drug-free Approach

When you are in pain, it's tempting to want a quick fix so you simply reach for the over-the-counter pain relievers. Your physician might also write you a prescription for pain medication. While doing both of these things will reduce your pain, it won't necessarily fix the underlying problem. Besides that, prescription drugs can have negative side effects. When you seek physical therapy to treat your sprain or strain, you are doing your body a favor by healing it without drugs and possibly even without surgery.

Physical Therapy is Usually Covered by Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers compensation insurance normally covers physical therapy. Benefits and coverage will depend on where you live as the number of approved sessions varies from state to state. Other stipulations might include:

• Approval of additional treatments if they are recommended by the physician
• Some employers may require an independent medical exam before approving treatment

Before starting physical therapy for your work injury, it is best to check with your employer and/or workers compensation insurance representative to know what and how the treatment is covered.