Physical Therapy Can Be a Major Benefit After a Work Injury
An injury that occurs while you’re on the job is never too minor to ignore the benefit that could come from physical therapy or preventative orthopedic care. Getting the proper treatment when you first begin experiencing pain, spasms, or signs of strain could reduce time spent away from work. It may also prevent a minor injury from developing into a serious condition.
Physical Therapy Can Prevent Worsening Repetitive Motion Injuries
Performing repetitive tasks can apply pressure or stress to your muscles, joints, and nerves. Ignoring early warning signs of pain or discomfort may eventually lead to a condition requiring surgery. Seeing one of our workers’ compensation doctors in Brooklyn can prevent a debilitating repetitive stress injury from developing. A highly trained specialist at Metro Healthcare Partners can provide a comprehensive diagnosis of your symptoms due to work-related injuries. State-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic testing can show you how physical therapy can help you improve mobility and increase your motion range.
Work-Related Injuries May Require Time Off for Recovery
An unexpected on-the-job mishap or accident could require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and physical therapy. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employees who sustain injuries that include fractures can require recovery times that reflect a significant amount of time away from work.
Some common work-related injuries that require time off include:
- Multiple fractures: 48 days average time off
- Carpal tunnel syndrome: 30 days average time off
- Muscle sprains, strains, and tears: 11 days average time off
- Physical pain and soreness: Eight days average time off
- Bruises and tissue injuries: About five days average time off
When your recovery includes physical therapy and specialized exercises focused on the muscles and joints you use at your job, you could reduce the cumulative impact of repetitive stress when you return to work. Eliminating discomfort with simple therapeutic movements as soon as you begin to feel any pain may help keep your joints, tendons, and limbs flexible enough to work without suffering any harm.
The sooner you can restore your mobility, the quicker you may return to your best work performance. A well-trained and experienced physical therapist can show you individualized exercises that will aid in stretching and strengthening muscles that you use repeatedly. Our specialists will also assist you in the proper use of Metro Healthcare Partners’ state-of-the-art physical therapy equipment.
Proper Treatment Can Prevent Long-Term Physical Damage and Disability
Injuries resulting from physical pain or repetitive stressful motions may eventually affect your back, shoulders, and neck. If left untreated, it may lead to mobility impairment in the region, stiffness, or arthritis in the parts of your body you need to perform even routine at-home tasks. When weakness or numbness prevents you from completing your job tasks comfortably, you could benefit from a consultation with one of our specialists to learn how you can avoid long-term physical damage.
Work-Related Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Compensation
Regardless of the extent of your pain or injury, if it developed or occurred due to performing work-related tasks, you may apply for workers’ compensation benefits. New York State law requires insurance carriers to cover physical therapy through your preferred healthcare provider even if your employer attempts to direct you elsewhere. Although you may be taken to an employer-preferred facility or doctor in an emergency, you should consider switching your care to an NYS WCB -authorized workers’ compensation healthcare provider for follow-up care.
Without proper care, musculoskeletal conditions and injuries can severely limit your mobility and eventually prevent you from working. Metro Healthcare Partners can provide the specialized care your injury or illness requires with NYS Workers’ Compensation Board authorized coverage through workers’ comp doctor in Brooklyn, NY. In addition to a wide range of treatments and practice areas, you’ll also appreciate the same attention to your personal needs you would expect from your neighborhood family doctor’s office.