Being injured on the job can be a difficult and traumatic experience. Unfortunately, it’s something that happens to millions of workers every year. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported over 2.7 million nonfatal workplace injuries in the year 2019. It can take time to return to work after a workplace injury. Most physicians will likely recommend physical therapy to help you recover. Thankfully, physical therapists are here to help. They not only help speed recovery and prevent further injury, they can also be crucial in helping to navigate the complicated process of workers’ compensation.
What roles can physical therapists play in workers’ compensation defense cases?
Most workers’ compensation claims go through without a hitch. But there are some times when a claim may be disputed and people may have to mount a workers’ compensation claim defense in court.
Physical therapy experts can provide invaluable insight for your defense team in such workers’ compensation cases. Some of the roles they can play for your defense team include:
- Providing expert testimony — Physical therapists are trained to treat many musculoskeletal injuries. This includes the work injuries that might become the subject of a workers’ compensation case. Thus, these medical specialists can act as an expert witness regarding your injury and its treatment.
- Providing recovery process documentation — Physical therapists keep detailed notes about their sessions. They may also keep other forms of documentation, such as doctor’s referrals. With your permission, your clinician can provide these documents to your defense team.
- Providing testimony/documentation about functional limitations — Proof is big in any court case. That’s why the court may require proof that a work injury has led to you experiencing a significant loss of function. A physical therapist can provide your defense team with testimony or documentation that illustrates your functional limitations.
What other ways can physical therapists help workers involved in workers’ compensation defense cases?
Aside from potentially helping with your workers’ compensation case defense, physical therapists can help you in other ways, too. After their initial evaluation, a licensed physical therapist has many tools at their disposal to help you return to work sooner. Here are a few of the ways a licensed physical therapist can help you recover from your workplace injury:
- Reducing pain during recovery — Many common workplace injuries can cause pain long after the incident has occured. Physical therapy can help reduce pain by using specialized techniques. These include therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization. Treating your pain with physical therapy can also reduce risks from taking prescription pain medications, which can include fatigue, nausea and the risk of addiction.
- Strengthening the injured area — Using guided therapeutic exercise, physical therapists can help to not only speed recovery but also to increase strength and endurance. This can help prevent the affected area from becoming injured in the future.
- Ergonomic training — Many common workplace injuries can be avoided. Practicing good posture, less sedentary behavior, and more care when performing tasks can help avoid injury. Physical therapists can diagnose and help correct poor ergonomics to prevent injury in the workplace.
Where can I turn for help with my workers’ compensation defense?
Don’t take on your workers’ compensation defense case alone. Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy is ready and willing to help. Our licensed specialists understand the protocols of workers’ compensation cases. They are equipped with the knowledge and tools to help you navigate them.
Trust us to help you in the event of a workplace accident or injury. Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.
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