Have you been suffering from a work-related injury? Missing time from work can be both emotionally and financially devastating. It’s crucial to make a speedy recovery and get back to a regular routine as quickly as possible. Physical therapy can play an important role in recovering from work injuries and managing pain. It’s important to note that work injuries are often covered under workers’ compensation insurance. Call our office today to learn more about how physical therapy can help you recover.
What is a work injury?
A work injury is considered any illness or injury a person may have that is work-related. Several occupations, including nursing, construction, and police work, often involve hard physical work or dangerous situations that can lead to serious injuries. Office work, however, can also cause injuries due to sitting in the same position for prolonged periods of time. Office or factory work may also cause repetitive motion injuries. It’s important to seek out treatment for an injury as soon as possible. If left untreated, almost any type of injury may become more severe over time.
Causes of work injuries
There are several specific causes and types of work injuries.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome — Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the median nerve in the wrist is compressed. This is often caused by repetitive motions such as typing or working on an assembly line. Everyone from office executives to factory workers can experience carpal tunnel syndrome. According to Harvard Health, it’s necessary to get treatment for this condition as soon as possible to avoid long-term nerve damage. A physical therapy program may include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and exercises to strengthen the muscles in your hand and wrist.
- Tendonitis — Tendonitis can also be caused by repetitive motions and overuse. Symptoms normally include swelling, tenderness, and pain. Over time, tendons can become inflamed as a result of overuse or possible infection. Tendonitis can occur in the elbows, shoulders, and knees.
- Back pain — Back pain can be caused by several activities related to work. Long periods of inactivity, such as sitting at a desk in the same position, can cause back pain. Sometimes, too much force on your back or lifting items incorrectly can cause severe pain. Back injuries can also be caused by repetition, such as rotating or twisting in certain ways. Move Forward states that receiving early physical therapy for low back pain can be a cost-effective treatment option.
- Auto accidents — Many employees work in a job that requires them to drive a vehicle. Work-related automobile accidents can result in injuries ranging from mild cuts and abrasions to broken bones and severe whiplash. Physical therapy can help you recover from a variety of injuries sustained in an auto accident. Therapy can reduce inflammation, pain, and restore range of motion.
- Sprains and strains — Sprains and strains can occur throughout the body in the muscles and ligaments. You might sustain these types of injuries from repetitive motions or from falling at work. They might also occur because of improper use of equipment on the job. Physical therapy can help you reduce or even eliminate the pain from an injured muscle or ligament.
How physical therapy helps
Physical therapy is ideal for quickly and effectively treating work injuries in people of all ages. A physical therapist uses the most advanced treatment methods to reduce your pain, improve mobility, and help your body heal faster. A few of the specific treatment methods a therapist may use include heat and ice therapy, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, and laser technology. A physical therapist can also teach you ways to perform your job to avoid repetitive injuries in the future.
A physical therapist can complete a personalized evaluation and create a customized therapy plan that meets your specific needs. Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to potentially avoid invasive surgery and long-term use of prescription drugs. Contact Us Today at Columbia, SC Center to schedule an appointment today.