People who are injured in workplace accidents deserve to understand not just what physical therapy can do for them, but also the most common work-related injuries that may be treated through physical therapy. When employees have all of the facts, they can make more informed decisions about their health.
Patients may have a better concept of what type of physical therapy they require if they have a better knowledge of common injuries incurred on the job. Read this before googling “workers comp physical therapy near me”.
Falls, Slips, and Trips
Workers in construction zones may slide on wet or oily floors, trip due to inadequate lighting, or fall off ladders. While the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) develops fall protection rules for work situations such as construction zones, employees, employers, and third parties must all collaborate to help one another.
Minor injuries incurred from slips, stumbles, and falls can have long-term implications, making it even more critical that workers allow a physical therapist to examine them.
Neck Injuries
Employees may be surprised to realize how easily they can sustain a neck injury at work. Repetitive actions, such as moving the neck in the same way repeatedly, may result in a repetitive motion disorder. Slipping and falling might also result in neck injuries.
Back Injuries
Workers can easily hurt their backs if they do not pay attention to how they move at work. For example, a person may hurt his or her back by lifting a big item improperly or without assistance. Because of the cumulative physical stress, repetitive actions may result in a back injury. Even office workers who sit behind a desk all day without taking breaks to stretch may suffer from back issues.
Overexertion and Muscle Strain
Muscle strains and repetitive strain injuries are examples of overexertion injuries. Such injury has the potential to impair overall productivity and cause long-term problems. Manually handling heavy items, utilizing poor lifting techniques, engaging in repetitive jobs without proper breaks, and typing on a keyboard with incorrect form are all common causes of such industrial accidents.
Other effective therapies for overexertion and muscular strains, aside from physical therapy, include frequent breaks and stretching before participating in physically hard activity. Employees should also use mechanical lifting equipment for anything weighing more than 50 pounds.
Struck by a Falling Object or Person
Walking into a wall or kitchen counter at home may seem funny, but doing so in a high-risk work environment, such as a construction zone, may result in injury and require medical care and physical therapy treatments. Employees may, for example, sever fingers or limbs, injure their hands, suffer traumatic brain injuries, or break bones.
Excessive vibration, inadequately secured machinery, fallen tools, dropped loads, and tipping over heavy work equipment are all causes of workplace injuries. Workers may also be injured if they walk into machinery or walls.
Road Accidents
Those who drive for a living or work near commercial cars may be involved in a car accident. Commercial vehicle accidents are caused by a variety of factors, including becoming trapped beneath an overturned vehicle and falling from a vehicle, as well as tractor-trailer accidents and being struck by things falling from a commercial vehicle.
Exposure to Dangerous Substances and Environments
Employees who work with hazardous chemicals or in noisy workplaces may suffer damage to their ears, eyes, respiratory systems, and skin if they do not wear the correct protection or if their employer fails to offer adequate protection.
Fireworks and Explosions
While it is not the most prevalent type of occupational accident, being caught in an explosion or fire may necessitate workers’ compensation physical therapy. Explosions and fires can seriously harm the respiratory system and burn bodily tissue.
Here are some common remedies for workplace injuries.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
Those who desire to return to work and earn a living as soon as possible may benefit from occupational therapy. Occupational therapists’ professional interest is not limited to regaining functionality. Instead, they draw inspiration from common chores to assist wounded workers in regaining and maintaining job abilities.
Neuropsychological Treatment
Those who suffer traumatic brain injuries as a result of occupational accidents may benefit from neuropsychological therapy. Completing psychometric exams to assess mental and neurological health is part of such treatment.
Therapy for Mental Illness
Physical healing may be hampered by psychological stress. Receiving therapy from a mental health expert after a workplace incident may improve a person’s chances of complete emotional and physical recovery.