Injured workers face challenges similar to injured athletes—only the “playing field” is their workplace. Just like athletes, doctors often recommend physical therapy to help treat work-related injuries. If you require physical therapy for a work injury, workers’ compensation should cover the treatment costs. However, there are certain rules and steps to follow to ensure your therapy is approved under a workers’ comp claim.

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Guidelines for Getting Workers’ Compensation to Cover Rehab

First, your treating physician must order the physical therapy, and the insurance company must approve the treatment. If approval is initially denied, you can take these steps to get the treatment authorized:

  • Ask your doctor’s office to file a Form WC-205 requesting approval
  • Submit a Form WC-PMT to seek treatment authorization
  • Request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge
  • Consult a workers’ compensation attorney for assistance

Common Workers’ Compensation Injuries

  • Overexertion is the most frequent injury, often seen in construction and factory work, caused by muscle pulls or joints pushed beyond their limits.
  • Slip and fall accidents happen frequently in workplaces with wet or slippery surfaces, affecting groundskeepers, store clerks, and security personnel.
  • Falls to lower levels occur when workers fall down stairs or from elevated platforms. Such falls can lead to sprains or fractures, especially in ankles.
  • Being struck by objects is common among retail and factory workers when items fall or when workers collide with stationary objects.
  • Vehicle accidents on highways often injure truck drivers, police officers, and business representatives.
  • Machinery accidents are prevalent in construction sites and factories involving heavy equipment.
  • Repetitive motion injuries like bursitis, tendonitis, and carpal tunnel syndrome arise from repeated tasks such as lifting, assembly line work, or prolonged computer use.
  • Workplace violence injuries, though unexpected, can occur due to conflicts with coworkers or outsiders.

No matter the injury, reporting it to your employer and seeking prompt medical care are critical to ensuring a successful workers’ compensation claim.

Physical Therapy for Work Injuries

Workplace injuries come with unique circumstances, especially since returning to work often affects your livelihood and family. A physical therapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific injury and work demands. Together, you’ll set goals, and your therapist will guide you toward recovery. Treatment may include manual therapy, stretching, targeted exercises, hot/cold therapy, ultrasound, aquatic therapy, and joint mobilization. Physical therapy offers a comprehensive approach combining multiple techniques to promote healing.

If you’ve been injured at work, contact us at Greenwood, IN center for a one-on-one consultation and thorough evaluation. Our dedicated physical therapists are ready to support your journey back to health and work.