A physically demanding job can leave you tired at the end of the day, but ongoing pain shouldn’t automatically be accepted as “just part of the job.” Lifting, pushing, pulling, repetitive movements, prolonged standing, awkward positions, and unexpected workplace accidents can all contribute to musculoskeletal injuries. When pain begins interfering with your ability to work or function normally, identifying the problem and getting appropriate care can be an important part of recovery.
Work Injuries Can Happen in Many Ways
Not every workplace injury happens because of one dramatic accident. Some injuries occur suddenly after a fall, lifting incident, collision, or other unexpected event. Others develop gradually after repeated movements or physical demands.
Workers may experience:
- Neck or back pain
- Shoulder or arm pain
- Hip or knee pain
- Muscle strains or sprains Joint stiffness
- Reduced range of motion
- Numbness or tingling
- Difficulty lifting, bending, standing, walking, or reaching
The symptoms may be different depending on the person’s occupation and how the injury occurred.
Don’t Simply Work Through Persistent Pain
It can be tempting to ignore discomfort, especially when you have a demanding schedule or coworkers depending on you.
But continuing to perform activities that consistently aggravate an injury may make it more difficult to perform your job safely and comfortably.
Persistent pain, weakness, limited movement, or difficulty completing normal job duties deserves attention—particularly when the symptoms began after a specific workplace incident.
Report Your Work Injury
If you are injured at work, report the incident to your employer or supervisor as soon as possible and follow your employer’s Workers’ Compensation procedures.
Depending on your Workers’ Compensation plan, your employer, insurance carrier, claims adjuster, or nurse case manager may direct or authorize where you receive treatment.
This is important because Workers’ Compensation treatment often requires authorization. Before scheduling treatment independently, make sure you understand the requirements associated with your claim.
Rehabilitation Should Consider Your Actual Job
Recovering from a work injury involves more than asking whether your pain has decreased.
Your healthcare team should also consider whether you can safely perform the activities required for your occupation.
For one person, returning to work may mean sitting comfortably at a computer. For another, it may require repeated bending, climbing, kneeling, pushing, pulling, carrying equipment, or lifting significant weight.
Physical therapy can help address strength, mobility, endurance, balance, and functional limitations based on the individual’s condition and job demands.
When Work Conditioning or Work Hardening May Be Needed
Some injured workers need more advanced rehabilitation before returning to physically demanding occupations.
Work conditioning and work hardening programs can progressively incorporate activities that more closely resemble actual job demands. Depending on the worker’s occupation and authorized plan of care, rehabilitation may include lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, squatting, climbing, prolonged activity, and other job-specific tasks.
The goal is to help prepare the worker for the physical requirements of returning to work safely and successfully.
Getting the Right Care After a Work Injury
At Easy Reach Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, we provide rehabilitation for appropriate workplace injuries and participate with Workers’ Compensation networks and authorized claims.
Depending on the injury, authorization, and individual treatment plan, care may include physical therapy, chiropractic care, manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, functional rehabilitation, work conditioning, or work hardening.
If you’ve been injured at work, report the injury promptly and follow the instructions provided through your employer or Workers’ Compensation claim so you can receive the appropriate evaluation and authorized care.