Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy

Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy in Red Bank, NJ

Physical therapy soon after a workplace injury is the best way to aid recovery, reduce pain, and lessen nerve damage. Prompt physical therapy from doctors experienced in workers’ compensation speeds the healing process and helps injured workers return to their jobs sooner.

When searching “workers’ comp doctors near me,” you will find Navesink Rehab in Red Bank, NJ. Our physicians take the time to learn about your injury and do a full work-up to devise a tailored treatment plan. No two workplace injuries look the same, and we keep that in mind during every appointment.

Your treatment plan may include “homework” of exercises to do every day between physical therapy appointments. Physical therapy creates gradual improvements over time, and doing the exercises daily is a great way to regain strength and shorten recovery time.

Fit-for-Duty Testing

Workers’ compensation insurance may require a fit-for-duty exam to evaluate a patient after an absence due to a workplace injury. It determines whether the employee is physically and mentally ready to return to their job. An employer could request an exam for a patient reaching the end of their treatment plan for a work-related injury or after a serious non-work-related injury like a car crash.

Fit-for-duty testing protects the employer and the employee. It ensures the employee can return to work without a high risk of re-injury. Each exam must adhere to ADA guidelines, with employers providing accommodations as necessary for the employee to safely return to work.

Functional Capacity Evaluation

An employer may order a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) as a term of employment or when an employee is ready to return to work after treatment. The evaluation measures the ability to perform everyday tasks.

A functional capacity evaluation may include a wide variety of tests. Appropriate tests depend on the nature of the job and the reason the patient took leave from work, whether injury or illness. Aspects of the evaluation could include:

A job-related physical evaluation where the patient must demonstrate pulling, bending, and lifting in addition to other tasks.
A verbal interview where the medical provider assesses the patient’s cognitive function concerning their ability to do their job.

Sometimes, a primary care provider may request an FCE. Other professionals who may order the exam include:

Social workers
Insurance adjusters
Medical case managers
Employers

According to the American Journal of Occupational Therapy, over 94% of workers got the green light to return to work after their functional capacity evaluations.

Preventing Workplace Injuries

The most common workplace injuries include overexertion, contact with equipment, and trips and falls. Of those, trips and falls make up 18%. Proactive supervisors can take measures to reduce the number of workplace injuries, such as the following:

Comprehensive Training. The training process doesn’t just include how to perform daily job functions efficiently; it should also cover how to complete them safely. That includes comprehensive education on how to use machinery to avoid accidental injury.
Correct Footwear. The proper footwear can reduce the chance of a slip-and-fall injury. For jobs involving physical labor, close-toed boots can reduce foot injuries.
On-Site Triage. Cleaning and bandaging minor injuries help prevent infection or additional harm that could result in a hospital visit. First aid should also include an eyewash station to prevent serious harm if a worker gets chemicals or debris in their eyes.
Pre-Employment Screenings. Many companies utilize drug tests and physical exams as part of their pre-employment screenings. These tests reveal high-risk potential for future workers’ compensation claims.
A Focus on Long-Term Wellness. An ongoing commitment to nutritional and physical wellness gives employees the tools to improve their health, lowering the overall number of injuries.

Car Accident Chiropractor

If you drive for a living and sustain injury in a car wreck, our Red Bank chiropractic center can help. Workers’ compensation doctors provide an array of treatments to help you return to work. After a car accident, you could experience pain for weeks as your muscles and soft tissues heal from the trauma.

A chiropractor experienced with accident victims will guide you through the healing process to get you back in your vehicle and on the road as soon as possible.

Shorten Your Recovery Process With Physical Therapy in Red Bank

When you experience a workplace injury, our doctors can help with your recovery journey and provide your employer with the proper testing to prove you are mentally and physically fit to return to work. Physical therapy, along with acupuncture treatment and massage, creates a thorough treatment plan that allows you to live life to the fullest without relying on daily medication as a form of pain management.

To start your healing journey, please contact our clinic by filling out the online form or by calling Navesink Rehab in Red Bank, NJ, at 732-530-7700.

Our doctors accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I go to physical therapy if I don’t have an official diagnosis?

Typically, you do not need a diagnosis or testing like an MRI to schedule physical therapy. A physical therapist can assess many issues, provide treatment exercises, and develop a treatment plan at your appointment.

Will physical therapy help me heal faster?

Physical therapy can help accelerate the healing process with gentle exercises that help you rebuild muscle tissue and reduce inflammation.

When should I stop going to physical therapy?

You should stop going to physical therapy if you stop improving without healing. Physical therapy helps you make small improvements along the way, but if you don’t see any improvements in many weeks or months, your body may have reached the end of what it can accomplish.

Why am I in more pain after physical therapy?

When your muscles have inflammation and other damage, physical therapy could make them sore for a day or two after treatment. Much like going to the gym, the soreness you feel is the result of your muscles regaining strength.

Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy