Physical Therapy: Preventing & Treating Workplace Injury

Let’s talk about workplace injury. Musculoskeletal pain – specifically back pain – is one of the most common reasons for missed work, accounting for 264 million lost workdays in one year – that’s two workdays/year for every full-time employee in the nation. Today’s opioid epidemic has motivated healthcare leaders to consider a conservative approach, with the American College of Physicians (ACP) updating its back pain treatment guideline in 2017 to support non-drug approaches for workplace injury.

Physical Therapy & Workplace Injury
Physical therapy offers an affordable, safe and natural means for preventing and treating pain and injury for employees. Dr. Jennifer Rolfing, with Bronston Chiropractic and Community Care Clinics, shares Five Benefits of physical therapy for the workplace:

1. Reduce the risk of repetitive motion injuries. Some jobs require the same movements repeatedly, which can result in acute strains or chronic pain. Physical therapy can help improve muscle balance surrounding overworked joints and provide education for employees to manage inflammation at home.
2. Reduce the risk of workplace accidents and injury claims. Workman’s compensation claims are expensive for employers. We can help with worksite safety, making sure daily routines run smoothly for everyone.
3. Provide ergonomic evaluation. Physical therapy can ensure that workstations are designed to allow proper posture throughout the day. Chair height, keyboard placement and mouse pad location are just a few factors that should be individualized. Without proper posture, employees are at risk for neck and back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and headaches.
4. Promote wellness. It is important for employees to lead a healthy, active lifestyle, getting the recommended daily dose of physical activity per the American Heart Association. Healthy employees typically have more energy and are more productive at work.
5. Prevent injury for workers. We can educate workers on proper lifting mechanics for heavy, awkward loads to reduce the risk of back, shoulder, hip and knee injuries.

Coulee Region employers and employees need affordable, accessible care from qualified health professionals to maintain strong businesses and a healthy community. Bronston Chiropractic and Community Care Clinics provide an entire cadre of employer services designed to address workplace injury and keep  workers healthy and well – including physical therapy. For more information or an appointment, please call 608.781.2225.