Common work-related injuries have decreased over the years thanks to increased workplace health and safety measures. Knowing the right time to return to work when you have been seriously injured on the job can be challenging. There are no hard and fast rules to answer the question. No two injuries are exactly alike, and every person heals differently. Working with a doctor and a physical therapist will help you determine when you can return to work after an injury.
At Ace Rehab, we rehabilitate injured workers with a functional capacity evaluation and an in-depth evaluation of their strength and mobility. We also offer work hardening and work conditioning rehabilitation programs to prepare workers to return to their jobs stronger and better prepared. Our physical therapist will create a plan of action focusing on recovery, prevention, and reduction of work-related injuries.
Here are some suggested guidelines to consider when contemplating your return to work:
- Every injured person should not return to work until receiving an individual assessment from their doctor or physical therapist and deciding their body is physically ready to do so.
- Speak with your employer to create preplanned modified duty tasks and ensure you have assistance in formally offering modified duties when necessary.
- Find out if a trial period is available to you. In some cases, injured workers may need to try it to determine if a total return to work is possible. Suppose a person finds out they can not keep up at work during this trial period. In that case, they should immediately report the issue and may seek to get their benefits potentially reinstated.
- Having a plan with your employer ensures that you have a developed return-to-work program that focuses on eligibility, entrance and exit criteria, and transitional job positions.
Your employer should maintain open communication with you regarding if specific tasks are painful. Keeping lines of communication open with your physical therapist upon your return to work is also essential for your recovery. Your employer will likely want you back on the job quickly, and navigating the right time and what is the best choice for you will not be easy.
At ACE Rehab, our highly skilled therapists offer comprehensive care for rehabilitating injured workers. Our physical therapists will create an individualized treatment plan based on your specific injury and a thorough evaluation to get you back to work safely. Our team will also assist you with navigating workers' compensation plans, as those can be highly confusing. Our staff is here to guide you throughout the entire process every step of the way.
The team at ACE Rehab is here to guide you after a work injury. We will assist you in navigating insurance claims with the corporation where you were injured and offer you personalized treatment plans to get you back to your pre-injured self. For an in-depth evaluation of your injury, please call (703) 204-0533 or visit www.acerehab.com.