If you’ve been injured at work, it’s important to understand what to do next. Workplace injuries can happen suddenly, such as when lifting, falling, or reaching, or they can develop gradually from repetitive movements, prolonged positions, or physically demanding work.
Physiotherapy can be an important part of recovery following a workplace injury. Treatment may help reduce pain, restore movement and strength, improve your ability to perform work-related tasks, and support a safe return to your regular activities and job.
Common Workplace Injuries
Workplace injuries can happen in almost any type of job. Some occur from a single incident, while others develop gradually from repetitive movements or physical demands.
Common injuries that may benefit from physiotherapy include:
- Injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying
- Injuries following a slip, trip, or fall
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Muscle strains and sprains
What Should I Do If I Injure Myself at Work?
If you’ve been injured at work, there are a few important steps to take:
- Report the injury to your employer. Let your employer know what happened as soon as possible, even if the injury seems minor at first.
- Seek medical attention if needed. Tell your healthcare provider that the injury occurred at work and provide details about how it happened.
- Report your injury to WCB Alberta. You can report your injury directly to WCB Alberta. Your employer and healthcare provider may also have reporting responsibilities.
- Book a physiotherapy appointment if recommended. If you are experiencing pain or difficulty moving or performing your usual work activities, you can contact a WCB-approved physiotherapy clinic directly to arrange an assessment. You do not necessarily need to wait for a physician referral. If you have already reported your injury to WCB, provide your claim information to the clinic when booking.
At your initial physiotherapy assessment, your physiotherapist will assess your injury and discuss an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment and coverage will depend on your WCB claim and applicable guidelines. If you have further questions about the WCB process or what you need to do next, WCB Alberta can provide information about your claim.
Returning to Work After a Workplace Injury
Returning to work doesn’t always mean going straight back to your regular duties. Depending on your injury and your current abilities, you may be able to return to work with modified duties while you continue your rehabilitation. Temporary changes to lifting, repetitive tasks, hours, or other job requirements may be appropriate while you recover.
WCB Alberta‘s return-to-work process is designed to support injured workers in returning to work safely. Your physiotherapist can provide guidance on your functional abilities and help identify appropriate modifications to your work duties as you progress through your rehabilitation.
What Happens During a WCB Physiotherapy Assessment?
Your first physiotherapy appointment will start with an assessment of your injury. We’ll ask about how the injury happened, your current symptoms, your job duties, and which activities are difficult. We’ll also look at your movement, strength, mobility, and other factors that may be contributing to your limitations. From there, we’ll work with you to determine a treatment plan to improve your function and gradually get you back to your specific work demands. When appropriate, we also communicate with WCB regarding your treatment plan, progress, functional abilities, and any recommended work restrictions or modifications.
Depending on your assessment, your treatment plan may include hands-on therapy, therapeutic exercises, mobility and strengthening exercises, education, and strategies to manage your symptoms during work and daily activities. As your recovery progresses, your physiotherapy program can be adjusted to help you gradually build the strength, mobility, and tolerance needed for your specific job demands.
WCB Physiotherapy in Northeast Calgary
If you’re looking for WCB physiotherapy in Northeast Calgary, PhysioArc provides individualized physiotherapy care for workplace injuries, with treatment tailored to your symptoms, functional needs, and recovery goals.
Every appointment involves one-on-one care directly with your physiotherapist, without treatment assistants. Regardless of the type of claim or coverage involved, you can expect the same commitment to individualized, high-quality care based on your assessment, clinical needs, and progress. Treatment may include hands-on therapy, therapeutic exercise, and education to help restore movement, build strength, and support a safe return to work and everyday activities.
If you’ve been injured at work and are looking for WCB physiotherapy in Calgary, contact us to learn more or book an assessment online.
