Can Physical Therapy Speed Up Recovery From A Work Injury? 

A physical therapist working with her patient who's in a wheelchair after an injury.

While work-related injuries are becoming less common, it is still a problem many Americans may face. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 946,500 work-related injuries and illnesses in the U.S. in 2023 alone. Becoming injured on the job can be extremely stressful. After the initial shock of the incident, many are likely wishing to get back to living a normal life and returning to work.

If you’ve experienced a workplace injury, you’re likely wondering if physical therapy can speed up your recovery. Keep reading to learn the answer and learn more about physical therapy in Utah. 

Are You Looking For Skilled Nursing Care In Salt Lake City? Check Out Monument Health Group For Skilled Nursing Care Today. 

What Is Physical Therapy? 

According to the Cleveland Clinic, physical therapy (also referred to as physiotherapy) is a treatment method meant to assist the body in optimizing the way it moves. Physical therapy is often used as part of a treatment plan for reducing pain, regaining mobility and function after an injury, preventing further injuries when possible, and treating certain health conditions.  

What Happens In Physical Therapy? 

In physical therapy, a physical therapist works with you to create a personalized recovery plan to regain mobility and muscle strength following an injury, surgery, or to manage certain chronic conditions. Physical therapy can take anywhere from a few weeks to several months (or years in severe cases), depending on the severity of the injury or condition. Be sure to ask as many questions as you have, and be open about your pain and progress, for the best outcomes.

In severe cases, the physical therapist will move the injured part of your body for you (at least initially). Once a patient’s body is ready, physical therapy will often include a personalized mixture of the following treatment methods (based on the individual case):

  • Specialized stretches
  • Strength training exercises (with and without weights, resistance bands, etc.)
  • Massage therapy
  • Cold therapy
  • Heat therapy
  • Water therapy
  • TENS unit (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) 

Can Physical Therapy Speed Up Recovery From A Work Injury? 

While every person and every injury is different, in most cases, physical therapy can speed up recovery and reduce pain. Studies suggest that physical therapy (especially physical therapy started early in the treatment process) is associated with improved muscle strength and functionality.

Although the majority of studies that have been done were done on post-surgical healing, regardless of whether your work-related injury required surgical intervention, your healing time should still reap the benefits of physical therapy (assuming you’re following medical advice and are committed to your recovery). 

The Benefits Of Physical Therapy After A Work-Related Injury

Per the Cleveland Clinic, you can expect the following benefits of physical therapy:

  • Pain management
  • Improved mobility
  • Enhanced range of motion
  • Regained strength
  • Increased flexibility
  • Less stiffness in the muscles
  • Learning strategies to prevent further injuries (if applicable) 

Accessing Physical Therapy In Utah 

The staff at Monument Health Group in Utah are on a mission to assist all our patients with living a life that is free from limitations and pain. We offer physical therapy services to patients of all ages in 13 locations in Utah.

Whether your injuries are severe and you require physical therapy on an inpatient basis, or you’re simply looking for outpatient physical therapy services to speed up your recovery to return to work, Monument Health Group is ready to work with you on a personalized recovery plan. We are committed to helping patients regain the mobility, strength, and independence that allows them to live the life they want.

Are You Considering Treatment At A Skilled Nursing Facility?

Attending physical therapy at a skilled nursing facility in Utah, such as Monument Health Group, gives you access to individualized treatment plans, expert care, and access to other skilled nursing services (if your injury warrants it). Whether you merely require physical therapy on an outpatient basis, your injuries require further forms of therapy (such as occupational therapy, for example), or your injuries are extensive, and you require a place to stay while you heal, Monument Health Group has services that can help.

We offer extensive physical therapy services, but we also offer other skilled nursing services all in one location, such as:

  • Post-hospital care
  • Post-traumatic injury care
  • Short-term rehabilitation
  • Long-term rehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy
  • Speech therapy

For top-notch, comprehensive care, contact Monument Health Group today.

Recovering from a work-related injury can be a long and discouraging process. Luckily, by receiving specialized physical therapy services, you can get ready to return to work and prevent further injuries. 

For compassionate and professional injury care, and extensive rehabilitation services, be sure to check out Monument Health Group. 

Have You Been Looking For Outpatient Physical Therapy Services In Salt Lake City? Check Out Monument Health Groups’s Physical Therapy Services, And Get Started On Your Healing Journey Today.

Sources:

Arias-Fernández, P. (2018). Rehabilitation and Early Mobilization in the Critical Patient: Systematic Review.
Employer-Reported Workplace Injuries and Illnesses – 2023. (2024).
Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy). (2024).