Workers’ Comp

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It’s one thing to suffer an injury while golfing or doing a hobby that you love, but somehow getting hurt at work just seems to hurt a little bit more. And the reality is that work injuries are far too common. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employers reported 2.6 million workplace injuries and illnesses in 2021. Employees missing work due to workplace injury leads to lower wages, lower productivity and the risk of worsening your injury when you return to work.

Fortunately, our team at Lattimore Physical Therapy is available to help you get back on your feet and back to work in no time. Our goal isn’t just to treat your injury — it’s to help you understand muscle movement and workplace safety better so you can reduce your risk of future injury. We also work with you to strengthen the muscles needed for your job, so you can work safer for longer. We don’t just want you to be safe through the remainder of your work years; we want you to roll into retirement in tiptop shape, so you can begin the adventure you’ve been waiting for. And we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

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What Types of Injuries Are Treated With Workers’ Comp?

At Lattimore Physical Therapy, we treat all workers’ compensation injuries. The most common types of injuries we see include:

Strains and sprains — Improper lifting and ergonomics can lead to strains and sprains. This happens when the muscles, tendons, and ligaments are twisted or pulled in improper ways (or by carrying too much weight), and they develop a small tear.
Concussions — A concussion can be caused by a slip-and-fall accident, an item landing on your head or a general workplace accident that leads to head trauma. Concussions are very serious, and you should seek medical attention immediately if you suspect you have one. If you are dizzy, lose consciousness and/or vomit after trauma to the head, you should seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. Do not try to drive yourself to the hospital.
Slip-and-fall accidents — Slip-and-fall accidents can lead to a series of injuries, such as torn ligaments, bruised joints and damage to soft tissue. All of these instances can lead to ongoing pain and limited range of motion.
Auto injury accidents — Auto injury accidents can happen to any employee who is behind the wheel for work, whether you are working for Amazon, USPS or anyone who requires you to drive to see a client. Auto injury accidents can include whiplash and ongoing neck and shoulder pain. In some cases, wrists and backs can be affected by auto accidents as well.
Repetitive movement injuries — This type of injury is common for shoulders and knees, and can often be found in employees who are required to lift heavy objects overhead repetitively or bend over repeatedly, which can wear down the joints in the body and cause inflammation and chronic pain. In some cases, this type of injury affects the discs in the lower spine, causing degenerative disc disease, which can lead to chronic lower back pain.

These are certainly not all of the possible workplace injuries that we treat, but they are the most common ones we see.

Treatments Available for Workers’ Compensation

There are a number of treatments available for workplace injuries, including the following:

Manual therapy — Depending on your injury, manual therapy may be the way to go. Manual therapy manipulates the joint and soft tissue to promote healing and improve range of motion.
Balance and vestibular rehab — This type of treatment is ideal for someone who has sustained a concussion and has lasting effects of dizziness, balance disorders and difficulty focusing their eyesight on things.
Functional capacity evaluation (FCE) — A functional capacity evaluation determines whether a person is fit to go back to work after an injury. It’s an evaluation of the type of movement required for their position and whether they can perform those requirements.
Therapeutic stretches and exercises — We focus on improving your strength and mobility not only to help you heal from your current workplace injury, but also to help reduce your risk of future injuries, whether in the workplace or elsewhere.

There are several other physical therapy treatments that can be used for different types of workplace injuries. You’ll work closely with your physical therapist to confirm an injury diagnosis and determine the best route for treatment that fits your job requirements and your future recovery goals.

Does My Insurance Cover Workers’ Comp Treatment?

This is the real question for most people who have been injured on the job. Not all places take workers’ compensation insurance, and not all insurances cover it. Fortunately, at Lattimore Physical Therapy, we accept all forms of workers’ compensation insurance. We’re here to get you back to where you want to be.

If you’re looking for treatment for a workplace injury, contact our team today or visit our locations page to find one of our clinics near you. Our team is ready to help you heal from your injury, so you can get back to work faster and better.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a health care profession that involves evaluating, diagnosing and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The goal of physical therapy is to focus on movement in order to restore function, minimize pain and improve an individual’s quality of life. Physical therapists often utilize treatment modalities such as therapeutic exercise, soft tissue mobilization, ultrasound, electrical stimulation and other treatments to help achieve these goals.

Do I Need a Referral?

The state of New York has “direct access” to physical therapy, which means that patients are not legally required to have a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist. However, some insurances may require patients to have a referral or authorization before they will approve payment. Be sure to contact your insurance company beforehand and determine the process that they require.

It’s important to know that if you are under the care of a physician and require physical therapy treatment, you have the freedom to choose your own physical therapy clinic.

Do You Accept My Insurance?

We accept most major insurance coverages. Some of those we accept include Tricare, Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and workers’ compensation. If you don’t see your insurance company listed above, reach out to us and we’ll let you know if we accept yours. At the time of scheduling your first appointment, we request that you provide us your insurance information so that we may verify your benefits and coverage.

How Can I Pay for Treatment?

We accept payment via cash, check, flex spending card, and debit or credit card (Visa, Mastercard and Discover). Payment is expected at the time of treatment and typically required during check-in. If you have insurance coverage, there may be a deductible or copay required.

Before your first visit, we will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits for physical therapy. Some insurance providers have restrictions on specific treatments. As a courtesy, Lattimore Physical Therapy files with your primary insurance as well as any secondary coverage. You will be billed for any cost share (if applicable) after your insurance has paid their portion.

What Should I Expect During My First Visit?

During your initial visit, your physical therapist will provide you with a thorough 45-minute to one-hour evaluation in a private room. Please be prepared to discuss your needs, your pain, and any lack of mobility or function that you currently have. This evaluation will involve certain range-of-motion, postural and strength tests to help your physical therapist develop a plan unique to you and your condition.Treatment for your injury will begin on the day of your initial visit.

How Should I Dress?

You should wear loose-fitting clothing during each session with us. Loose-fitting clothing helps us access and move the areas of the body that are being treated. If you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, a loose-fitting shirt and pants are the best go-tos.

Do I Need to Bring Any MRIs or X-rays That I Have?

Please bring any relevant MRI or X-ray interpretation reports from your physician’s office. However, since X-rays and MRIs aren’t always the most telling, your physical therapist will want to also take into account your medical history and other physical tests and measures. Their goal is to perform an evaluation as best they can using a thorough series of processes.

How Many Visits Will I Need?

The number of visits necessary to complete treatment varies from patient to patient. Some patients only undergo a couple of sessions, while others need several months of care. It most often depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairment(s), your past medical history and other similar factors. You will also be reevaluated on a monthly basis. Each time you visit your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our professional recommendations.

Can I Bring My Child With Me to My Appointments?

Yes! Our policy allows for children to accompany their parents during appointments.

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