Workplace injuries exist in many forms and can affect people in all kinds of work environments. Some injuries, like overexertion and strain, build up slowly over time. Other injuries are the result of an accident, such as a slip or a fall. Either way, physical therapy can help.
Physical therapists are health care professionals who specialize in helping people overcome physical injuries. Many physical therapy treatments focus on stretches and exercises to make your muscles stronger and more flexible. This helps provide support for the injured area to promote recovery and help reduce pain.
While it’s great that physical therapists can help treat work injuries and get you back to your job, you can take more steps to prevent work injuries in the first place.
Tips for avoiding workplace injuries
Workplace injuries can occur for many reasons, but you can help eliminate your need for work injury treatment by following these tips:
- Keep your work environment clean — Trips are one of the leading workplace injuries. Keep your work area clear of puddles, loose wires and other clutter that could cause you to trip. Avoid getting distracted while walking to increase your chances of spotting an obstacle.
- Check equipment before using — Falling from ladders and other equipment is another leading cause of occupational injuries. Check your equipment for any issues before using them. Try to always have a partner to spot you when climbing up high.
- Take breaks — Frequently lifting objects and repeating movements can lead to overexertion of the muscles, ligaments and tendons. Take frequent breaks to help prevent exhaustion from straining your muscles and connective tissue.
- Use proper lifting techniques — Improperly lifting heavy objects can lead to injuries. Do not twist or bend when picking up objects. Lift with your legs instead. When picking up a heavy box, you should look more like a squatter and less like a diver.
- Be careful around machinery — Accidents involving heavy equipment and automobiles are often very serious. Be careful to avoid getting struck by or stuck in heavy machinery. Always wear a hard hat and other safety equipment to reduce the chances of injury.
Panther Physical Therapy offers beneficial work injury treatment
Despite doing your best to prevent a workplace injury, you can still get hurt. When this happens, you’ll want experts you can trust by your side. Our physical therapists at Panther Physical Therapy can treat many workplace injuries and help prevent them from recurring.
We offer free screenings that can pinpoint the type of work injury you’re dealing with. Our team also excels at building personalized work injury treatment plans intended to reduce pain and get you back to work faster, and our plans can include therapy techniques like:
If you have a work-related injury, contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.