After a workplace accident, physiotherapy and occupational therapy can help you regain your abilities and resume your professional activities. At PhysioExtra, our professionals have developed a client-centered expertise in treating pain and disabilities.
This interdisciplinary approach aims to restore your physical and functional abilities by collaborating with your doctor, employer, and CNESST to ensure a successful return to work. By the end of your rehabilitation journey, you will have all the necessary tools to maintain your progress.
A Collaborative effort!
Physiotherapy
First, the physiotherapist conducts an in-depth assessment to determine your impairments, then the physiotherapy technologist takes over. As an expert in rehabilitating workplace injuries, they provide you with specific exercises targeting your deficits (joint mobility, muscle stiffness) to restore function.
Interventions performed by the Physiotherapy Technologist:
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Education on the condition
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Explanation of underlying pain concepts
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Active and passive pain management exercises
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Strengthening, motor control, and proprioception exercises
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Job-specific exercises
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Orthopedic manual therapy and soft tissue techniques
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Reassurance and support
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Functional electrotherapy (TENS activation)
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Taping
Occupational Therapy
The occupational therapist usually intervenes six weeks after the accident. However, if the physiotherapy technologist deems an earlier start necessary, they will submit a request to the treating physician.
The occupational therapist assesses the impact of your injury on your autonomy, both at work and in your daily activities and leisure. They create a personalized intervention plan with specific goals to facilitate your return to work. By analyzing tasks that present challenges, they determine the specific job requirements and guide you in performing them.
Interventions performed by the Occupational Therapist:
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Education on persistent pain and active management techniques
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Stress management and adaptation strategies
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Energy management and sleep optimization
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Biomechanical principles for lifting and handling loads
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Discussion of obstacles to returning to work
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Job task simulations
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Functional exercises
Throughout the process, physiotherapists and occupational therapists collaborate to ensure the treatment progresses smoothly and goals are met. Team meetings may be organized to adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Interdisciplinary team
The therapists work closely with your doctor. A progress report is regularly sent to keep them informed of your condition and treatment plan. With your consent, they can also communicate directly with your doctor to discuss your health status and adjust treatments.
Before proposing a return to work, you should communicate with your employer to determine possible arrangements (temporary assignment, light duties, gradual return). If this discussion proves difficult, your compensation agent can intervene to facilitate the return-to-work process.
Once the return is planned, you, your team of therapists, and your doctor will develop an optimal transition plan.
Other than physiotherapy and ergotherapy, depending on the injury, you may be referred to:
To learn more about the steps to take, visit our Workplace Accident (CNESST) page.
Support during the return to work
During your return to work, your therapists guide you to ensure a sustainable and safe reintegration. In the clinic, exercises and job task simulations are adjusted to address difficulties encountered on-site. Exercises are progressively adapted according to your needs.
Additionally, the occupational therapist can visit your workplace to assess your functioning and work environment. They then provide recommendations to ease your return and prevent injuries. Observations made on-site are shared with the physiotherapy technologist to refine treatments. To organize this support, your team must obtain approval from your employer and compensation agent.
The physiotherapy technologist and occupational therapist are with you at every stage of your rehabilitation journey. They collaborate with you and various stakeholders to help you regain your abilities and return to work with confidence. Contact us today at 1 888 951-8667 to learn more.
Article written by Virginie Dufort, Occupational Therapist and First-Line Program Leader.
Other article that may interest you: "Occupational Therapy: A Key Asset for a Successful Return to Work".
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