Accidents and injuries that happen at work are, unfortunately, a very common occurrence. Over 2 million workers are hurt on the job every year in the United States, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In most cases, workers’ compensation insurance helps workers recover lost wages and pay for medical care. It may also cover the costs of physical therapy to help workers recover.
Many work-related injuries happen in workplaces such as construction sites, restaurants and warehouses. But even self-employed workers who work from home are still at risk of becoming injured. 

Thankfully, self-employed workers can still reap the benefits of workers’ compensation insurance. Many insurance providers offer special plans for workers who are self-employed, and many of these plans include coverage for physical therapy. But even if you don’t have workers’ comp insurance coverage, you can still get and benefit from physical therapy for your work-related injuries.

What kinds of injuries can physical therapy treat?

Self-employed workers face many of the same risks as non-self-employed workers. Some self-employed workers may even be at a higher risk, due to factors such as working alone or working unusual hours. A physical therapist can help self-employed workers recover from many work-related injuries, including:

• Muscle strains — Our muscles can easily become strained due to overexertion or overuse. Knee injuries, elbow injuries and shoulder injuries are often the result of muscle strains. Repetitive motions are commonly the cause of muscle strains, such as reaching overhead, bending down and using tools. 

Physical therapists can treat muscle strains using a variety of methods. Soft tissue mobilization and dry needling are techniques these specialists may use to treat muscle strains.

• Slips, trips and falls — Anyone can be prone to slipping and falling while working. Weather conditions, improper footwear, or an unsafe working environment can all cause someone to fall, often resulting in injury. Fractures, dislocations and soft tissue injuries are all injuries that could result from falling.

Many fall-related injuries can be severe and may inhibit your ability to stand, walk or perform work. They can also take a long time to heal completely, which is why it is important to see a physical therapist to help you speed your recovery.

• Neck and back pain — Neck and back pain are very common complaints among workers. People who work desk jobs spend hours at a time sitting. Without proper posture or frequent breaks, this can sometimes result in aches and pains in your neck and back. Over time, this can lead to muscle weakness in the back, compressed nerves and headaches.

  Physical therapists can pinpoint the source of your neck and back pain. They can also work with you to develop better posture and habits to prevent further injury.

Where can I turn for physical therapy as a self-employed worker?

At Rehab Access Physical Therapy, our team of highly qualified physical therapy specialists are ready and willing to help you heal from your work-related injuries. We will work with you to determine the extent of your injuries, and we accept many kinds of workers’ compensation insurance. 

Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.