Every employer knows that an employee in pain is a distracted employee. Musculoskeletal health has an impact on business whether in the form of sick days or lowered productivity. What many employers may not know is that physical therapists can keep employees healthy by successfully treating many common discomforts and, most importantly, prevent them from occurring in the first place.
Most adults spend a majority of their time at work. Pay close attention to the postures and positions that the body takes while working. Whether the job involves sitting or being active, there are always considerations. Computer workstations and chairs need to be adjusted specifically for the person who is using them. The goal is to keep the body from being continually forced into a position that could cause problems.
work proactively
toward the
prevention
of injuries …”
Heather Nichting
Physical therapists provide advice to make the workspace ergonomically correct. Employers can invite a physical therapist to their location to perform a workstation evaluation; the result is recommendations to prevent work-related pain. These changes keep employees happy and healthy.
Ergonomics work proactively toward the prevention of injuries, but when injuries occur, physical therapists can also apply their skills to facilitate a successful return-to-work program.
Musculoskeletal Health in New York
In New York State, patients have direct access to physical therapy services. A physician referral or prescription is not needed. Although most insurances cover physical therapy without a doctor referral, it is recommended that you first check your coverage before scheduling an appointment. If you, or an employee, are currently experiencing back, neck, or shoulder pain please remember that physical therapy is a wonderful treatment option that can help reduce or eliminate pain while avoiding medication or other more invasive treatments.
Heather Nichting is the Owner of Regain Physical Therapy in Pittsford (hnichting@hotmail.com or (585) 586-3819, www.regainpt.com ). This column is written by members of the Rochester Women’s Network (rwn.org).