If you’re suffering from a back injury, you may be wondering, “Can you go back to work while taking physical therapy?” If you’re working, make sure to communicate your medical condition with your employer. In some cases, you may be able to return to work with a flexible schedule, but it’s important to explain your limitations to your employer beforehand. Otherwise, your insurer may reject your claims for pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.
You may also need to limit your work to non-strengthy jobs, as strenuous work can cause further injuries. In addition, healing injuries can sometimes lead to problems in new muscle groups. For this reason, it’s best to avoid any job that requires you to stand for long periods of time. Standing puts immense stress on your back, hips, and legs, which can result in all sorts of issues.
Before going back to work, your doctor will evaluate your condition. He or she will determine whether you’re physically and mentally ready to return to work. Generally, a worker cannot return to work before reaching the Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), which is a point where physical therapy is the most effective treatment for the injury. However, you can make arrangements with your employer to begin work before your physical therapy is over.
If you’re taking physical therapy, you should communicate your needs to your therapist. Your employer should consider your limitations. If your job requires you to perform specific tasks, you should tell your therapist so they can make appropriate accommodations. You should also comply with the exercises prescribed by your therapist. And don’t forget to attend your follow-up appointments with your doctor. That way, your therapist will be able to evaluate your progress and make any necessary changes.
