So you’ve been injured at work. What now?
A workplace injury can catch you off guard. Alongside the pain or discomfort, there’s often paperwork, appointments and uncertainty about what happens next and the ins and outs of workers compensation.
The good news is that you don’t have to navigate it alone, and our HBF physiotherapists are here to support you both in your recovery and during the process.
Step one: Get assessed
If you’ve been injured at work (and it’s not an emergency requiring an ambulance and a trip to the hospital), it’s important to seek medical advice early. Your GP can assess your injury and, if appropriate, provide a Certificate of Capacity which is a key document needed to start the workers compensation process. They may also recommend physiotherapy to help manage your pain and help keep you moving.
The role of physiotherapy in workers compensation
Early intervention often leads to better outcomes, and our HBF Physio team are dedicated to helping you return to work safely. Your physiotherapist will complete a thorough assessment and tailor a treatment plan to your role, workload and goals (whether that’s returning to full duties or starting with modified hours).
Like other forms of physiotherapy, workers compensation physiotherapy aims to:
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Restore movement, strength and function
- Prevent the injury from becoming long-term or returning
- Support a safe and sustainable return to work
Navigating the admin process
Nothing says stress like paperwork, and there’s often a bit of it during the workers compensation process. It can feel overwhelming, but our HBF Physio team can help by:
- Providing clear treatment plans and progress updates
- Working closely and communicating with your GP, employer, specialist and insurer when required
- Supporting suitable duties and return-to-work plans
- Helping you understand what’s expected at each stage of the claims process, including invoicing and direct payments
This collaborative approach helps reduce stress and keeps everyone on the same page so you can focus on your recovery.
Get started now
If you’ve been injured at work and aren’t sure where to start, we’re dedicated to supporting our clients through the workers compensation process. Simply reach out to your closest HBF Physio location to start the workers compensation conversation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What do I need to bring to my first worker’s compensation appointment?
To make the process as smooth as possible and to ensure you’re compensated appropriately, you are required to bring to your first appointment:
- Your GP or specialist referral for physiotherapy
- Your claim number and letter of liability from the insuring company (if known)
- Claim coordinator direct details (if one is appointed)
- Certificate of Capacity
- Any x-ray or scan results
- Your workplace insurer company details
As with any physiotherapy appointment, you’ll be asked to sign a financial consent form in case your claim or treatment sessions are declined.
2. What happens if my claim isn’t accepted yet, but I need physiotherapy treatment?
We understand the importance of starting physiotherapy early and the positive impact it can have on your recovery. If your workers compensation claim hasn’t yet been approved, you’re still welcome to attend appointments and pay privately, with the option to seek reimbursement from your workplace insurer if your claim is approved.
3. How many sessions will I need to be able to return to work?
This is unique to your injury, and there’s no one size fits all approach. However, during your initial consultation, your physiotherapist can discuss an appropriate treatment plan with you. They’ll monitor your progress and keep your GP, employer and insurer up-to-date to support a gradual and safe return to work.
4. What physiotherapy treatments will help my workplace injury?
Again, this is specific to your injury, your job demands and your recovery goals, but can include a combination of the following:
- Manual therapy (like joint mobilisation and soft tissue techniques) to reduce pain and stiffness
- Dry needling to help relieve muscle tension and pain
- Activity modification advice to settle symptoms while you recover
- Targeted exercise programs like Clinical Pilates to improve strength, mobility and control
- Stretching and mobility exercises to restore range of motion
- Functional strengthening specific to your job (like lifting, pushing, prolonged sitting or standing educational advice)
