{"id":5294,"date":"2021-06-30T09:38:06","date_gmt":"2021-06-30T13:38:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/?p=5294"},"modified":"2021-08-23T17:07:59","modified_gmt":"2021-08-23T21:07:59","slug":"physical-therapy-and-workers-compensation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/joemillerinjurylaw.com\/physical-therapy-and-workers-compensation\/","title":{"rendered":"Physical Therapy and Workers\u2019 Compensation?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Many workers who have physical injuries such as broken bones, back pain, an amputation, disc damage, or muscle pain spend a number of sessions with a physical therapist. Workplace victims often treat with a specialist such as an orthopedist or other surgeon before treating with a physical therapist. The victims may have surgery though many people in North Carolina and Virginia who treat with a physical therapist have not had surgery.<\/span><\/p>\n

What Is a Physical Therapist?<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n

A physical therapist must be licensed and must have met specific education requirements in order to qualify for their job. Physical therapists are also known as PTs or physiotherapists.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the American Physical Therapy Association<\/span><\/a> (APTA), a physical therapist must earn a \u201cdoctor of physical therapy degree from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education-accredited physical therapist education program and pass a state licensure exam.\u201d It normally takes about three years to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. Courses generally include: \u201cbiology\/anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, exercise physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, communication, ethics\/values, management sciences, finance, sociology, clinical reasoning, evidence-based practice, cardiovascular and pulmonary, endocrine and metabolic, and musculoskeletal\u201d studies.<\/span><\/p>\n

Most of the work is in the classroom. About 20% of the educational program is achieved through clinical education.<\/span><\/p>\n

After a physical therapist is licensed, they can decide to pursue a residency or fellowship program. A physical therapist can also work to become a board-certified clinical specialist – <\/span>through the\u00a0<\/span>American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties<\/span><\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What does a physical therapist do?<\/i><\/b><\/h2>\n

A physical therapist helps develop a plan of hands-on treatments and exercises to help your body adjust to any injuries that you have. The treatments and exercises often aim to improve your muscles, joints, and other parts of your anatomy near the injured area \u2013 so these healthy parts of your body can support the injured parts.<\/span><\/p>\n

An experienced North Carolina and Virginia workers\u2019 compensation<\/a> lawyer can explain if you can see your physical therapist directly or if you need a referral from your treating physician. As with all healthcare providers, workers must choose from a list of health care providers that the employer provides. Normally, it\u2019s advisable to coordinate your PT care with your doctor. PTs often have assistants who help with some of the physical treatments.<\/span><\/p>\n

Physical therapy aims to:<\/span><\/p>\n