Understanding the role of physiotherapists in occupational health
Occupational health (OH) services employ physiotherapists, which assist businesses and employees in establishing safe working practices and managing health concerns. Role of physiotherapists to prevent and treat issues, which can have advantages like lowered absence rates and increased worker retention.
Physiotherapy is incredibly beneficial for musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs), such as neck and back pain. Many MSD patients have claimed to receive the best results from occupational therapy.
What is the role of physiotherapists in occupational health?
The main goal of occupational health services is to assist businesses and employees in managing health issues at work. A large number of physiotherapists are experts in OH services.
Role of physiotherapists is to aid in the prevention and mitigation of illness and injury at work, as well as assist in the rehabilitation of injured employees and their return to work.
The role of physiotherapists is to collaborate with companies and employees to instruct them on equipment layout, lifting techniques, and safe work practices.
Perhaps you have a health issue, have gotten handicapped, and have limited mobility. This might indicate that you are struggling with or unable to do your current work. What tasks you are capable of performing and any modifications that might be necessary might be discussed with your employer and physio.
You could get an work report from our physio if you are facing any occupational health. Information given on the functional impact of your reported issue is provided in this report. Report to your employer so they can assist you in figuring out how to continue working there or find another job.
What happens in your first appointment?
When you visit a physiotherapist, they will evaluate your health problems and offer guidance. The physiotherapist will keep anything you say entirely private.
They could treat you physically. Role of physiotherapists is to ask you to take off some clothing so they can see how your joints and muscles move. It’s wise to dress comfortably and use appropriate undergarments.
What are the goals of occupational therapy?
The main objectives of OT are to—
- Increase your capacity for carrying out numerous everyday duties securely and efficiently.
- Encourage self-reliance and output.
- Teach family members how to assist someone who is receiving OT.
How can you help yourself?
You must notify your manager, HR division, or doctor as soon as you are experiencing any issues. Musculoskeletal disorders, which include neck discomfort, back pain, and repetitive strain injury (RSI), are a class of conditions. RSI is now officially known as work-related upper limb disease.
The two primary reasons for missed work are MSDs and stress. It is best to address MSDs and stress as soon as possible.
You can take care of yourself by taking breaks, being active, and maintaining excellent posture at work. You must ensure your workspace is set up properly, you understand how to use machinery securely, and you know how to perform activities like heavy lifting without injuring yourself. You can perform easy workouts to ease discomfort.
Where do physiotherapists and occupational therapists work?
Both physical therapists and occupational therapists practise in a range of commercial and public contexts, including government offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, and more. Occupational therapy and physiotherapy are frequently provided as in-home services.
Due to the nature of the work, occupational therapy is more frequent in a home-care situation. Your physical capabilities, the tools you use for everyday life, and the physical layout of your home will all be evaluated by an occupational therapist. Depending on the issue, the occupational therapist may suggest alterations to your living conditions as a remedy.
Although some physiotherapists work in home health settings, patients typically attend a physiotherapy clinic in Calgary. This is a result of the tools and materials required for physiotherapy treatments. For example, providing preventative and rehabilitative support with mobile equipment in a patient’s home is possible. But it is preferable to receive physiotherapy treatment in a clinic-based setting where you have access to things like a treadmill, hydrocollator, treatment beds, ultrasound equipment etc.
Similarities between physiotherapy and occupational therapy
Similar to occupational therapy, physical therapy is a suggested course of treatment for those who have a handicap or have been injured. For instance, getting dressed is a self-care task that both physical and occupational therapy may assist patients. This is because physical treatment will enhance balance, while occupational therapy will enhance their capacity and mobility of hands.
Additionally, using scissors and other tools that need fine motor abilities, such as writing, depends on developing gross motor skills. For instance, patients will require the gross motor ability to sit up straight to complete these tasks. Finding the best type of therapy for your kid or loved one requires collaboration with a specialist.
How to choose which one is best for you?
Choosing between an occupational therapist and a physiotherapist may be challenging. You may frequently want assistance from both to properly heal.
A role of physiotherapists is to concentrate on healing a patient’s injuries and enhancing that person’s capacity for bodily mobility. After a time of physical disability, an occupational therapist will assist the wounded individual in strengthening their capacity to carry out activities of daily life on their own.
For instance, a stroke patient may lose the use of their arms or develop partial body paralysis. They might require a physiotherapist to restore the strength and motion in that body part to heal properly. They might also require assistance from an occupational therapist to restore functional use of the body part, such as learning to write again.
To simplify tasks for the patient while undergoing therapy, an occupational therapist may also make alterations to the patient’s living space or provide them with specialised equipment.
As a general rule, physiotherapy is likely the best option if you want to treat an injury and restore the strength and range of motion in a particular body component. Occupational therapy is the best option if you want to simplify your everyday tasks.
Consult your physician for a correct diagnosis and referral if you’re unsure whether you need occupational or physical therapy. You can receive treatment for WCB in Calgary at The Port Physiotherapy and Massage in Calgary that can help you cure your illnesses quickly.