Onsite Therapy Services

Introduction

Onsite therapy services are a valuable addition to any company’s rehabilitation system particularly where the organisation is a large single site and sprain/strain injuries are common. The model provides value to workers in the form of easy access to treatment and improved outcomes, while employer’s benefits through cost containment and better use of human resources.

How is on-site therapy different to normal community physiotherapy?

The main difference is that the assessment and treatment is carried out in a workplace by therapists who know the kind of work that goes on at the workplace. While community physiotherapists can be effective in treating particular injuries, on-site therapists can work closely with both employees and managers to ensure that the risk of new workplace injuries is also reduced. On-site therapists also have a much better chance of catching injuries or problems at the very early stages when they are much more easily managed. Prevention is always better than cure!!!

What can I expect if I attend for on-site therapy?

The therapists work from the a designated treatment room onsite. The first time that you are referred for therapy you will be asked to fill out a history form that helps the therapist to diagnose the type of problem that you might have and assist in looking for the cause of the problem.

The therapist will conduct a short interview with you and then carry out a physical examination. They will discuss with you what they believe is causing your symptoms and what you can do to help manage the symptoms.

Prime Health Group (Qld) use an evidence based practice approach to treatment. Current research evidence supports the use of “active” risk treatment methods such as appropriate exercise, safe working methods and workplace design and education to achieve lasting control of workplace injuries and symptoms. “Passive” treatment methods such as massage or total rest have been shown to have very limited use in the long term and are not commonly recommended or used by our therapists.

Who is entitled to use the service?

All employees that work for the organisation are eligible to be referred for therapy, if they are suffering from a physical condition that might affect their safety at work. If any employee is concerned about physical symptoms (like persistent aches or pains, swelling of joints or weakness or stiffness) that they believe is related to their work, the first step is to report this to your area supervisor. If it seems that therapy assessment might be of benefit, the supervisor will inform the Health and Safety Manager, who can arrange a therapy appointment.

In-House Therapy - More than just injury treatment

When using a therapist in-house for treatment it will become evident that pure treatment of an injury is only one part of the process. In-house management of injuries will also include the following services on an as needs basis.

Case and claims management -

• Assisting with claims determination
• Overall management of the claim
• Coordination of other health professionals and stake holders.

Pre placement screening -

Assessing prior to placement provides information about the physical condition of any potential worker. The physical assessment also informs the employee of the organisation’s commitment the health of its workforce and the individual’s responsibility for their own well-being.

Medico legal advice -

We can advise regarding strategies to limit the exposure to legal action from common law personal injury claims, anti discrimination or unfair dismissal.

Training

Where training is an appropriate control measure the therapist is able to develop and implement the training either with or without an in-house team.

Training includes, manual handling, office ergonomics, risk assessment, stretching or exercise programmes.

Ergonomics

The therapist can work with the in-house team to prioritize which tasks require ergonomic redesign and the most cost effective way of achieving the desired outcomes.

Injury statistics

Therapists are able to bench mark the rehabilitation outcomes using performance indicators (e.g. Lost time rates and average cost per claims).

BENEFITS OF ONSITE THERAPY TO EMPLOYEES

• Early intervention allows for recovery to take place in an optimal time-frame, and prevents delays in the delivery of appropriate treatment and other intervention. Having a therapist in-house encourages early reporting of injuries by workers, reducing the risk of long term claims.
• In-house therapy ensures the early treatment and management of minor niggles thus reducing the number of injuries evolving into workers compensation claims
• Understanding of the worker’s jobs is acquired by the therapist through close observation of and proximity to the work and the environment. The therapist uses this knowledge to direct treatment towards the physical demands of their job to reduce the risk of recurrence.
• Educational processes focusing on self management ensures the worker gains a better understanding of the injury and the benefits of self management.
• The company’s commitment to health and safety is demonstrated to all staff through provision of this type of health service. This helps to improve health and safety morale and promote a positive organisational culture.
• Industrial relations can be improved with the provision physiotherapy treatment for all injuries, work related, sport related or otherwise. This will demonstrate that the company values their employees, again improving morale and culture.

Benefits OF ONSITE THERAPY to the ORGANISATION

• The number of treatments per injury are significantly lower than the average due to early intervention and treatment specifically targeted at the workers job demands.
• Bringing the therapist to the organisation eliminates the lost time involved with travelling to and from physiotherapy.
• The number of medical appointments is reduced through early treatment of minor sprains and strains by the in-house therapist, limiting the need for further medical intervention.
• The rate of return to work will be increased and the lost time minimised as the in-house therapist, rehabilitation coordinator, supervisor and doctor work together towards early intervention and return to work.
• Many employees who lodge common law claims are disgruntled with the rehabilitation process or perceive a lack of support following their injury. The provision of professional, early and appropriate rehabilitation services has been shown to be the most significant strategy to minimise the costs with common law claims.
• Where an injury prevents workers from returning to their usual position, we can assist injured them to be successful in a suitable alterative job. Our rehabilitation options consider re-deployment options with the existing employer or external employers. Improved employability helps reduce the future economic loss component in common law claims.