This will involve all physical protocols, Maximal and Sub Maximal Testing as required.
On site-Assessment/introduction to the workplace/OH&S Team
This may be used to determine most suitable testing protocols for the positions being applied to ensure correct testing procedures take place at our clinics.
Injury Prevention Program
On site- Ergonomic/task Specific Assessments;
• Ergonomic assessment and recommendations for job/workplace modification.
• Advice on work practices, which includes advice regarding work/rest cycles, stretches and exercises to be performed before and during work, job rotation and sequencing of tasks.
• Education and training in areas such as working posture, stretching and flexibility exercises.
• Risk analysis based on the current Code of Practice.
Physiotherapists with a special interest in ergonomics and occupational health are able to combine their knowledge of musculoskeletal biomechanics, ergonomics and the injury process to assess the worker and the workplace. It is their role and body of expertise to identify risk factors, which may contribute to or exacerbate a medical condition and subsequently develop appropriate, effective treatment.
On site Education Services;
• Manual Handling Training
• Injury Prevention and Management
• Individual and Corporate Group Exercise programs (Exercise groups, Pilates classes, Boot Camp groups, walking/running groups)
• Individual personal risk factor assessments
• "Healthy Body" Presentations
Onsite Strength and Conditioning/Injury Prevention Classes;
• Regular session's on site with employees to discuss any current personal injury or potential risk factors identified within the workplace.
• Workforce Health Surveys
Injury Treatment & Management Program
(Workers Compensation and pre- workers compensation)
All treatment and management programs are designed to quickly progress the patient through their recovery to a level where they are able to:
• Take ownership and successfully self-management their injury.
• Be confident and enthusiastic with the expected return to active working duties.
• Have the knowledge to prevent further episodes of injury.
• Injury treatment, management and education;
Acute Injury Management
In early injury management, patients are treated with evidence-based approaches such as manual therapy, modalities, exercise prescription, correct technique relearning, manual handling retraining and education to return to activity.
Hands On Treatment "Manual Therapy": The latest and most effective evidence based treatment approaches are used. Each therapist has expert experience with the extensive variety of effective clinical techniques and treatment methods required in order to achieve successful patient outcomes.
Pain Management Programs:
Evidence based programs designed to decrease/avoid chronic pain syndromes and promote self-management. A combination of education, modalities, exercise and self-management techniques is utilised. The inclusion of a musculoskeletal physician, psychologist and occupational therapist to provide treatment is also integrated when appropriate.
Back and Spinal Rehabilitation Programs: Evidence based treatment approaches are used to maximise spinal strength and movement whilst ensuring the patient has the knowledge to avoid re-injury and subsequent episodes via safe work practice. Safe manual handling techniques are instructed.
Pilates:
This modality of treatment is an evidence based option that provides great assistance for improving core and spinal strength and may be used as either a final stage treatment method or inclusive as part of any 'Work Ready' program.
Gymnasium Programs: The patient may be taken to either an on site gym or local community gymnasium where they will be instructed on correct technique and use of the equipment and exercises that are suitable for their injury. These programs are designed to promote self-sufficiency and instill accountability for the patient's own injury management program. A gym program may be included as part of any Work Ready program.
"Work Ready" Strength and Conditioning Program
For those patients with more significant injury and/or who may require greater rehabilitative treatment the Work Ready (Work Conditioning) may be appropriate. Work Ready is a structured and supervised exercise and education program aimed at improving the patient's strength and ability to perform normal daily activities (i.e. normal work, sport and recreation). The Work Ready programs also incorporate task specific muscle retraining, and exercises for the core stability muscles of the lower back. As strength and understanding of the injury improves, the patient becomes more independent in their exercise program and their ability to self-manage their recovery. This program aids to prevent patients from developing chronic pain and injury, which may lead to negative psychosocial behaviours.
Functional Work Place Reintegration Programs
This program is conducted at the time when the patient is almost ready to renter the workplace and is designed to ensure that the employee is confident with what is expected of them. On site visits are conducted and supervision of the patient completing the expected tasks is monitored in a controlled situation. This promotes the reduction of anxiety toward returning to previous tasks. This program usually follows on from the Work Ready program.
Permanent Industry Workplace "On-site" Physiotherapist
This is a convenient and proactive service that may be offered to all customers with workplace employees and has the capacity to dramatically reduce need for Work Cover claims and lost productivity.
The provision of immediate diagnosis and treatment options for employee's on site allows musculoskeletal injuries to be managed prior to them lending an impact on an employee's ability to comfortably and safely carry out expected work duties.
The role of an on site physiotherapist allows immediate treatment and intervention to occur which has the capacity to reduce the recovery time for the patient. Prompt workplace assessment may be performed as to what caused the injury to occur and immediate advice provided as to how to prevent the injury from repeating with another worker.
Beyond assessment and treatment, the physiotherapist would be available to review workplace injury trends, develop injury prevention strategies, implement rapid return to work strategies and provide professional advice with regard to the organisation's broader health and safety goals. The Physiotherapist would be available to provide input toward the development of OH&S procedures and protocols.
Return To Work
• Functional Capacity Evaluation assessments
• Ergonomic assessment
• Assessment, prescription and organisation of suitable office/workplace layout and equipment.
• Work place consultation/assessment, formulation of suitable duties program
• Continued support and liaison with employer to maintain employee within the work place free from injury and at optimal working capacity.
