Physical therapy can be pivotal in your recovery if you have been injured on the job. In Iowa, workers’ compensation laws recognize the importance of physical therapy. Your employer must provide reasonable accommodations based on your physical therapist’s recommendations to ensure a safe return to work.
Including physical therapy in your return to work plan helps you prepare for your job’s physical demands. This specialized care can mean the difference between a smooth transition back to work and a prolonged recovery.
Why physical therapy matters legally
Physical therapy is closely tied to Iowa laws governing return to work plans through:
- Workers’ compensation: Employers must provide necessary medical treatment, including physical therapy for work-related injuries.
- Gradual return: Physical therapy eases a gradual return that aligns with state guidelines.
- Functional capacity evaluations: Physical therapists assess your abilities and limitations, which are crucial for developing legally compliant return to work plans.
- Temporary modified duty: Iowa allows for modified duties based on physical therapists’ recommendations during recovery.
- Documentation: Physical therapists provide essential progress reports and work capability assessments to ensure legal compliance.
- Health care provider collaboration: State law mandates coordination between health care providers, including physical therapists, in developing return to work plans.
It can also help you determine whether there are other claims you can pursue.
What happens in physical therapy
When you start physical therapy, you will receive a personalized plan that:
- Addresses your specific injury
- Considers your job requirements
- Sets realistic goals for your return to work
As you get better, your physical therapist will help you practice work tasks in a safe environment. They will update you, your doctor and your boss on your progress.
Actively participating in physical therapy isn’t just about healing. It’s about protecting your rights and securing your future. It can provide evidence and support for a strong workers’ compensation claim while paving the way for a safe and confident return to work.
