Physical Therapy and Rehab After a Work Injury
Therapy is how most work injuries heal. At Illinois Orthopedic Network, your therapists work in the same network as your doctor, so your plan, progress notes and work restrictions all line up.
- Physical, occupational and certified hand therapists in-house
- An individual plan built on a proper evaluation
- Custom splints made on site
- Progress notes shared with your doctor and case manager
Request an appointment
Takes 30 seconds. The scheduling team calls you back during office hours.
What therapy does for a work injury
Therapy helps you get back strength, movement and confidence after an injury or surgery. It also shows how you are progressing, which matters for decisions about work restrictions and returning to your job.
Types of therapy
- Physical therapy: for backs, necks, shoulders, knees and other joints. Exercise, hands-on joint mobilization and a home program.
- Occupational therapy: focused on the tasks your job and daily life need, such as gripping, lifting and reaching.
- Hand therapy: certified hand therapists for hand and wrist injuries, including carpal tunnel, tendon injuries and recovery after hand surgery.
- Custom splints: made and fitted on site to protect a healing hand, wrist or finger.
Your first therapy visit
Your therapist starts with an evaluation: how the injury happened, what hurts, what you can and cannot do, and what your job requires. From that, they build a plan with goals and a schedule. You will usually get exercises to do at home between visits.
Why it helps to have therapy in the same network
When your doctor and therapists work together, nothing gets lost between offices. Your doctor sees your progress notes, adjusts your work restrictions, and decides with your therapist when you are ready for more, or when something needs another look. Case managers keep the insurer updated.
Who pays for therapy
Physical therapy for an accepted work injury is covered by the employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, with no copays or deductibles for that care. See who pays for treatment.
Therapy often follows surgery, but many people go straight to therapy after their first exam. Start by booking a visit with a doctor, who will refer you.
Common questions
Do I need a referral for therapy?
Usually your doctor refers you to therapy after an exam. Under Illinois workers’ comp, therapy your chosen doctor refers you to is part of that doctor’s chain and does not use up one of your doctor choices.
How many therapy sessions will I need?
It depends on your injury and how you progress. Your therapist sets goals at the first visit and reviews them as you go, together with your doctor.
Can I do therapy while on light duty?
Often, yes. Many people do therapy while working within their restrictions. Your doctor and therapist will set a schedule that fits.
Is therapy covered by workers’ comp?
When the claim is accepted, reasonable and necessary therapy for the work injury is paid by the employer’s insurance, with no copays or deductibles.
Hurt at work in Chicago? See a doctor first. Illinois Orthopedic Network usually sees injured workers the same day or the next.
General information only, not medical advice. Treatment depends on your injury and your provider’s exam. No outcome is guaranteed.