Return to Work

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Overview

Returning to work after an accident or illness can be a daunting task, but getting back to work has lots of benefits. A physio can help you plan your return to work.

Benefits of returning to work

You don't necessarily need to be 100% recovered to return to work after an injury or illness. You can often start working with modified duties or part-time hours.

Getting back to work as soon as possible after an injury or illness can often be a key step in your rehabilitation and getting you back to normal. There are many benefits including;

  • Being physically active
  • Reducing recovery time
  • Maintaining a normal work/life balance
  • Improving your mental health
  • Your employer benefits by not having to employ and train someone to cover your position while you'™re away.

How physio helps

A planned return to work is important and a physiotherapist can help you develop a return to work plan, which is tailored for you and the job you need to do. The earlier that a physio is involved in your return to work the better. This ensures they can help you develop an appropriate return to work plan, and get you on the optimal recovery path.

What to expect

Your physio will talk to you about your job and injury, and what impact this may have on your return to work and in some cases your physio may actually visit your workplace with you. This can help identify suitable work duties (possibly reduced) to facilitate your return to work, before you are 100% fully recovered. They will also provide specific advice on how you can undertake your duties in such a way to avoid further injury, and advise your employer of any possible changes to your work environment, or any specialist equipment you may need while recovering.

FAQ

PNZ is a signatory to the Australian and New Zealand Consensus Statement on the Health Benefits of Work. This statement and the associated research show that work is good for health and wellbeing, and that long term work absence and unemployment generally have a negative impact on health and wellbeing.