Workers’ Compensation Physical Therapy in Quincy, MA

Work injuries are stressful—for the injured worker, the employer, and the insurance carrier. At Quincy Physical Therapy, our goal is simple: help you recover safely, return to work efficiently, and keep the workers’ comp process clear and organized.

Every visit is one-on-one with a physical therapist. We focus on functional recovery—strength, movement, and tolerance for your job demands—not just temporary symptom relief.


Our Approach to Workers’ Compensation Rehab

A successful workers’ comp case usually comes down to three things: the right plan, objective progress tracking, and clear communication.

Your plan is designed to:

  • Reduce pain and restore mobility

  • Rebuild strength and endurance for real job tasks

  • Improve functional capacity (lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, climbing, prolonged standing, etc.)

  • Reduce re-injury risk

  • Support a safe, step-by-step return-to-work progression

When appropriate, we may incorporate:

If your injury involves the spine, we often coordinate progressions similar to Low Back Pain Physical Therapy as part of getting you back to full function.


Claims Process Guide

Workers’ comp can feel confusing. Here’s the typical flow when starting physical therapy:

Step 1 — Report the injury

Notify your employer as soon as possible and make sure an incident report is completed.

Step 2 — Medical visit (if needed)

You may be evaluated by an occupational medicine provider, urgent care, or your treating physician.

Step 3 — Start physical therapy

You can contact us to schedule, and we’ll guide you on what information is needed to begin.

Step 4 — Authorization / claim logistics

Depending on the carrier and claim status, PT may require authorization. Our office helps gather what’s needed and communicates appropriately to reduce delays.

Step 5 — Active rehabilitation + job-specific progression

Treatment focuses on restoring function and tolerance for work tasks—then progressing toward transitional duty and full duty when appropriate.

Step 6 — Ongoing progress updates

We provide clear, objective updates to support timely decision-making and return-to-work planning.


What to Expect at Quincy Physical Therapy

Your first visit (evaluation)

We’ll review:

  • How the injury happened and what tasks aggravate it

  • Your current work status (full duty, light duty, out of work)

  • Job demands (lifting requirements, positions, repetition, duration, surfaces, equipment)

We’ll also perform a thorough exam including strength, mobility, functional movement testing, and tolerance to job-related tasks.

Your plan

You’ll leave with:

  • A clear plan for the next 2–4 weeks

  • Specific home exercises

  • A progression strategy tied to work tasks and return-to-work goals

  • Guidance on pacing so you’re not stuck in a flare-up cycle

If pain sensitivity has become persistent or complicated, we may incorporate strategies from Chronic Pain Physical Therapy to keep progress moving.


Documentation Checklist Before Your First Visit

To start care without unnecessary delays, bring (or send) what you have:

  • Workers’ compensation claim number (if available)

  • Insurance carrier information

  • Adjuster and/or nurse case manager contact details (if assigned)

  • Employer name and contact information

  • Any work restrictions note (if you’ve received one)

  • Physician referral or recent visit notes (if provided)

  • A list of current medications and relevant medical history

If you’re missing any of this, don’t stress—our office will help you track down what’s needed.


Adjuster-Friendly Communication

We understand what adjusters, case managers, and employers need: clear documentation and objective progress.

Our clinic emphasizes:

  • Timely initial evaluation reporting

  • Objective functional progress tracking

  • Clear work-capacity and work-status updates

  • Job-demand focused rehab progression

  • Efficient discharge planning and transition to self-management

This helps reduce delays and keeps everyone aligned on recovery milestones.


Eligibility and Safety FAQs

Do I need to be “approved” before I can start PT?

Sometimes. It depends on the carrier and where the claim is in the process. If authorization is required, we’ll help with the steps and documentation needed.

Can I choose my own physical therapy clinic?

In many cases, yes. If you’re unsure, we can help you understand what information the carrier needs and what your options typically look like.

What if I’m on light duty?

That’s common. We’ll coordinate your rehab plan with your restrictions and build a progression toward increased tolerance and work capacity.

What if my symptoms are getting worse or I’m having new symptoms?

Tell us right away. If symptoms suggest you may need medical follow-up (new numbness/weakness, worsening neurological signs, concerning swelling, etc.), we’ll guide the next step appropriately.


Workers’ Comp FAQs for Injured Workers, Employers, and Adjusters

Do I have to pay upfront?

Most workers’ compensation cases are billed directly to the insurance carrier once claim details and authorization (if needed) are confirmed.

How long will therapy last?

It depends on the injury severity, job demands, and response to treatment. We reassess regularly to keep the plan efficient and focused on functional progress.

Will my employer receive updates?

We share appropriate updates related to functional status and work readiness while maintaining medical privacy standards.

How do you determine readiness for return to work?

We use objective measures—strength, range of motion, movement quality, and task tolerance—then match progress to job demands and restrictions.

What if my job is physically demanding?

We build job-specific strengthening and functional progression so you’re prepared for the real requirements of the job—not just “feeling better.”

Can you coordinate with my treating physician or case manager?

Yes. We communicate with physicians, adjusters, nurse case managers, and employers as appropriate so restrictions, milestones, and next steps are clear.


Why Choose Quincy Physical Therapy for Workers’ Compensation?

  • One-on-one treatment with a physical therapist

  • Functional, job-demand focused rehab—not generic protocols

  • Strong documentation and communication

  • Objective progress tracking and clear milestones

  • Progressive strengthening through Strength Training and Performance when appropriate

  • Supportive manual techniques such as Manual Physical Therapy and Dry Needling when indicated


Schedule Your Evaluation

Call (617) 481-2000 or visit our Contact page to get started. If you’re unsure what information you need, we’ll walk you through it and help make the process as smooth as possible.

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