Getting injured on a construction site can turn your whole world upside down physically, financially, and emotionally. Whether it’s a pulled muscle, a busted knee, or something more serious, getting physical therapy after a construction injury helps you heal faster and get back to doing the work you love.

Quick look:

• Physical therapy helps construction workers recover faster, reduce pain, and avoid long-term injuries after job-site accidents.
• Common injuries, like back strains, knee damage, and shoulder issues, can be treated more effectively with early intervention.
• Workers’ comp typically covers physical therapy, making it an accessible and vital part of return-to-work programs.
• Choosing a therapist familiar with construction work enables more effective, job-specific treatment and better recovery outcomes.

Construction has one of the highest injury rates of any industry

Construction work is physically demanding and inherently risky. Whether you’re operating heavy machinery, working at heights, or lifting materials all day, the job takes a toll. It’s no surprise that construction consistently ranks among the most hazardous industries in North America.​

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the construction industry reported a non-fatal injury rate of 2.3 cases per 100 full-time workers in 2023, which is higher than the national average across all industries. Construction injuries ranged from minor sprains to serious, life-altering incidents, with several factors contributing to the high injury rate:

• Heavy equipment use: Operating cranes, bulldozers, and forklifts increases the risk of accidents.
• Repetitive strain: Tasks involving repetitive motions can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.
• High-risk environments: Working at heights or in confined spaces presents unique hazards.
• Long hours: Extended workdays can lead to fatigue, increasing the likelihood of mistakes.​

Falls remain the leading cause of fatalities in construction. In 2020, there were 351 fatal falls (to a lower level) out of 1,008 construction fatalities, accounting for approximately 35% of all construction deaths. The need for stringent safety measures aside, it’s clear from these statistics that physical therapy can be integral to injury recovery and prevention.

The most common physical injuries on the construction site

Construction workers push their bodies to the limit every day, and sometimes, the job pushes back hard. Here are some of the most common injuries that happen on-site and what typically causes them:

• Back and spine injuries: Repeated lifting, poor body mechanics, or a sudden fall can lead to pulled muscles, herniated discs, or chronic back pain.
• Knee injuries: Constant kneeling, climbing, and twisting motions put a significant strain on the knees, making injuries like torn ligaments or bursitis all too common.
• Shoulder strains: Lifting heavy materials overhead or working with your arms raised for long periods can lead to rotator cuff issues or tendonitis.
• Hand and wrist injuries: From deep cuts and crushed fingers to repetitive-use injuries like carpal tunnel, hands often take the brunt of the damage.
• Fractures or broken bones: Falls from ladders, scaffolding, or uneven surfaces can cause serious breaks, especially in the arms, legs, or ribs.

These injuries can cause long-term damage if not properly treated. 

Benefits of physical therapy after a construction injury

Timing is everything when it comes to recovering from a construction injury. The sooner you start physical therapy, the better your chances of bouncing back fully and avoiding future setbacks. Here’s how early intervention makes a big difference:

• Accelerated healing: Physical therapy gets blood flowing to injured tissues, promoting faster repair and helping your body rebuild strength from the ground up.
• Pain management: Techniques like massage, stretching, and core exercises help ease inflammation, reduce stiffness, and relieve pain without relying solely on medication.
• Restoration of mobility and function: Injuries can throw your whole body out of balance. Physical therapy after a construction incident helps you regain your range of motion and get moving safely again.
• Prevention of chronic conditions: Ignoring an injury or delaying treatment can turn a short-term issue into a lifelong problem. Early physical therapy lowers the risk of re-injury, scar tissue buildup, and long-term disability.

The role of physical therapy in workers’ compensation cases

If you’re injured on the job, workers’ comp is designed to help cover your recovery, and that includes physical therapy. In most cases, PT is fully or partially covered, especially if a doctor prescribes it within your employer’s approved network. That means you can get the care you need without having to pay the entire bill yourself.

Physical therapy plays a major role in return-to-work programs, helping workers heal properly and return to the workplace faster and safer. To get started with physical therapy through workers’ comp, you’ll usually need to submit the following:

• Initial injury report (filed as soon as possible after the incident)
• Physician’s diagnosis and referral for PT
• Employer’s formal injury report
• Workers’ compensation claim form (often a state-specific document)

Many physical therapy clinics are used to working through this process. They’ll often help you handle the paperwork and coordinate with your insurance. 

How to choose a physical therapist for your injury

When it comes to treating construction-related injuries, you need someone who understands the physical demands of your job and can help you safely get back to it. A great physical therapist will partner with you in recovery and advocate for your long-term health on and off the job. 

Here’s what to look for:

• Verify credentials: Make sure your PT is licensed and has experience treating occupational or work-related injuries. Bonus points if they’ve worked with construction workers before.
• Bills insurance: Ask upfront if they accept workers’ comp or your private insurance. A good clinic will help you understand your coverage and avoid surprise bills.
• Provides custom treatment plans: Your injury, body, and job are unique. Therefore, your recovery plan should be too. 
• Works with a team of practitioners: Look for clinics that offer services past physical therapy. These can include chiropractic services or massage. When active therapy is combined with passive treatments, your ability to recover increases. 

Bottom line

Getting hurt on the job doesn’t have to mean the end of your career or your comfort. Physical therapy helps you heal faster and avoid long-term setbacks. Whether it’s a strained back, busted knee, or repetitive-use injury, early treatment gives your body the best chance to bounce back.

If you’ve been injured, don’t tough it out. Get the right support early so you avoid dealing with chronic pain for the rest of your life.

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