Injury Prevention Programs

Injury Prevention Programs (IPP), which are explained in this recent news article, can be exceptionally valuable to workers and employers, alike.  Injuries in the workplace happen, but many can be prevented through the utilization of an IPP.  While IPPs can be implemented in any industry, the most common uses are in the industries of highest physical demand, such as firefighting, military, and law enforcement.  As this article explains, a Fire Department recently employed a physical therapist to assess each new recruits’ current level of physical conditioning, This is accomplished through “a series of measurements…beginning by measuring his or her vitals and continues with assessing everyone’s range of motion, form and flexibility…then continue to strength and stamina assessment.”  Where applicable, work simulation tasks can also be employed.  Using a firefighter as an example:  carrying / throwing / climbing a ladder, crawling, ceiling rips, etc.  The combination of all these measurements and tests can then been used, on an individual basis, to construct a conditioning program to address biomechanical issues that present themselves as high risk for injury.

Ultimately, the best way of treating an injury is prevention.  To reiterate, injuries are inevitable but there are programs available, such as an IPP, which can help reduce the frequency of injury; ensuring a stable, healthy workforce and, in turn, unburdening the Workers’ Compensation system and reducing costs to the employee, the employer, and state.

Written by Industrial Health, a specialized Workers’ Compensation-only physical therapy practice which services Washington, D.C. , Northern Virginia , Alexandria , Arlington , Springfield , Sterling , Loudoun , Fairfax , Tysons , Vienna , Falls Church , McLean , Dulles , Chantilly , Leesburg ,  Ashburn , Herndon , Reston , Centreville , Winchester , Front Royal , Manassas , Gainesville , Warrenton , Rappahannock , Fauquier , Orange , Culpeper , Madison , Charlottesville , Stafford , Woodbridge , Dale City , Fredericksburg , Falmouth , Garrisonville ,  Manassas , Gainesville , and Prince William ; and offers programs including Physical Therapy , Functional Capacity Evaluations ( FCE ) , Work Hardening , Work Conditioning , Work Simulation , Impairment Rating , Permanent Partial Disability Rating , Injury Prevention Programs