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Work Injuries: Physical Therapy in Brooklyn and Staten Island to Get You Back on the Job

By Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT · · 4 min read

From construction workers and delivery drivers to nurses, warehouse staff, teachers and office workers, injuries on the job happen in every line of work. A strained back from lifting boxes, a shoulder injury from repetitive reaching, or wrist pain from hours at a keyboard can affect your ability to earn a living as well as your day-to-day life. Physical therapy helps you recover, manage pain and return to work safely, with a plan built around what your job actually demands.

Acute Injuries

  • Back strains and sprains — often from lifting, carrying or twisting (see low back pain)
  • Slips, trips and falls — leading to sprains, fractures or head injuries
  • Shoulder injuries — from lifting or reaching overhead (see rotator cuff injuries)
  • Knee injuries — from kneeling, falls or twisting
  • Hand and wrist injuries

Repetitive Strain and Overuse Injuries

  • Carpal tunnel syndrome — from repetitive hand use or vibrating tools
  • Tennis elbow — from gripping and repetitive wrist movements
  • Neck and shoulder pain — from prolonged computer work or overhead tasks
  • Tendinopathies — from repetitive motions without enough recovery time

What to Do Right After a Work Injury

  • Get medical attention if you have significant pain, swelling, numbness, a possible fracture or a head injury.
  • Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible, following your workplace's procedures.
  • Write down what happened — the date, time, how it happened and any witnesses.
  • Follow your physician's recommendations for treatment and activity restrictions.
  • Keep copies of your paperwork.

If your injury happened at work, there may be additional forms or authorizations involved before therapy starts. When you call the office, let the front desk know it's a work injury so they can tell you what to bring.

How Physical Therapy Helps

Physical therapy aims to reduce pain, restore function and prepare you for the specific physical demands of your job.

Evaluation

Your therapist will review how the injury occurred, your symptoms and medical history, and the physical demands of your job: lifting, carrying, standing, sitting, reaching, climbing and repetitive tasks. They'll assess movement, strength, flexibility and function to set clear, job-focused goals.

Treatment May Include

  • Pain management — manual therapy, movement strategies and education
  • Restoring mobility — range-of-motion and flexibility exercises
  • Strengthening — targeting the muscles needed for your job tasks
  • Work conditioning — progressively simulating job tasks like lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling
  • Body mechanics training — safer lifting, carrying and reaching techniques
  • Ergonomic guidance — workstation setup for desk workers, tool use and task modification
  • Graded return-to-work planning — including modified duty when appropriate
  • Communication with your physician — about progress and work capacity

What You Can Do at Home

  • Stay as active as your symptoms allow. Prolonged rest often slows recovery.
  • Follow your home exercise program consistently.
  • Use heat or ice for comfort.
  • Practice good lifting habits at home too: keep loads close, bend at the hips and knees, avoid twisting while lifting.
  • Pace yourself. Gradually increase activity rather than doing too much on a good day.
  • Set up your home workspace if you work remotely: screen at eye level, feet supported, elbows at desk height.

Preventing Work Injuries

  • Take regular breaks from repetitive or sustained tasks.
  • Use proper equipment — lifting aids, carts and ergonomic tools.
  • Stay fit. General strength and conditioning make your body more resilient.
  • Ask for help with heavy or awkward loads.
  • Address small problems early before they become bigger injuries.

When to See a Physical Therapist

Consider physical therapy if:

  • You've been injured at work and your physician recommends rehab
  • Pain or stiffness is affecting your ability to do your job
  • You're on light duty and want to return to full duty
  • You have a repetitive strain injury that keeps flaring up

Seek immediate medical care for severe pain, numbness or weakness, a possible fracture, a head injury, chest pain, or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long until I can return to work?

It depends on the injury, your job's physical demands and how your recovery progresses. Your therapist and physician will help guide a safe return, sometimes starting with modified duties.

Can physical therapy help prevent re-injury?

Yes. Building strength, improving body mechanics and adjusting your work setup can lower the risk of another injury.

I work at a desk. Can I really get a work injury?

Absolutely. Neck pain, back pain, wrist pain and tendinopathies are common in desk workers, especially with long hours and poor workstation setups.

Ready to get started? Call the Refuah office nearest you

Schedule an evaluation by phone, or book online at refuahpt.com.

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About the author. Dr. Jack Engelberg, PT, DPT is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and owner of Refuah Physical & Occupational Therapy, with offices in Midwood and Boro Park, Brooklyn, and on Staten Island.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Everyone’s situation is different. Talk with your physician or a licensed physical therapist about your symptoms. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911.

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