Let me tell you about Sarah (not a real name), one of my patients who came to me last winter. A warehouse worker in her 40s, she’d strained her shoulder moving boxes during the holiday rush. “I thought it would go away,” she admitted, wincing as she tried to raise her arm. “But now I can’t even reach the top shelf in my kitchen.”
Sarah’s story is painfully common. That’s why I want to share what really happens in work injury recovery – no medical jargon, just straight talk from someone who’s helped hundreds of people get back to work.
The Hard Truth About “Toughing It Out”
Most of us are terrible patients. We ignore twinges until they become stabbing pains. We pop painkillers and promise to “take it easy tomorrow.” But here’s what I’ve learned after 15 years in physiotherapy:
- Pain is a terrible boss – It makes you move differently, often making the problem worse
- Rest alone rarely fixes work injuries – Your body needs guided movement to heal properly
- Early treatment saves months of struggle – That “minor” ache today could become chronic tomorrow
What Actually Happens in Physiotherapy
Let’s demystify the process. When you come in with a work injury, we don’t just hand you exercises and send you on your way. Here’s the real breakdown:
First Visit: The “Why Does This Hurt?” Session
- We’ll have an actual conversation about your job demands
- I’ll watch how you move (not just the painful area, but your whole body)
- You’ll get a clear explanation of what’s wrong – no Latin terms, just plain English
Treatment That Doesn’t Feel Like Torture
Contrary to what some think, we’re not here to make you hurt more. Modern physiotherapy includes:
- Hands-on techniques that actually feel good
- Movements adapted to your current ability (no forcing)
- Practical tips you can use at work that same day
The “Aha!” Moments
My favorite part is when patients realize:
- “Wait, my back doesn’t hurt when I sit like this?”
- “You mean I’ve been lifting wrong my whole career?”
- “I can actually do my job without pain now?”
Navigating the Insurance Maze (Without Losing Your Mind)
Let’s be honest – dealing with ICBC or WorkSafe BC can feel like a part-time job. Here’s how we make it easier:
For ICBC Claims:
- We’ve helped hundreds navigate the system
- No referral? No problem – we can get you started
- We handle the claim paperwork (because you have enough to worry about)
For WorkSafe BC:
- We know exactly what documentation they need
- Our team communicates directly with your case manager
- We advocate for your recovery timeline (not just the insurance company’s).
Real People, Real Recovery
Take Mark, a delivery driver who came in after a rear-end collision. His WorkSafe BC claim was approved, but he was frustrated by slow progress. Together, we:
- Created a driving-friendly stretching routine
- Adjusted his seat position to reduce back strain
- Gradually rebuilt his strength without reinjury
Three months later, he was back to full routes – and more importantly, able to play with his kids without pain.
Your Turn: Where to Start
If you’re reading this while rubbing your sore neck or back, try this:
- Stop ignoring it – Notice what movements trigger your pain
- Write down what makes it better/worse at work
- Call a physio – Even a 15-minute chat can reveal options you didn’t know existed
Recovery isn’t about heroic efforts or suffering through pain. It’s about smart, consistent care that gets you back to your life. Because you deserve to work without pain – and to come home with energy left for what matters most.