On average, 2.8 out of 100 workers are injured in workplace accidents yearly, which translates to about 3 million non-fatal workplace injuries. Unfortunately, many people fail to recover after these unexpected events, spiraling down into a life of financial burden, stress, and poor health. Quick recovery after an injury is crucial to getting your life back, resuming work, and not spending your hard-earned money on a lengthy period on the treatment table. If you just suffered a workplace injury, here are five steps to recover as quickly as possible.
Follow your doctor’s orders
Your doctor is the best person to nurse you back to fitness. And it is important to follow the treatment plan they prescribed to ensure a proper and timely recovery. That may include taking medication, participating in physical therapy, undergoing surgery, and anything else your doctor may prescribe. Failing to follow orders can prolong your recovery, negatively impact your ability to return to work, and place you under more financial burden.
Communicate with your employer
Keep your employer informed of your progress and changes to your treatment plan. That will help them understand your needs and make any necessary accommodations to support your recovery. You also want to keep all your medical documents, bills, and communication with your employer and insurance company in one place so you can easily access them when needed. Additionally, it helps to stay informed about your worker’s compensation claim status, ensure you’re getting all the benefits you’re entitled to, and seek legal advice if necessary. Legal advice may be particularly useful in workplace injuries like a herniated disc in your neck or back. That’s because some employers can deny workers compensation for such injuries. And legal assistance can help you get the needed l4 l5 s1 workers comp settlement so you don’t drown under financial pressure.
Take time to rest and recover
You should allow your body and mind to rest and recover. That may mean taking time off work or reducing your workload. It is also advisable to avoid pushing yourself too hard and to listen to your body. Understandably, you want to get back to your regular life as soon as possible, but the last thing you want to do is rush your body, which could delay your recovery.
Stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle
As much as possible, stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Consider engaging in light physical activity, practicing mindfulness and stress management techniques, and eating a healthy diet. Also, focus on setting small and realistic goals that will help you in the recovery process. Start with small activities you can do and gradually increase the activity level as you progress.
Seek emotional support
Recovery from a workplace injury can be emotionally challenging. That’s why you should seek emotional support from family, friends, and professionals as often as necessary. You can also talk to a therapist, join a support group, or participate in a rehabilitation program. It’s important to have a positive attitude and a sense of hope. Believe in yourself and your ability to recover, and remember that recovery is a process that takes time.
