# Work injuries (WorkSafeBC)

A work injury is a sprain, strain or other injury that happens on the job, often from lifting, a slip or fall, or repeating the same task. Whistler jobs such as lift and mountain operations, hospitality, housekeeping and construction ask a lot of the body. We treat the injury, see people with WorkSafeBC claims, and help you plan a safe return to work.

## Symptoms

- Back or neck pain after lifting, bending, a slip or a fall
- Pain or swelling after twisting an ankle, knee or wrist
- Shoulder or elbow pain from lifting, reaching overhead or repeated tasks
- Aching, tingling or weakness in the hands or wrists
- Pain that builds through a shift or is worse the next morning
- Stiffness or weakness that makes your usual duties hard

## Assessment

We start with how the injury happened and what your job involves. A housekeeper turning mattresses, a lift operator and a carpenter working overhead all load the body in different ways. We ask which tasks are hard right now and what your shifts look like.

Then we examine the injured area: how it moves, how strong it is, and where it hurts. If you have numbness or tingling, we check the nerves too. We also look at the movements your job needs, such as lifting, carrying, climbing, standing or reaching overhead.

If the injury needs a scan or a medical opinion, we explain why and recommend that you see a doctor or nurse practitioner.

## Treatment

Treatment matches the injury and the job you are going back to. It often includes:

- **Hands-on treatment:** joint and soft-tissue techniques to ease pain and stiffness early on.
- **Exercise:** a home program to restore movement, then strength and stamina for the tasks your job needs.
- **Practising work tasks:** lifting, carrying, reaching and climbing, built up step by step.
- **Massage therapy:** registered massage therapists can ease muscle tension and spasm alongside physiotherapy. See [massage therapy](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/services/massage-therapy).
- **Advice for work:** how to pace tasks, change positions and lift with less strain.

For back injuries, our free [Back Fundamentals](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/resources/rad-exercise-programs/back-fundamentals) videos teach a safe position for loading the spine, which the series calls the power position.

## Getting back to work

Going back to work is part of recovery, not only the finish line. A graduated return to work builds up your hours and duties in steps, using your own job to rebuild strength and stamina. We plan it with you, because you know your job. With your consent, we can tell your employer what you can safely do, so they can plan modified duties.

If your recovery is slow, ask us about our [Active Rehab Program](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/resources/occupational-rehab), a structured group program at Whistler Mountain Ski Club for people returning to work. It is not a formal WorkSafeBC program, but WorkSafeBC patients may be approved for it through their case manager.

## When to come in

Book an assessment after a work injury, or if an old injury is making your job harder. Report the injury to your employer and to WorkSafeBC as soon as you can. When you book, tell us the visit is for a WorkSafeBC claim and have your claim number ready. We need it to set up your file.

Go to the emergency department right away, or call 911, if any of these happen:

- new numbness or weakness in an arm or leg
- loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin or buttocks, after a back injury
- a blow to the head followed by a headache that gets worse, vomiting or confusion
- a crush injury, or a limb or joint that looks out of shape
- a hand or foot that is numb, cold or pale
- a wound that will not stop bleeding

## Who treats it

- [Therese Leigh, Physiotherapist, BSc Physiotherapy, MHA, Dip Sport Physio, FCAMPT, GunnIMS](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/therese-leigh)
- [Mike Conway, Physiotherapist, M. PT Sports, M. PT Manips, M. PT Studies, BSc Kin, CHT, GunnIMS, FCAMPT, CSCS](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/mike-conway)
- [Bianca Matheson, Physiotherapist, BSc PT, Grad Dip PT Manips, Dip Sports Physio, FCAMPT, GunnIMS](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/bianca-matheson)
- [Jian Soares, Physiotherapist, M ClinPhys, BSc PT, FCAMPT](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/jian-soares)
- [Dana Elliott, Physiotherapist, MScPT, BSc](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/dana-elliot)
- [Julie Charette, Physiotherapist, BSc PT, Cert. MDT](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/julie-charette)
- [Emilie Noble, Physiotherapist, MSc PT, BSc Kines, AN-IMS](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/emilie-noble)
- [Cameron Gant, Physiotherapist, BSc Physiotherapy, PG Cert Sports Physio](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/cameron-gant)
- [Nicole Klopfer, Physiotherapist, B Physiotherapy (Hons) (UMelb), M Physiotherapy (Manips) (UWA), PGrad Cert Cont & PF Rehab (UMelb), GunnIMS](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/nicole-klopfer)
- [Michael Pearce, Physiotherapist, BSc PT](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/michael-pearce)
- [Kelsey Rey, Physiotherapist, MPT, BHK](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/kelsey-rey)
- [Keeley Wentzel, Physiotherapist, BSc Physiotherapy (Hons)](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/team/keeley-wentzel)

## Services

- [Physiotherapy](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/services/physiotherapy)
- [Registered Massage Therapy (RMT)](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/services/massage-therapy)
- [Hand Therapy](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/services/hand-therapy)
- [Strength and Conditioning](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/services/strength-and-conditioning)

## Programs

- [Active Rehab Program](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/resources/occupational-rehab)
- [Back Fundamentals](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/resources/rad-exercise-programs/back-fundamentals)

## Frequently asked questions

### Does WorkSafeBC pay for physiotherapy?

Yes, if approved. If WorkSafeBC accepts your claim and approves physiotherapy, WorkSafeBC pays for that treatment, and our therapists are contracted to provide it. We are a private clinic, not part of WorkSafeBC. Our treatment advice is based on what we find when we assess you.

### Do I need a doctor's referral first?

No. You do not need a doctor's referral to start physiotherapy for a WorkSafeBC claim. It is still wise to see a doctor or nurse practitioner after a work injury, especially if it is severe or not settling. They can order tests such as an X-ray if needed, and we can work alongside them.

### Should I stop working until the injury heals?

Not always. For many strains and sprains, staying active within limits can help recovery, and long breaks from work can make going back harder. Many people keep working on lighter tasks or shorter shifts while they recover. Others need time off first, for example after a broken bone or surgery. We look at your injury and your job, then advise which tasks suit you now.

## Massage for recovery

Massage therapists do not diagnose, so start with a physiotherapist. Once you have a diagnosis and a plan, our registered massage therapists can help with the recovery. [About massage therapy](https://backinactionphysiotherapy.com/services/massage-therapy)

*This page is general information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for an assessment. If you are unsure, see a health professional.*