Back In Action and all of all therapists are contracted therapists for WorkSafeBC claimants. This means if you have a WorkSafeBC claim that’s been approved, you can get treatment at our clinic – at no cost to you.
WorkSafeBC has a great program to ensure you can receive treatment right away. If you’re looking to get physiotherapy treatment keep the following in mind:
- You must report the injury to your employer and to WorkSafeBC as soon as possible (and fill out all paperwork they provide you)
- You do not need a Doctor’s referral to begin physiotherapy treatment
- If WorkSafeBC approves your claim for physiotherapy benefits, you can received treatment at our clinic at no cost to you
- When you book your initial assessment. Let us know it’s for a WorkSafeBC claim, and provide us your claim number
We see WorkSafeBC claimants at our clinic every day. Our objective is get you working pain free as soon as possible. You’ll always leave our clinic well educated and with a home care program to ensure the injury doesn’t reoccur.
What is the purpose of the OR1 Program?
The purpose is for you to learn strategies to better manage your symptoms, improve your physical function, and promote recovery from your injury. The treatment team will work with you and the people involved in your rehabilitation, to find the best solution for you to return to work with support.
Who will be working with me in the OR1 Program?
The OR1 treatment team includes a Physical Therapist and possibly a Kinesiologist.
What will I be doing in the OR1 Program?
You will first complete an Intake Assessment with team members. The treatment team will work with you to customize your OR1 Program, and create strategies and plans to support your return to work. After your Intake Assessment, if you are appropriate for the Program, you will receive the following services:
- General and injury-specific exercises, including stretching, strengthening, and balance
- One-to-one and group education on topics such as return to work, pain and stress management, sleep, pacing, and goal setting
- Job Site Visit to confirm your job demands and discuss return to work options
- Customized, graduated return to work plan created by you and your team
- It is expected that you participate fully in all recommended aspects of the program. We are required to share your attendance and participation with your WorkSafeBC Case Manager.
Where will the OR1 program take place?
Back in Action utilizes the Whistler Mountain Ski Club at 2028 Rob Boyd Way, Creekside and runs from 730 am till 1030 am Monday through Friday over 6 weeks.
Am I involved in decisions about my OR1 Program?
Yes, you are involved with decisions in your Program. You are the expert on the job you will return to, so we will work with you to figure out the best options for your return to work. While there are time frames and return to work expectations set by WorkSafeBC, we will work with you to provide support and alternatives. You are invited to give feedback on the program through individual meetings, suggestion boxes, and surveys.
How does the OR1 Program communicate with my family doctor and employer?
Your family doctor will receive a copy of all reports from the OR1 Program. After receiving the report, your family doctor will have an opportunity to communicate with us if they have any concerns about your participation in the program. We will communicate with your doctor to update them and ask any questions as needed. Your team will also gain your consent to contact your employer, to confirm job
How can I go back to work gradually if I’m not 100% fit?
Near the end of your rehabilitation program, your Physical Therapist will help you develop a graduated return to work (GRTW) program. This is your chance to use your workplace duties to help you build up function to 100%. The GRTW involves gradually increasing your hours of work and the difficulty of your duties over several weeks. The GRTW is part of your rehabilitation, and is often more effective in helping you to achieve full function than the mere passage of time, especially if you have already had difficulty for several months. You will receive support from your team during this return to work phase.
At the completion of my OR1 Program, what decisions are made?
At the end of the program, your team will discuss information about your functional abilities as they relate to your job. There are 3 discharge status terms used when reporting back to WorkSafeBC about your ability to return to work:
- Not Fit to Return to Work: You may require further medical tests or interventions prior to a safe return to work.
- Fit to Return to Work with Limitations: You are ready to return to modified or alternate duties and/or hours, based on your functional abilities and objective medical status.
- Fit to Return to Work without Limitations: You are ready to return to full pre-injury hours and duties, based on your functional abilities and objective medical findings.
Does Back in Action work for WorkSafeBC?
No, Back in Action is a private company providing rehabilitation services for a variety of organizations. Back in Action has contracts with WorkSafeBC to deliver several programs. Our clinical opinions and recommendations are based on the observations and measurable findings of the treatment team. All of our staff members are employed by Back in Action.
