The Critical Role of Occupational Therapy in Workers’ Comp Cases
By Heidi Cruikshank, Director of Physical Medicine
April is Occupational Therapy Month, making it a great time to highlight the essential services occupational therapists provide to injured workers. At MTI America, we have seen firsthand how occupational therapy plays a vital role in helping employees recover and return to work safely after an on-the-job injury or illness.
Occupational therapy focuses on helping people participate in the things they want and need to do in their daily life through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. For workers’ comp cases, occupational therapists create customized treatment plans to improve an injured worker’s ability to carry out job tasks, recommend assistive equipment, provide ergonomic assessments, and much more.
Why Quick Turnaround Times Matter
When an employee suffers an injury or illness, every day away from work matters – for their financial security, mental health, and overall well-being; having quick access to effective occupational therapy services is crucial. At MTI America, we strive to start treatment for injured workers as soon as possible to put them on the path to maximum medical improvement. Our extensive network of occupational therapy providers across the nation allows for fast, convenient referrals.
Through focused, patient-centric care planning, we help employees regain skills and independence to enable successful return to work. Our occupational therapists collaborate closely with other rehab professionals on our integrated care teams. This team-based approach supports the best possible outcomes.
Technological Advancements
The field of occupational therapy is benefiting from exciting technological innovations, particularly when it comes to artificial intelligence (AI). AI-powered systems can precisely track patient movements during therapy sessions, providing objective data on progress. AI can also drive highly personalized treatment plans based on an individual’s symptoms and goals. Additionally, AI and virtual reality are being used for tasks like desensitizing patients with upper extremity amputations before being fitted for a prosthetic device.
At MTI America, we embrace proven technologies to elevate care for injured workers. Our advanced analytics platform MTI360 harnesses AI to promote superior medical and financial results. We will continue investing in safe, effective technologies that allow occupational therapists to spend more quality time with their patients.
As we celebrate OT Month, I’m reminded of the life-changing impact occupational therapists make every day. MTI America is proud to support these dedicated rehabilitation professionals as they help employees regain the ability to return to work and daily life.
