Occupational therapy is intended for anyone whose daily and work functioning is affected by an injury, whether it be a lumbar sprain or a shoulder tear. An occupational therapist can help you regain your functional abilities to return to work, resume daily activities, and improve your quality of life.
Your physiotherapist or doctor may refer you to occupational therapy to develop your functional abilities and return to work.
Why consult an Occupational Therapist after a work accident?
Various injuries can occur in the workplace, and an occupational therapist can treat most of them, including:
- Lumbar sprain
- Mild traumatic brain injury
- Epicondylitis
- Meniscal tear
- Hand conditions
What are the common treatments?
To help you regain your pre-injury level of functioning, the occupational therapist will assess the impact of your condition on your daily life and support you in improving your quality of life, whether through symptom management advice or assistance with returning to work.
Here are the treatments offered in occupational therapy following a work accident:
- Work task simulations
- Functional exercise programs
- Education on pain, energy, and sleep management principles
- Training on proper lifting techniques
- Support for returning to work and adapting to the workplace
- Education on workstation adjustment and ergonomic principles
- Hand therapy
YOU
KNOW?Occupational therapists are regulated by a professional body, the Ordre des ergothérapeutes du Québec (OEQ), which oversees the profession and protects the public.
What happens during sessions ?
- During the first appointment, the occupational therapist will ask questions about your history related to the reason for your consultation and will seek to understand which symptoms impact your work, sleep, leisure, and daily activities.
- At the end of the first session, your occupational therapist will be able to identify your difficulties and establish a treatment plan with meaningful objectives and concrete strategies to help you return to work and regain your pre-injury function.
- The following sessions will focus on developing your functional abilities and guiding their integration into daily activities and task simulations in the clinic. Activation will be progressive, using functional exercise circuits.
These follow-up sessions typically take place three times per week and last 30 minutes. They may be conducted individually or in an activation session paired with another client. As the return to work approaches, a progressive return-to-work plan is developed with the treatment team. If needed, the occupational therapist can visit your workplace to ensure a smooth transition, either by providing workplace support or conducting a workstation assessment. A home exercise program may also be provided at the end of the treatments to help you continue your progress independently.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long does a session last?
A session lasts 30 minutes, approximately 3 times per week.
What happens during a session?
There are two types of sessions:
- Individual: Focused on reassessment, education, or preparation of a return-to-work plan.
- Activation: Supervision and progression of exercises.
Are treatments covered by CNESST?
Yes, all treatments are covered by CNESST at no cost to you. You can also receive reimbursement from CNESST for your travel expenses related to treatment, including mileage and parking fees.
Book an appointment
For an occupational therapy appointment after a work accident (CNESST), call our customer service at 1 855 743-9872. Our team will direct you to the clinic closest to you.
