When a worker suffers a sprain or strain injury at work, the employer or WCB can refer them immediately for assessment by a WCB-approved physiotherapist or chiropractor. There are contracted clinics across Nova Scotia to ensure that a worker will be assessed by a functional specialist within three days of the referral.
This assesses the worker’s functional abilities, and can be compared to the demands of the worker’s job to determine if a return to the pre-injury work is safe, or if transitional duties will be needed. This information is used by the WCB, the employer, the physiotherapists, the chiropractor, and the treating physician to develop an appropriate return-to-work plan for the worker.
It is important to note this does not prohibit a worker with a potential sprain or strain injury from seeing a physician – it’s about ensuring early assessment and intervention occurs. By having the physiotherapist or chiropractor complete a functional assessment prior to a potential visit with a physician also allows the worker’s functional abilities information to be available to the physician as they consider return to work.
Supporting recovery: tiered services
Some workers may need more than a physician’s support to successfully return to work.
WCB’s tiered services program provides a range of multi and interdisciplinary services to provide both functional and psychological support. These can be tailored to the worker’s specific needs.
Tier 1
Offers treatment of acute physical symptoms via a single discipline, such as physiotherapy. The physician receives a copy of all progress reports. Learn more about Tier 1 services
here.
Tier 2
Offers multidisciplinary approach that combines support to restore physical function with support for minor psychological issues. The physician receives copies of all progress reports.
Tier 3 and 3A
These combine medical, functional, and psychological supports. Mandatory team members include the physiotherapist, occupational therapist, kinesiologist, and physician. The team uses a cognitive-behavioural approach to help the worker return to work. The physician receives copies of all progress reports.
To find an approved service provider in Nova Scotia, click here.