A work injury leaves you with two tasks: getting better and keeping up with a claim. Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation of NY & CT (PMR) provides workers comp physical therapy, chiropractic care and physiatry for people hurt on the job, at two offices in Danbury, CT and Brewster, NY. We send the bills for your care to the comp insurance carrier, so you can focus on recovery.
Work injuries we treat
PMR provides work injury treatment for muscle, joint, disc and nerve problems, such as:
- Lifting injuries: back strains, disc injuries and lower back pain from lifting or carrying
- Repetitive strain: carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and elbow or shoulder pain from typing, tool use or reaching overhead
- Slips, trips and falls: sprains, bruises, and neck or back pain after a fall
- Awkward postures: neck and upper back pain from desk work, driving or bending over a task
If your symptoms point to a problem outside muscles and joints, PMR coordinates with your physician or refers you to one.
What workers comp physical therapy involves
Your first visit starts with an evaluation. Your clinician asks how the injury happened and what your job demands, then checks your movement, strength, flexibility and nerve function. If an X-ray or EMG nerve test would help, PMR can do it in-house.
From there, your plan may combine:
- Physical therapy with therapeutic exercise to rebuild strength, flexibility and endurance
- Chiropractic care for spine and joint problems
- Massage therapy or acupuncture, which may help with muscle tension
- Training in our on-site gym for the lifting, carrying or reaching your job requires
- A home exercise program for the days between visits
The aim of workers comp physical therapy is to help you move and work with more confidence, though results vary from person to person.
How workers’ comp works in New York and Connecticut
In New York, except in emergencies, your treating provider must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB health care rules). Tell your employer in writing within 30 days and file Form C-3 within 2 years (WCB injured workers toolkit). Physical therapy needs a referral (WCB physical therapy rules). Read more about choosing a workers comp doctor in New York, including care at our Brewster office.
In Connecticut, the state’s workers’ compensation law requires you to report your injury to your employer right away. You then have 1 year from the injury to file Form 30C, or 3 years from the first symptom of an occupational disease. If your employer has an approved medical care plan, you must use its providers, and chiropractors count as physicians under the law. Learn more about finding a workers compensation doctor in Connecticut at our offices in Danbury, CT.
What to bring to your first visit
Bring what you have so far:
- Your claim or case number
- Your employer’s name and address, and your supervisor’s name
- The comp carrier’s name, plus your adjuster’s name, phone number and email
- For a New York claim, your WCB case number
- For a Connecticut claim, a copy of your Form 30C
- Photo ID and records from any ER or urgent care visit
How PMR works with your adjuster and employer
PMR keeps your employer, your adjuster and any nurse case manager informed with, so decisions about your care and your job rest on current information.
Employers and adjusters can learn how to refer an injured employee on our work injury rehabilitation page for employers.
When to get urgent care
Go straight to the ER or call 911 for:
- A fall from a height, a crush injury, a possible broken bone or heavy bleeding
- A head injury followed by confusion, vomiting or passing out
- Sudden weakness, numbness in the groin, or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Chest pain, trouble breathing or signs of a stroke
After emergency care, report the injury to your employer as soon as you can.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see a workers comp chiropractor?
Yes, in both states. In New York, chiropractors can be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board to treat comp patients (WCB provider rules). In Connecticut, chiropractic care is covered because the comp statute counts chiropractors as physicians, subject to any medical care plan your employer uses. A workers compensation chiropractor at PMR can evaluate your injury and explain your options.
Can my employer choose where I get treated?
In New York, you can generally choose any Board-authorized provider, though an employer PPO can keep you in its network for 30 days (WCB PPO rules). In Connecticut, an approved medical care plan means using plan providers. Without a plan, your employer directs your initial care, and then you can choose a physician from the Workers’ Compensation Commission’s approved list (CGS chapter 568).
Will I pay anything for my care?
In New York, injured workers pay no copays, and the comp carrier pays for care unless the claim is disallowed (WCB health care rules). In Connecticut, what’s covered depends on your claim and any medical care plan. In either state, PMR’s billing team explains your benefits and eligibility at your first appointment. You can also call the billing office at (203) 744-8014.
How long does workers comp physical therapy take?
It depends on the injury, the physical demands of your job and how your body responds. Your clinician sets goals at your first visit, tracks your progress and updates the plan. In New York, care also follows the Board’s Medical Treatment Guidelines. PMR can’t promise a set number of visits or a return-to-work date.
Schedule your visit
Call the office nearest you or request an appointment online. Mention that your visit is for a work injury.
- PMR of Danbury, CT: 1 Padanaram Road, Danbury, CT 06811, (203) 744-8013
- PMR of Brewster, NY: 1620 Brewster Town Center, Brewster, NY 10509, (845) 279-1135
This page is general information, not legal advice. Coverage depends on your policy and claim; our billing team can help you check yours.