OSSPT Frequently Asked Questions
About OSSPT
On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy is a Physical Therapist and Women Owned business, founded in 2008. OSSPT is dedicated to the prevention of workplace injuries in the US. The business model arose from our founder, Melissa Gill’s experience with treating employees after injuries occurred and realizing that so many of them could have been prevented. Since starting OSSPT, she has focused on workplace injury prevention in high-risk industries such as manufacturing, construction, distribution and materials handling. She and the leadership team have carefully selected providers who are physical therapists and have a passion for injury prevention.
On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy offers multiple innovative injury prevention solutions to employers. These solutions include on-site physical therapists for work and non-work-related aches, pains, strains, and sprains; custom warm-up / stretching programs (StretchRight ), ergonomics solutions (ErgoRight), telehealth options (STAR Triage), functional job analysis, 2-day injury prevention consultations, Mental Health First Aid, Return to Work, and more!
The On-Site Solutions core values are:
-We use an innovative and creative approach to solve problems;
-We meet people where they’re at;
-We have a passionate and positive attitude;
-We don’t settle for the status quo.
For more information about each of these, visit our About Us page.
On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy has noticed that industries with the most work-related injuries include construction, materials handling (warehouses) and manufacturing.
Injury Prevention
On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy employs experienced physical therapists who have a deep passion for preventing injury and connecting with the employee. The employee knows, likes and trusts the OSSPT provider. This leads to more innovative ideas on how to engage employees. Preventing injury is much better than recovering from injury.
Back pain is the most common concern among workers in all these industries. The next most common sites of pain that we encounter are knees, shoulders and ankles.
With a PT at the workplace, the employee can be seen the same day the pain occurs (ensuring that the condition doesn’t worsen while waiting for an appointment). The PT evaluates the work area for recommendations, the employee takes minimal time away from work to be seen and we are typically less expensive than a traditional office visit.
Yes, employees can see PTs in the clinic for work-related injuries. The downside to that includes having to schedule weeks in advance, limitations on where to go based upon insurance, having to take time off (half-day to full day) to travel to and from the appointment and more.
Workplace Health and Safety
There are numerous ways that OSSPT Physical Therapist’s at the worksite can assist with improving workplace health and safety. The main benefit is having an expert in injury prevention readily available; the sooner an employee can have questions answered about aches and pains, sprains and strains, the sooner they can get back to normal. Other ways on-site PTs can improve workplace health & safety include, but are not limited to, ergonomic assessments, return to work programs and Mental Health First Aid.
We have presented on topics such as hydration, heat concerns, heart health and more! Make an appointment to learn more.
Ergonomics
ErgoRight is OSSPT’s ergonomic solution that evaluates workplace ergonomics, both in an office and out on the floor / worksite, whether it’s in construction, manufacturing or a warehouse setting. On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy works closely with your safety team, HR and any other stakeholders to identify concerns, complete a workplace ergonomics assessment and present potential improvements to prevent workplace injuries.
There are statistics that show repetitive use injuries due to poor ergonomics make up a significant portion of workplace injuries. A good majority of these injuries are preventable. An ergonomics assessment that is based upon medical evidence, such as ErgoRight, can identify the potential for future injury. It can also provide solutions to prevent injury to the worker and cost savings to the employer.
Stretching Program
Statistics have shown that stretching and activity prior to work enhances blood flow to the muscles. Depending on the type of stretching, it can loosen/lengthen muscle, thereby making the muscle less susceptible to injury.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid is a training program designed to teach our physical therapists how to recognize and respond to signs and symptoms of an individual going through a mental health crisis. It goes beyond recognizing signs of various mental health conditions by educating on how to offer effective listening and support, learning practical strategies to help someone in distress and understanding when and where to refer someone for assistance.
Mental health issues have become more prominent, especially in construction, manufacturing and materials handling industries. It is expanding to epidemic proportions. Having all of our providers trained in Mental Health First Aid is a critical step in providing the best possible care for those we take care of.
The role of a mental health first aider is, firstly, to be able to recognize when someone may be having a mental health challenge. Sometimes the person may not even realize it themselves. Once it has been recognized, the first aider can ask questions and truly listen and offer support. If the first aider feels that further assistance is needed, they will know the right resources to offer the employee more assistance.
Pre-Employment Screening
Pre-employment screening is a series of tests that are completed that assess the potential employees’ risk for performing the job they are being hired for. These screens can include a range of motion testing, strength testing and health & wellness questionnaires.
Pre-employment screenings have several benefits. The main benefit is to assess if the employee will be able to perform the job they are being hired for. Screens can also identify any potential issues that may create a risk to the health and safety of the employee.
Post Offer Employment Testing is a series of tests that are completed to assess the potential employees’ capabilities to perform the essential job tasks needed. Typically, the screen tests are based upon the functional job requirements of the position. The screen will have the employee perform a test that will simulate this activity level. Screens can also include assessing range of motion, previous injury and more.
STAR Triage/Telehealth
STAR Triage is a telemedicine app from On-Site Solutions that provides access to information about musculoskeletal conditions and, most importantly, access to a provider who has the expertise to help an employee navigate aches and pains, sprains and strains quickly and successfully.
Once a company is a client of On-Site Solutions Physical Therapy, the employees can download the app and log in with a company code. They will have access to contacting a provider and information on a variety of topics, including the Self-Management Guides (See below).
Self-Management Guides
OSSPT’s Self-Management Guides are tools available to our clients that provide information on various body parts. This includes the anatomy, treatment of conditions, as well as stretching and strengthening. The information provided in these guides is based upon medical evidence and utilizes options that are considered OSHA First-Aid compliant. For more information on Self-Management Guides, contact us today.
Massage
Please see our massage FAQ for more information about our massage services.
