Majority of injuries benefit in some shape or form, from physical conditioning programs after the initial, acute phase of an injury has ceased. What many people may not be aware of, is that this is not only for physical injuries; it can also assist rehabilitation of psychological injuries. In occupational rehabilitation, a psychological injury can be the primary injury, or can occur secondary to a physical injury. On average, workers who suffer from a secondary physical injury are away from work twice as long as those who suffer a physical injury only (WorkCover Queensland, 2014).

When a worker suffers a psychological injury which causes them to spend an indefinite period off work, this can affect various areas of their mental health. They may become more socially reclusive, fall out of a routine, feel they have no control (appointments with various health professionals being arranged for them by employers/WCQ/CTP), or feel no “purpose” from having nothing to work towards (e.g. weekly targets, KPI’s, sales etc.).

Benefits of exercise on depression and anxiety include:

• Release of “feel-good” brain chemicals (endorphins and neurotransmitters). These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain.
• Exercise reduces stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol.
• Increased “energy” and decreased levels of fatigue.
• Gaining confidence by meeting physical goals and challenges.
• Takes focus away from the negative cycle of thoughts that feed anxiety and depression.
• Increased social interaction. E.g. AIMS, gym staff, other gym goers.
• A positive coping strategy by increasing activity, getting out of the house and away from triggers/stressors, maintaining a routine and daily/weekly plan.
• Positive effect on sleeping patterns. Helps sleep at night by using more energy throughout the day.
• Compliments medication.

It is becoming more widely identified that physical exercise, in conjunction with medication and coping strategies, can elicit an optimal response to improve recovery. Recent literature and randomised controlled trials have determined that a combination of resistance (weights) and endurance (cardiovascular) exercise on most days for the week (3-4) is the ideal formula for positive results.

The benefits of regular exercises can be explained to workers, however, whether they actively implement them is another issue. By involving an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP), the worker is properly assessed by an allied health professional to have a safe, individualised program suited to their strengths and preferences.

Don’t forget, the most important part is getting started! By involving an Accredited Exercise Physiologist it includes introduction to the preferred gym of the worker, liaising with gym staff who will greet the client each session, demonstrating proper use of gym equipment and making them feel comfortable to be in the gym. With weekly reviews, and setting realistic goals each week, this gives the client incentive to attend and improve each week. The confidence and self-worth a worker can attain by physically seeing themselves advance in the gym, can impact positively on other aspects of their mental state to facilitate a more stable graduated return to work.

Blog – Tara Optland (Accredited Exercise Physiologist)