Yes, ARI Physical Therapy treats workers' compensation patients. We help people recover from back, neck, shoulder, knee and other injuries that happen at work, and offer work conditioning to prepare you for full duty. Every visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic, and our clinic director is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist.
Does this sound like you?
✓You were hurt lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling or in a fall at work
✓You have back, neck, shoulder, wrist or knee pain from repetitive work tasks
✓Your treating doctor has prescribed physical therapy for a work injury
✓You need to rebuild strength and stamina before returning to full duty
✓You were injured at work and want to get back to your job safely
How workers' comp physical therapy works in California
Report the injury to your employer and get care from your treating doctor.
Your treating doctor prescribes physical therapy, and the claims administrator authorizes it. California's “no referral needed” rule doesn't apply to workers' comp care.
Bring your claim details: claim number, your adjuster's name and contact, and your doctor's prescription. We'll help coordinate the rest.
If your employer uses a Medical Provider Network (MPN), call us and we'll check whether we can see you within it.
Work injury services
Work injury rehabilitation: one-on-one treatment for back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee and ankle injuries, including after surgery.
Work conditioning: progressive strengthening and endurance training that mirrors the physical demands of your job, to prepare you for full duty.
Help with modified duty: a program built around your work restrictions while you're back at work on light duty.
For employers, adjusters and case managers
Fax referrals and prescriptions to (661) 727-0005. Questions? Call (661) 282-8584. We see patients one-on-one, send progress notes on request, and focus on a safe, durable return to work.
What treatment at ARI looks like
1
A one-on-one evaluation
Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We review your injury, your job's physical demands and your doctor's prescription, and test strength, motion and function.
2
Treatment built around your job
Hands-on care and progressive exercise, then job-specific training such as lifting, carrying, reaching or standing tolerance, adjusted to your work restrictions.
3
A safe return to work
Progress notes for your doctor or adjuster on request, a plan to move from modified to full duty, and a home program to help prevent re-injury.
Workers' comp patients: please bring your claim number, your adjuster's name and contact information, and your treating doctor's prescription. Questions about your claim or our network status? Call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help.
When to see a doctor first
See a doctor promptly if you have:
Numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or new trouble controlling your bladder or bowels: get emergency care
A fall or blow to the head, or new weakness, numbness or tingling in an arm or leg
A possible broken bone, or you can't put weight on a leg
Chest pain, shortness of breath, or calf pain and swelling
Why patients choose ARI
Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.
Workers' comp FAQs
Yes. In California, workers' comp physical therapy is prescribed by your treating doctor and authorized by the claims administrator. Call us and we'll help you with the next steps.
When physical therapy is authorized for an accepted workers' comp claim, the claims administrator pays for it. Bring your claim number and adjuster's contact details, and we'll coordinate with them.
Work conditioning is a progressive exercise program that rebuilds the strength, endurance and movement your job demands, such as lifting, carrying, reaching or standing, so you can return to full duty safely.
Often, yes. Many people work modified duty during treatment. We tailor your program to your work restrictions and help you progress toward full duty.