Work Injuries Treated in Lacey
When you’re hurt on the job, you don’t just need treatment—you need a clear process, accurate documentation, and a plan that supports a safe return to work. At Warwick Chiropractic and Massage, we focus on work injury relief for local workers in Thurston County by combining hands-on musculoskeletal care with best-practice coordination for Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I) and self-insured Workers’ Comp claims.
We’re Dr. David Warwick and our team at Warwick Chiropractic and Massage. Our goal is to deliver high-quality care while helping remove common barriers that delay recovery—like unclear restrictions, missed paperwork deadlines, or lack of communication between the worker, employer, and claim manager.
What counts as a work injury?
“Work injuries” can include many types of on-the-job conditions, especially those affecting the muscles, joints, and spine. In our clinic, we commonly see musculoskeletal injuries that may develop suddenly (like lifting or twisting wrong) or build up over time (like repetitive strain).
Examples may include:
- Back pain after lifting, bending, or repetitive movement
- Neck pain, headaches, or stiffness after physical strain
- Shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, or ankle pain from job demands
- Sprains/strains from slips, trips, or overexertion
- Repetitive stress discomfort that limits work tasks
If you’re unsure whether your symptoms qualify as an on-the-job injury, we can help you understand the typical documentation and next steps based on your situation.
Understanding L&I vs. self-insured Workers’ Comp in Washington
In Washington State, job-related claims generally fall into one of two categories:
- Washington State Labor & Industries (L&I): The state-run workers’ compensation system.
- Self-insured Workers’ Comp: Some employers manage claims through their own self-insured program.
Regardless of which system your claim is under, we aim to make the process easier by keeping communication clear and timely—so your care plan, work restrictions, and recovery expectations are aligned.
Why our COHE participation matters for work injury relief
One reason patients and local employers consider us a leading clinic for work-related musculoskeletal care is that our providers participate in COHE—the Centers of Occupational Health and Education. COHE is focused on best practices for occupational health, which helps support smoother claim management and a more organized recovery path.
In practical terms, COHE best practices emphasize:
- Timely documentation so your claim is supported appropriately
- Clear work restrictions so you and your employer know what is safe during recovery
- Consistent communication between the worker, employer, and claim manager
- Removing barriers that slow down improvement or delay return-to-work planning
For many people, the difference between feeling “stuck” and moving forward is having a coordinated plan—especially early on.
What we do early in your claim (and why it helps)
When a work injury occurs, the first visits are critical. Our role is to evaluate what’s going on, start care, and document the information your claim typically requires. We also help set expectations so everyone understands the recovery plan.
Here are key actions we focus on, especially early in care:
- Timely filing of the Report of Accident (ROA) to support accurate claim documentation.
- Completion of an Activity Prescription Form (APF) to communicate work restrictions and functional abilities.
- Clear communication between our office, you (the worker), your employer, and the claim manager regarding restrictions, progress, and recovery expectations.
This approach helps reduce confusion and helps prevent situations where you feel better physically, but the process stalls because expectations and documentation don’t match.
Return-to-work planning: protecting your recovery without putting life on pause
One of the biggest stressors after on-the-job injuries is worrying about work—whether you can do your job safely, what your employer can accommodate, and how long everything will take.
As part of our work injury relief process, we focus on:
- Discussing return-to-work options that match your current abilities
- Defining clear restrictions when needed (for example: lifting limits, reduced bending/twisting, limited overhead work)
- Supporting modified duty when appropriate, so you can stay engaged at work while still protecting the injury
- Monitoring progress and updating recommendations as you improve
Our aim is to help you return to work as quickly as is safely possible while still prioritizing quality of care and long-term outcomes.
Removing barriers to recovery (a core part of COHE best practices)
With work injuries, barriers can be physical, administrative, or communication-related. We take a problem-solving approach because delays often happen when the “next step” isn’t clear.
Common barriers we work to reduce include:
- Unclear or outdated work restrictions
- Difficulty coordinating between parties (worker, employer, claim manager, providers)
- Not knowing what activities are safe versus what could aggravate the injury
- Needing additional input to confirm the best care path
When it’s helpful, we can also recommend appropriate next steps—which may include referring to other providers for additional evaluation, second opinions, or services that support your recovery plan.
Health Services Coordination (HSC): extra support behind the scenes
COHE best-practice clinics also have an assigned Health Services Coordinator (HSC). This role helps support coordination between providers, workers, and employers.
From a patient perspective, that often means:
- Better continuity in communication
- Fewer loose ends during the claim process
- A clearer path from injury, to care, to safe return-to-work planning
Our priority is still your health, but we also respect that your job, income, and daily life matter—so coordination isn’t a “nice to have,” it’s part of good care.
Why musculoskeletal work injuries are a strong fit for chiropractic care
Many job-related injuries involve the musculoskeletal system—your spine, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. These issues often affect movement, lifting tolerance, posture, and endurance. Chiropractic-focused care is commonly centered around improving function, reducing pain, and helping you move with more confidence.
In our clinic, we focus on practical outcomes, such as:
- Improving range of motion and mobility
- Reducing pain that interferes with work tasks
- Supporting safe activity progression as you heal
- Aligning treatment plans with real job demands
Every case is different, so we tailor recommendations based on your injury, your job tasks, and how your body responds over time.
Key Takeaways
- We provide work injury relief with an emphasis on musculoskeletal injuries and functional recovery.
- We work with both Washington L&I and self-insured Workers’ Comp claims.
- As a COHE best-practice participating clinic, we focus on timely documentation and clear communication.
- We help complete key claim items like the ROA and APF to clarify restrictions and recovery expectations.
- Return-to-work planning and removing barriers are central to our approach to work injuries.
Where to Go From Here
If you’re dealing with a job-related strain, sprain, or other musculoskeletal pain, we invite you to walk in for fast relief and get seen as soon as possible. We’ll help you understand next steps, document what’s needed for your claim, and start a clear recovery plan right away. The sooner we evaluate you, the sooner we can coordinate care and help you move toward a safe return to work. You can also schedule an appointment here as well.
Dr. David Warwick, DC, is a board-certified chiropractor with over two decades of experience helping people find fast, effective relief from back and neck pain. He is the only chiropractor in Lacey, WA certified in the Zone Technique — a specialized healing method that restores balance to the body’s six systems for long-term wellness.
At Warwick Chiropractic & Massage, Dr. Warwick focuses on short-term, results-driven care, helping patients return to life without unnecessary long-term treatment plans. His clinic welcomes walk-ins and offers convenient online scheduling for modern, flexible chiropractic care.
Dr. Warwick is committed to educating his patients and the public about natural pain relief, spinal health, and how chiropractic care can be both simple and life-changing.
