Workplace injury recoveries are naturally focused on from a physical lens among injured workers and employers. However, physical injuries are more than meets the eye. A biopsychosocial injury management approach can have positive benefits. SO what does biopsychosocial injury management mean & what are the benefits?
ABILITY GROUP has adopted a Biopsychosocial Injury Management Approach for a long time given our multidisciplinary allied health team of professionals.
There is a vast spectrum of specialties that different health professionals are qualified to treat within their scope of practice. For example, you would consult a doctor for a lingering cough instead of a physiotherapist, or you would consult a physiotherapist for a muscular sprain instead of a massage therapist. However, there exists a strategy among all health professions called the biopsychosocial approach.
The biopsychosocial approach, which is based upon the aptly named biopsychosocial model, helps health professionals achieve holistic injury management by considering the physical side of an injury, as well as the psychological and social factors that may influence that. In a nutshell.
Biopsychosocial means:
- Bio = biological
- Pyscho = psychological
- Social = social
The biological lens reviews injury facts scans, diagnosis, prognosis, medications, severity, swelling, redness, motion, and triggers
The psychological lens considers what thoughts, beliefs, mental health disorders or treatment mentalities the injured worker has. Psychological factors are as vital as biological ones in injury recovery. Maladaptive beliefs, reluctance toward treatment, or poor rapport with practitioners can hinder return to work, even with proper medical care. Social factors—such as family support, job satisfaction, and personal issues—also affect recovery. Without strong psychological and social support, progress may be delayed despite effective biological treatment
The biopsychosocial approach effectively treats injured workers holistically, addressing complexities beyond medical factors to guide recovery.
Need help?
Contact our Injury Management specialists to advice and support. For further information, please refer to article below.
Source: State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)
Title: The importance of a Biopsychosocial approach
Time: 10 mins