Workers Comp’ Physical Therapy Manchester, MO

Workers Comp’ Physical Therapy Manchester, MO

What Workers’ Comp PT Typically Covers: Common Conditions Treated in Manchester, MO

In Manchester, MO, Workers Comp Physical Therapy is designed to help injured workers regain mobility, build strength, and prepare to return to their job duties with confidence. It involves personalized, goal-driven rehab plans that may include therapeutic exercises, hands-on treatments, and job-specific training to help you meet the physical demands of your role.

A workplace injury can throw everything off balance. You probably have questions about your coverage, recovery, and when you’ll be ready to work again. At Axes Physical Therapy, we provide tailored, research-driven physical therapy to support your recovery. Our Manchester, MO physical and occupational therapy team will guide you through every step of the rehab process, working closely with your physician and case manager to make sure your care is covered and focused on what matters most: your health and return to function.

What You’ll Learn on This Page

  • What Workers’ Comp Physical Therapy Is
    Learn how workers’ comp physical therapy helps you heal after a job-related injury.
  • How the Process Works at Axes PT
    From initial evaluation to discharge, discover what each step of your treatment will look like.
  • Insurance & Coverage Basics
    Find out how coverage is approved and what’s typically required to begin therapy.
  • The Benefits of Early, Specialized Care
    Discover why starting therapy sooner leads to better results—and how our specialists focus your rehab on job-specific goals.
  • Answers to Common Questions
    Answers to the most frequent questions we hear about workers’ comp PT.
  • What to Do Next
    Simple, actionable steps to schedule your evaluation and get started.

What Is Workers’ Comp Physical Therapy?

Workers’ comp physical therapy is a specialized type of rehabilitation designed to help employees recover after being injured on the job. This form of therapy focuses on rebuilding your physical capabilities so you can confidently resume work and daily responsibilities.

If you’re dealing with pain, stiffness, or loss of function from a work-related injury, physical therapy can help you heal and rebuild confidence in your mobility and function. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Each plan is tailored to your job duties, injury type, and recovery goals. From healthcare professionals to warehouse workers in Manchester, MO, our team designs therapy that works for your body and your job.

How It Works at Axes PT in Manchester, MO

Workers’ comp physical therapy at Axes is a complete, guided rehab journey—not just stretches and strength training.

1. Personalized Evaluation

Your journey starts with a thorough assessment. This exam covers your physical limitations, job-related tasks, and areas of discomfort. From there, we build a care plan that reflects your goals and what your body needs to recover.

If you’ve yet to be seen by a physician, you can come to any of our locations for a free injury screening.

2. Customized Treatment Plan

3. Consistent Communication

We stay in contact with your Manchester, MO physician, case manager, and—when allowed—your employer, to make sure everyone is aligned on your progress. We’ll also help you understand what’s covered and what documentation is needed for approval.

4. Progress Tracking & Discharge

We evaluate your improvement regularly to keep your rehab plan aligned with your goals. When you’re ready, we’ll support your return to work and offer injury prevention tools to keep you safe.

Coverage & Eligibility for Workers’ Comp PT in Manchester, MO

Yes, workers’ comp usually covers physical therapy—if it’s prescribed by your Manchester, MO doctor and related to your job injury. At Axes PT, we’re experienced in navigating this process and can help you every step of the way.

How Do I Get Approved?

  1. See a Doctor – Most workers’ comp PT starts with a referral from your physician or treating provider.
  2. Get Preauthorization – The next step is getting your care plan authorized through workers’ comp.
  3. Schedule Quickly – Once authorized, you can schedule your therapy—often within 24–48 hours at Axes.

We’ll work directly with your case manager or adjuster to handle the paperwork so you can focus on healing. If you’re confused about your coverage, reach out. We’ll walk you through the steps while respecting legal boundaries.

What Happens If You’re Not Cleared for Full Duty?

If additional verification is needed before going back to work, we offer FCEs to evaluate your capabilities. FCEs give you and your care team clear, data-backed insight into whether you’re ready for full-duty work.

While we help coordinate care with doctors and insurers, Axes PT does not offer legal advice—please consult a licensed attorney with any legal questions.

Benefits of Choosing Axes PT for Workers’ Comp Rehabilitation in Manchester, MO

Expertise, empathy, and early intervention—those are the qualities that set Axes PT apart when it comes to workers’ comp rehab in Manchester, MO.

Faster Appointments

Delays in care can slow down healing, so we make sure you’re seen fast at one of our Greater St. Louis clinics.

Therapists Who Understand Work Injuries

Our Manchester, MO physical therapy team includes specialists in occupational rehab, ergonomic injury prevention, hand therapy, and sports-related workplace injuries. Your recovery plan is built around your job’s physical demands—so you can return to work safely and with confidence.

Focused on Function, Not Just Symptoms

We don’t just address discomfort—we prepare you to safely perform your job’s physical requirements. This might include tasks like climbing, bending, carrying, or precision movements depending on your job.

You’re in the Driver’s Seat

Axes is a PT-owned practice, and that puts your recovery, not corporate metrics, at the center of everything we do. Expect custom care, honest conversations, and a process that works for you—not the system.

Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Comp Physical Therapy

How do I get my physical therapy covered by workers’ comp?

First, your physician must recommend PT, and then it must be approved by your employer’s workers’ comp insurer.
Once your physician recommends PT, your case manager or adjuster must authorize the sessions. Axes PT works directly with them to coordinate care, so you don’t have to manage the back-and-forth.


What types of injuries qualify for workers’ comp physical therapy?

Most work-related injuries involving pain, mobility loss, or reduced function are eligible for PT.
This includes back and neck injuries, sprains, strains, tendonitis, post-surgical recovery, and repetitive use injuries. Each plan is built around the movements and tasks required in your job role.


Do I need to choose a clinic from a list?

Clinic choice often depends on your employer’s policy and the rules set by your state’s workers’ compensation system.
In Missouri, you may be required to use a provider chosen by your employer or their insurance—but many injured workers can request a clinic like Axes. Talk to your adjuster to learn your options.


How long will my workers’ comp physical therapy last?

It varies based on the type of injury, your job requirements, and how well your body heals during therapy.
Depending on your condition, treatment could last a few weeks or longer. Your therapist will make sure your care stays aligned with your goals and work-readiness.


Do I need a lawyer to start PT under workers’ comp?

You don’t need a lawyer to start physical therapy under workers’ comp, though legal support may be helpful if your claim faces issues.
Our role is to provide medical care—not legal advice—but we collaborate closely with your providers to make sure everything is well-documented.

Get Workers’ Comp Rehab in Manchester, MO Today

If you’ve been injured at work, getting timely, expert physical therapy can make all the difference in your recovery—and your return to work. Our team at Axes is committed to making recovery easier with clear steps and compassionate care.

Call the location nearest you to speak with our team about workers’ comp physical therapy, or request your appointment online in just a few clicks. We’ll handle your paperwork, contact your doctor, and get your rehab plan in motion quickly.

Axes is here to support you from injury to full recovery.

Services Offered

Services Offered
  • Physical Therapy
    • Pre/Post Surgical Rehabilitation
    • Acute Injury Management
    • Chronic Injury Management
  • Occupational Therapy
    • Certified Hand Therapy
  • Work Conditioning/Hardening
  • Functional Capacity Evaluations
  • Vestibular Therapy and Post-Concussion Rehabilitation
  • Sports Physical Therapy
  • dorsaVi Video Motion Analysis
  • Trigger Point Dry Needling
  • Pediatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Geriatric Orthopedic Physical Therapy
  • Women's Health Therapy - Pelvic Floor
  • Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTYM)
  • Spine Specialty – Manual Therapy Certified
  • Free Injury Screenings
  • Kinesio Taping®
  • Blood Flow Restriction Therapy

Our Team

Sara Crain
PT, CEAS, Astym Cert.
Lauren Cavanaugh
Front Office Supervisor
Amanda Long
DPT, CMPT, ATC
Stephen Brunjes
OTR/L, CEAS
Brian Wahlig
Front Office
Sarah Schroeder
MOTR/L, CHT, Astym Cert
Daria Klein
PT, DPT, CMPT
Bill Franzen
Partner, PT, MHSPT
Kinsey Jackson
Front Office
Cassandra Wadlow
Front Office
Mary McKinney
Front Office
Brian Little
Front Office Supervisor
Zac Schniers
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Natasha Burtchett
Front Office Supervisor
Antoinette Ghoston
Front Office
Brad Tiehes
PT, DPT, CMPT
Ashley Kraus
Front Office
Helen Ziegler
Front Office
Addie Kersting
Front Office Supervisor
Dena Rose
PT, CMPT, CHT
Katee Strunk
Front Office Team Lead
Mark Smith
PT, DPT, CMPT
Kaila Mikesch
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Ali Bauer
PT, CMPT
Brandi Arndt
PT, DPT, CMPT
Julie Freiner
OTR/L, CHT
Eric Meyer
Assistant Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Anthony Meyer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Haley Finnegan
OTR/L, CHT
Brittany Stapp
Front Office
Hattie Kaimann
Front Office
Mitchell Hammack
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Farren Holman
Assistant Clinic Director, PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Jodi Bielicke
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, ASTYM Cert.
Sara Dowil
OTR/L, CHT
Mike Faris
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Emily Helton
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Mandy Carter
MSPT, CMPT, ATC, CWC
Matt Williams
MS, OTR/L, ATC/L, CHT
Ray Bauer
Clinic Director, MSPT, CMPT
Brett Shelton
PT, DPT, OCS, COMT, CSMT
Candace Cunningham
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Jeff Hunter
Clinic Director, PT, Cert. MDT, MBA
Scott Gallant
PT, FAAOMPT, BDN
Derrick Wolk
Partner, Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
Greg Nicholas
Clinic Director, MPT, CMPT
John Teepe
Partner, MPT
Ernie Goddard
Partner, PT
John Ruesler
Clinic Director, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Jennifer Szydlowski
Clinic Director, PT, CMPT
Stacey Collins
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CMPT
Brian Freund
Partner, DPT, CMPT, TPS, MBA
Joe Schmersahl
Clinic Director, PT, MTC, CMTPT
Bradley Webb
Clinic Director, PT
Kelly Basler
Front Office
Daniel Scribner
PT, DPT, ATC
Jayne Scanlan
DPT, COMT, CMTPT, FAAOMPT
Sharon Titter
Clinic Director, MPT
Natalie Carter
PT, DPT, Astym. Cert.
Michelle Schrage
Front Office
Megan Phillips
Front Office
TJ Jung
PT, DPT
Kaysie Cope
Front Office
Christine Lucke
MPT, COMT.
Lauren Huckstep
Clinic Director, PT, DPT, CSCS, Astym Cert.
Mary Headrick
Front Office Associate
Megan Leaver
OTD, OTR/L
Lauren Vaughn
PT, DPT, CMPT, Astym Cert.
Jon Arconati
PT, DPT, CMPT
Emma Witte
PTA, ASTYM Cert.
Stephanie Heubi
Front Office
Hannah Drake
DPT, CMPT, ATC, LAT
Kimberly Helm
Front Office Supervisor
Carly Donahue
PT, DPT, CMPT
JP Thompson
PT, DPT, Astym Cert.
Marion Shaw
Front Office Supervisor
Kelly Barnes
Physical Therapist
Lisa Bell
Front Office
Shelby Ellis
Front Office
Erin Bauer
PT, DPT
Kelly Thornton
Clinic Director, PT, DPT
Mandy Wilmes
PT, DPT, COMT
Grace Gualtieri
Physical Therapist
Lorinda Gaines
Front Office
Jeff Cowdry
OTR/L, CHT
Shannon Blum
PTA, ATC
Chris Casner
PT, Clinic Director
Jamie Baumer
PT, DPT, CMPT
Christine Rufkahr
PT, COMT, CSMT
Ashley Brown
Front Office
Tanya Stanek
Front Office
Bryan Chac
PT, DPT
David Grant
MPT, COMT, FAAOMPT
Megan Henderson
OTR/L, CHT
Jennifer Chura
Front Office
Brad Morr
PT, DPT
Emma Hanger
PT, DPT, LAT, ATC
Camri Pratt
MOT, OTR/L
Becky Reininger
Front Office
Danielle Nichols
Front Office
Anthony Pope
PT, DPT, CMPT
Stacey Cronovich
Front Office
Sabrina Schieffer
Front Office
Shelby Reynolds
Front Office
Angie Burkhead
Front Office
Dawn Szerszen
Front Office
Dari Clarke
Front Office

Locations

Begin Your Recovery Today

Injuries and pain shouldn’t keep you from moving and doing the things you love.