Getting injured at either work or home isn’t something that we plan for, but is very important that we take an active role in our recovery.

It is about working with your health practitioner to speed up your recovery, so that you can get back to doing the things you enjoy the most – spending time with friends and family, being happy and healthy.

Physical injuries such as a bad low back, knees or even a sore wrist for example, can take many months, even years to recover from. Most injuries resolve within 6-8 weeks, but it is very important in the early stages of your injury that you seek professional help from your chosen GP, Chiropractor, Osteopath, Physiotherapist or Myotherapist.

But that may not be all that is required. It is important that you ask questions. It is important that your health practitioner runs the appropriate tests if it looks like you may be off work or home duties for any period of time.

Don’t hesitate to ask your health practitioner to have an X-ray taken, or another scan. It might be important to even seek a referral to a specialist if the problem persists.

If it’s worrying you, and it doesn’t ‘feel right’, it’s important that you ask for further tests or a referral.

There are so many tests available today from X-rays, Ultrasound, CT scans, MRI scans, Nuclear medicine scans, nerve conduction studies, blood tests… and many other tests all designed to provide your practitioner with a more accurate clinical picture.

Most tests are covered by Medicare, so make sure you ask whether the test can be bulk billed. Some scans such as MRI scans do cost money, but sometimes they are very important tools in the diagnosis of your condition.

The earlier your condition is diagnosed, the quicker it can be treated and the faster you will recover in most instances. If you are waiting to see a specialist and it is taking more than a few weeks, ask your doctor for another recommendation. You don’t have to wait months in most circumstances.

Take an active role in your care.

It is your body, it is your health and you have a right to ask questions.