Knee injury at work FAQ

Learn what to do if you injure your knee at work, how to report the injury, what to expect at your GP appointment, and whether physiotherapy is covered by WorkCover Queensland. A practical guide for injured workers in Pimpama, Coomera, Ormeau and the Northern Gold Coast.

WORK INJURY | KNEE INJURY

What should I take to my GP appointment?

To help streamline your assessment, consider bringing:

• A description of how the injury occurred

• The date and time of the incident

• Employer contact details

• Any incident reports completed at work

• A list of current symptoms

• Details of any previous knee injuries

• Questions about treatment or rehabilitation

Having accurate information available can assist both your medical assessment and any workers' compensation claim.

Is physiotherapy covered by WorkCover Queensland?

If your WorkCover claim is accepted, approved physiotherapy treatment is generally covered by WorkCover Queensland and there are typically no out-of-pocket expenses for approved treatment.

At Restorativ Physiotherapy, we can often begin treatment while your claim is being reviewed so rehabilitation is not unnecessarily delayed. If a claim is ultimately declined, you may become responsible for treatment costs incurred.

How do I submit a WorkCover claim for a knee injury?

After notifying your employer and attending your GP appointment, you can lodge a claim with WorkCover Queensland by calling WorkCover Queensland or completing an online claim form and submitting the required documentation

WorkCover Queensland will then assess the claim and advise you of the outcome.

What is a Work Capacity Certificate?

A Work Capacity Certificate is completed by your treating doctor and outlines your diagnosis, your current work capacity, any work restrictions, recommended treatment and expected recovery timeframes. This document plays an important role in both claim management and return-to-work planning. It is important to ensure certificates remain current throughout your recovery.

Can I choose my own doctor or physiotherapist?

Yes. You are entitled to choose your own GP and physiotherapist when receiving treatment for a work-related knee injury. Many GPs have physiotherapists they regularly work alongside, however it is important that you feel comfortable with your treating team and that your physiotherapist has experience managing workplace injuries and rehabilitation. A big part of your recovery is the communications process between your GP, Physio, insurer and your workplace. At Restorativ Physio, we pride ourselves on timely and relevant communications across these groups to help support a coordinated and stress-free recovery

How do I know what type of knee injury I have?

The type of knee injury you have often depends on how the injury occurred, where the pain is located, and whether symptoms such as swelling, locking, or instability are present. Meniscus injuries commonly cause pain with twisting, squatting, or locking of the knee. Ligament injuries, such as ACL or MCL tears, often result in swelling and feelings of instability or the knee "giving way." Tendon injuries generally cause pain during walking, climbing stairs, or physical activity, while kneecap (patellar) injuries typically cause pain at the front of the knee. More severe injuries often involve significant swelling, instability, or difficulty weight-bearing, whereas milder strains and overuse injuries may cause pain but allow normal walking. A physiotherapy assessment can help identify the likely injury and determine whether further investigations such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI are required.

How do I know if I tore my ACL at work?

An ACL injury often occurs during twisting, pivoting, sudden changes of direction, or awkward landings. Many people report hearing or feeling a "pop" at the time of injury, followed by rapid swelling and a feeling that the knee may give way. A physiotherapy assessment and potentially an MRI can help confirm the diagnosis.

Do I have a meniscus tear?

A meniscus tear may cause pain along the inside or outside of the knee, swelling, clicking, catching, or locking sensations. Symptoms often worsen with squatting, twisting, or kneeling. Not all meniscus tears require surgery, and physiotherapy can often play an important role in recovery.

Why is my knee locking after a workplace injury?

Locking can occur when damaged cartilage or a torn meniscus interferes with normal knee movement. Some people experience complete locking where the knee cannot fully straighten, while others notice occasional catching or stiffness. Persistent locking should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

Why does my knee keep giving way?

A knee that gives way can be caused by ligament injuries, muscle weakness, swelling, pain, or reduced muscle control. ACL injuries are a common cause of instability, but other conditions can produce similar symptoms. A physiotherapy assessment can help determine the cause.

Why is my knee swollen after a work injury?

Swelling is a common response to injury and may occur following ligament damage, cartilage injuries, meniscus tears, fractures, or significant bruising. Swelling can develop immediately or over several hours after the incident and may affect movement and strength.

Do I need an MRI for my knee injury?

Not necessarily. Many knee injuries can be accurately assessed through a detailed history and physical examination. Your GP or physiotherapist may recommend an MRI if they suspect a ligament injury, meniscus tear, cartilage damage, or if symptoms are not improving as expected.

Can a knee injury get worse if I keep working?

In some cases, continuing normal duties can aggravate symptoms and delay recovery. This is particularly true if your job involves lifting, kneeling, squatting, climbing, repetitive movements, or prolonged standing. Early assessment can help determine whether modifications or restrictions are needed.

How long does a workplace knee injury take to recover?

Recovery times vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. Minor sprains may improve within a few weeks, while ligament injuries, meniscus tears, or post-surgical recoveries can take several months. Your physiotherapist can provide a more accurate timeframe following assessment.

When should I see a physiotherapist after a knee injury?

The sooner the better. Early assessment can help identify the nature of the injury, reduce pain and swelling, improve recovery, and provide guidance on work capacity, activity modification, and rehabilitation. Early treatment is often associated with better outcomes and faster return to normal activities.

Can physiotherapy help me avoid knee surgery?

In some cases, yes. Many knee conditions respond well to physiotherapy, including certain meniscus injuries, ligament sprains, patellofemoral pain, tendon injuries, and early arthritis. A physiotherapist can assess your condition and determine whether conservative management is appropriate before surgical options are considered.

Will I need surgery or specialist input for my knee injury?

Not necessarily. Many workplace knee injuries, including mild ligament sprains, tendon injuries, kneecap pain, and some meniscus injuries, can be successfully managed with physiotherapy and activity modification. However, more significant injuries such as ACL tears, complex meniscus tears, fractures, persistent instability, or knees that repeatedly lock may require review by an orthopaedic specialist.

Your physiotherapist can help identify whether specialist assessment is likely to be beneficial based on your symptoms, examination findings, response to treatment, and any imaging results. If required, we can communicate with your GP and assist with referrals to appropriate knee specialists to ensure you receive the right care at the right time. Early assessment often helps determine whether surgery is necessary or whether a structured rehabilitation program is likely to achieve a successful outcome without surgery.

Do you have experience managing workplace knee injuries?

Yes. At Restorativ Physiotherapy, we regularly treat workplace knee injuries across Pimpama, Coomera, Ormeau, Hope Island and the surrounding Northern Gold Coast region. Our physiotherapists have extensive experience managing acute knee injuries, meniscus injuries, ligament injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, persistent knee pain, work-related overuse injuries, return-to-work rehabilitation

We work closely with GPs, employers, WorkCover Queensland, rehabilitation providers and specialists to help support optimal recovery outcomes. Each patient is allocated a primary physiotherapist who coordinates treatment, progress reporting and communication with the broader treatment team.