Your Ultimate Guide to WSIB, Physiotherapy & Getting Back on Track

Hurt on the Job? WSIB Has Your Back

Getting injured at work is more than just a bad day. It can leave you in pain, off the job, and unsure of what to do next. 

But here’s the good news: if you’re injured while working in Ontario, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) can help you recover and return to work—without drowning in paperwork or medical bills.

Whether you’re looking for WSIB physiotherapy in North York, wondering how the WSIB claim process works, or just want help recovering from a workplace injury in Toronto, this guide is here to walk you through everything—step by step.

You’ll learn:

• What WSIB is and how it works
  
• Who qualifies for WSIB benefits
  
• How to file a WSIB claim in Ontario
  
• What injuries are covered
  
• How Stay Active Rehabilitation can support your recovery
  
• What to expect during your first physiotherapy visit
  

Let’s make recovery feel less overwhelming—and a lot more possible.

What Is WSIB and Why Does It Matter?

WSIB stands for Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. It’s a program in Ontario that supports workers who get injured or sick because of their job. Funded by employers (not by workers or the public), WSIB is your safety net if the unexpected happens at work.

Here’s how WSIB helps:

• Pays for medical treatments like physiotherapy
  
• Replaces some of your lost income
  
• Supports your safe return to work
  
• Helps with long-term recovery planning

If your work caused or contributed to your injury, WSIB is here to make sure you’re not left to figure it all out alone.

Do You Qualify for WSIB Benefits?

Not sure if WSIB applies to you? Here’s who can qualify: 

✅ You work for a WSIB-covered employer in Ontario (most are!)
✅ Your injury or illness is connected to your job
✅ You report your injury within 6 months
✅ You participate in your recovery and treatment plan

WSIB covers full-time, part-time, seasonal, temporary, and even trainee workers. If your job played a role in your injury, there’s a good chance you’re covered.

How the WSIB Claims Process Works 

Step 1: Get Medical Help

Visit a walk-in clinic, hospital, or WSIB-approved clinic like Stay Active Rehabilitation. Tell them your injury is work-related.

Step 2: Report the Injury to Your Employer

Let your manager or supervisor know right away. Your employer will also need to file a report with WSIB to keep your claim moving forward.

Step 3: File Your Form 6

This is where you officially tell WSIB what happened. You can fill out Form 6 online at the WSIB website or get help at a clinic like Stay Active Rehabilitation.

Step 4: Employer Submits Form 7

Your employer must also submit their version of the report, explaining the incident from their end.

Step 5: WSIB Reviews the Claim

WSIB looks at the medical report, your version, your employer’s version, and decides whether the injury qualifies for benefits. 

Step 6: Start Your Recovery Plan

Once approved, WSIB covers your physiotherapy, treatment sessions, and any needed services to get you back to work.

What Are the Most Common Injuries That Happen at Work?

Workplace injuries don’t just happen in high-risk jobs. Even office and retail workers face serious pain and injuries every day. 

Here are the most frequent injuries covered by WSIB Toronto and across Ontario:

1. Slips, Trips, and Falls

These can lead to broken bones, sprains, or long-lasting pain.

2. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)

Typing, lifting, or repeating the same motion daily can damage muscles and joints.

3. Back and Shoulder Injuries

From heavy lifting to poor posture—these injuries are incredibly common (and painful).

4. Cuts and Lacerations

Sharp tools, machines, or even office supplies can cause deep cuts or long-term damage.

5. Head Injuries and Concussions

Falls or being struck by equipment can lead to serious brain injuries—even if symptoms show up later.

👉 Did You Know? WSIB handles over 220,000 injury claims every year. You’re not alone in this.

How Physiotherapy Helps You Recover with WSIB

Once your WSIB claim is approved, physiotherapy is often one of the first treatments covered—and it’s essential to your recovery. 

Physiotherapy helps you heal faster, move better, and feel stronger—without invasive treatments. Restoring your strength, flexibility, and mobility, and building the endurance you need to safely return to work and daily life.

Why Choose Stay Active Rehabilitation for Your WSIB Recovery

Here’s why workers across Toronto and North York trust Stay Active with their WSIB recovery:

WSIB Direct Billing

No surprise bills! We handle the billing directly with WSIB so you can focus on healing.

Full Assessments & Goal-Tracking

We start with a comprehensive assessment to understand your injury. Then we track your progress every session, adjusting your care as you heal.

WSIB-approved treatment plan

We follow WSIB treatment guidelines to build a plan that matches your job’s physical demands, your recovery timeline, and WSIB documentation requirements—ensuring a safe, confident return to work.

Work Simulation & Preparation Program

We incorporate job-specific simulations and movement-focused activities to help you rebuild physical capacity and prepare mentally for your return.

Ready to start your recovery? 

📞 Call to book: 416-634-0005
🖱️ Click here to book online
📍 Visit us in North York or Downtown Toronto

What to Expect During Your First WSIB Physiotherapy Visit

If this is your first time navigating the WSIB process, take a deep breath—you’re in the right place. Here’s how your initial WSIB physiotherapy visit at Stay Active Rehabilitation will go:

Book Your Initial WSIB Assessment 

Your first appointment focuses on understanding you—not just your injury, but your job, lifestyle, goals, and concerns.

During this session, our Expert Physiotherapist will do:

• A one-on-one consultation to understand how your injury happened and how it’s affecting your work and life
  
• A full physical assessment (mobility, strength, posture, and job-specific movement screening)
  
• Personalized goal setting based on your job and recovery timeline
  
• A clear, step-by-step plan for what comes next

What to Bring to Your Appointment

• WSIB Claim Number (you’ll receive this after your claim is approved)
  
• Referral paperwork, if you were sent by a doctor, specialist, or WSIB case manager
  

Not sure if your claim is approved yet? No problem. Call us and we’ll guide you through what to do next.

Bonus: Your FREE 20-Minute Consultation

Still deciding? Not ready to commit? That’s okay!

Take advantage of our FREE 20-minute consultation with one of our expert physiotherapists. And get answers to your questions about WSIB physiotherapy, and honest advice about your recovery.

🖱️ Book your free consultation today and get back to living pain-free.

You Deserve to Heal—and We’re Here to Help

You’re not just a case number. You’re a worker, a parent, a teammate—and you deserve to feel strong, safe, and supported again.

Don’t wait to start the WSIB process. The sooner you act, the sooner you heal—and we’ll be with you every step of the way. 

Click to book your appointment with Stay Active Rehabilitation
📞 Phone: (416) 634-0005
📩 Email: info@stayactiverehab.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What health conditions can you treat?

Some of the health conditions our healthcare professionals can help with include the following: Workplace injuries, Sports injuries, Traumatic brain injuries, Motor vehicle accidents, Workplace accidents, and Chronic pain symptoms. 

Do I need a doctor’s referral to start WSIB physiotherapy?
Nope—not always! If your claim is approved and you have a claim number, we can get started right away.

How often do I need to come in?
That depends on your injury. Most of our patients begin with 1–3 visits per week, and we adjust based on your progress.

Can you help me recover without surgery?
Yes. Many of our clients recover fully through non-invasive physiotherapy.