The Insurance Commission of WA has contributed $200,000 to a program of research into recovery from serious vehicle or workplace injuries.

Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can apply for grants under the 18-month program, co-ordinated by the Australian Physiotherapy Association, Occupational Therapy Australia and other research foundations.

“This is a great example of a government-owned insurer funding a program that delivers real value to seriously injured workers and road accident survivors,” Physiotherapy Association National President Phil Calvert said. “Physios are experts at managing complex injury rehabilitation for their clients and helping them reintegrate back into work and social routines.

“Funding new research to support this is going to make a big difference to the lives of many injured people in WA.”

The state insurer paid for almost 100,000 sessions last year in which claimants saw allied health professionals including physiotherapists and occupational therapists.

“Effective rehabilitation delivered by allied health professionals can help people recover from injury more quickly and, consequently, reduce the cost of claims and the premiums paid by motorists and employers,” it says.