Workplace Injuries

Injuries are never ideal but being injured at work can be a real pain, in multiple ways whether it’s physical, mentally, or financially. Injuries can happen in any profession, although is more common in jobs with increased physical demands.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor defines MSDs as the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and disorders when the event or exposure leading to the case is a bodily reaction (e.g., bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting), overexertion, or repetitive motion. Examples of MSDs include:

• Sprains, strains, and tears

• Low back pain

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Hernia

• Tennis Elbow

There are on average 8 days of missed work due to an injury, costing employers billions of dollars each year for medical care for employees. However, studies have shown that early physical therapy intervention can get you feeling better more quickly than prolonging seeking treatment.

According to a report released by the Workers Compensation Research Institute, getting physical therapy for low back pain within 14 days of injury is associated with significant reductions in the use and costs of medical services such as MRIs, opioid prescriptions, pain management injections, and low back surgery. Compared with patients who received physical therapy within three days of injury, those who initiated physical therapy more than 30 days after injury were 47% more likely to have an MRI, 46% more likely to be prescribed opioids, 29% more likely to receive injections for pain management, and 89% more likely to have back surgery.

How can physical therapy help? Physical therapists are experts in movement and understand each injury is different, as well as specific job duties. During your first appointment, the physical therapist will take the time to hear how you were injured and evaluate your symptoms, strength, and range of motion. Upon forming a diagnosis, they will work closely with you and your doctor to help decrease your pain, strengthen your body, and get you back to work as soon as possible pain-free with a job-specific rehab program in mind. Your journey will typically begin with an individual-based treatment to resolve the symptoms related to the specific injury while being provided a movement exercise program to restore range of motion, mobility, and strength. The final phase of recovery is to transition into a work conditioning/strengthening program to prepare the person/body for return-to-work demands, depending on the occupation requirements. This will ensure full recovery and minimize re-injury concerns with transitioning back to a demanding physical job.

If you’re injured, don’t wait to seek treatment so you can get back to work and your activities more quickly without having pain! Contact us today to get started.

Tennis Elbow

The In’s and Out’s of Elbow Pain

Did you know that there are two well-known repetitive strain injuries common in the elbow? One is Tennis elbow and the other is Golfer’s elbow and they are not restricted to those who play tennis or golf. In both of these conditions’ tendon damage causes soreness and/or pain around the elbow. In this article we will be focusing on Tennis elbow, in which symptoms are noted on the outside of the elbow or the lateral epicondyle. The symptoms of tennis elbow are noticeable when the palm is turned upward. When damage occurs to these tendons in the forearm makes wrist movements and forearm rotation painful and can limit day to day activities.

Tennis elbow is considered a repetitive movement injury. The name is derived from repetitive movements that commonly occur when playing tennis. In fact, any repetitive movement from consistent turning and twisting can cause tennis elbow. Examples include working on an industrial machine, desk job, and other sports. Sometimes, tennis elbow can actually be caused by a direct blow to the tendons of the elbow area.

Did you know that a physical therapist can help relieve pain and restore motion and strength to the arm, wrist, fingers, and elbow? Our therapists can help you with the recovery as well as injury prevention and future recurrences of tennis elbow.

Your physician may recommend prescription medication to reduce pain and inflammation. The physical therapist will work closely with the physician to improve circulation, promote healing and help restore full function as quickly as possible.

If you or someone you know has pain in your forearm that interferes with daily activities, ask your physician if physical therapy is right for you. You can also contact us directly at In Touch Physical Therapy and we'll be happy to schedule an appointment right away.

At In Touch Physical Therapy, we will design an exercise program that is geared towards your specific needs, abilities and goals and help you. Don't suffer with the constant pain and restrictions of tennis elbow anymore. Contact our office today at 507-451-7888. Our goal is to help you. We'll be your ticket to a speedy recovery.

Repetitive Strain Injury

The rule of thumb for a repetitive strain injury (RSI) is to reduce further strain and rest the limb that may be tingling, numb or hurting. It is important to identify the symptoms as early as possible and seek help.

It is very common for athletes, musicians and writers to ignore the symptoms of a RSI. In order to prevent further injury and the resulting disability of RSI, it is best to seek the advice of a physical therapist.

Prevention Tips

If you are engaged in ongoing, repetitive activity on the job or during sports and recreational activities, it is important to rest periodically from the task and take note of the following:

• Massage the limbs and joints

• Stretch the muscles

• Maintain hydration

• Look for signs of overuse

• If symptoms get worse, seek a physical therapist without delay

Physical Therapy Treatment

Conservative physical therapy management includes the following:

• Strengthening the limbs and joints

• Postural retraining

• Bracing with the use of splints and wrist pads

• Ergonomic intervention

• Psychosocial rehabilitation

Identify, Prevent, and Manage Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Ask Your Physical Therapist How!

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) occurs as a result of overuse or misuse of the body and it generally affects the upper extremities. It has been reported that approximately 60% of all occupational injuries can be attributed to RSI. This causes a significant decrease in productivity on a personal and professional level.

Causes

RSI usually occur in the fingers, elbows and wrists. The wrist joint experiences a great deal of stress as it is constantly used to perform simple tasks such as writing and typing. RSI is also quite common with musicians due to repetitive hand movements. 

 Symptoms:

The stress placed on the soft tissue (muscles, tendons, nerves, arteries and veins) of the extremities results in compression or entrapment as a result of inflammation. Common symptoms include:

• Tingling

• Pain

• Stiff achy joints

• Intermittent numbness

If left untreated, these symptoms can lead to serious conditions such as: 

• Carpal tunnel syndrome CTS

• Tendonitis

• Tenosynovitis

• Ganglionic cysts

We Will Get You Back on Track... Always

The goal of physical therapy in RSI is to reduce pain, improve motion and restore strength. Since RSI is a chronic injury and develops over time (and is often ignored in the early stages), a physical therapy rehabilitation program is essential.

It provides a long-term solution to prevent further injury and regain quality of life. As your physical therapists, we know that daily life comes with its fair share of stress, and we don't want you to have to deal with yet another source of (physical) stress in the form of RSI. At In Touch Physical Therapy, we are here to help you, and are committed to help you get better, faster.

Call us today at (507)-451-7888 to learn how we can help you recover from RSI and get you back on track with your job, and your life.