Work-Related Injuries
Work-related injuries and occupational overuse conditions can involve the back, neck, shoulders, wrists, or knees. Symptoms may start after a single incident or gradually over time due to repetitive tasks or poor ergonomics.
Our PM&R team focuses on accurate diagnosis, functional recovery, and safe return-to-work planning.
Symptom Onset & Initial Evaluation
Symptoms may include:
- Pain with repetitive tasks or lifting
- Stiffness, weakness, or reduced grip strength
- Numbness/tingling (when nerves are involved)
- Reduced tolerance for standing, sitting, or overhead work
Your provider will review job tasks, injury timeline, prior conditions, and functional limitations, and perform a targeted musculoskeletal and neurologic exam.
Diagnosis
Work-related injuries are evaluated through a combination of clinical assessment and targeted testing, with attention to both physical findings and job-related functional demands. Diagnostic evaluation may include:
- Comprehensive physical examination and functional assessment to evaluate strength, range of motion, and work-specific limitations
- Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, are performed when structural injury is suspected or symptoms persist
- Electrodiagnostic testing (EMG and nerve conduction studies) is performed when neuropathy or nerve compression is suspected
Treatment
Treatment for work-related injuries focuses on safe recovery, functional restoration, and a timely return to work. Management is individualized and may include:
- Physical therapy with job-specific conditioning to rebuild strength, endurance, and movement patterns relevant to work duties
- Ergonomic and workstation recommendations to reduce strain and prevent reinjury
- Activity restrictions with graded return-to-work planning to support recovery while maintaining productivity
- Medications or injections, when appropriate, to manage pain and inflammation
- Care coordination with occupational health and relevant specialists to align treatment with workplace requirements and recovery goals
Ongoing Management & Long-Term Care
Long-term management includes:
- Injury prevention education
- Long-term strengthening and flexibility program
- Follow-up to adjust restrictions and progress function safely