What Causes Work Injuries?
Physical therapists often encounter a variety of work-related injuries, which can result from repetitive tasks, poor ergonomic conditions, lifting heavy objects, slips, trips, and falls, among other factors.
At Cypress Physical Therapy, we specialize in addressing back pain, leveraging our expertise to provide targeted solutions. Some common work-related injuries that our Cypress PT therapists see include:
- Musculoskeletal injuries: These include strains, sprains, tendonitis, and overuse injuries affecting various parts of the body such as the back, neck, shoulders, wrists, and knees. These injuries can result from repetitive motions, awkward postures, or heavy lifting.
- Cumulative trauma disorders: Conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), and rotator cuff injuries can develop over time due to repetitive movements or prolonged exposure to ergonomic risk factors.
- Back injuries: These can range from muscle strains and herniated discs to spinal stenosis and degenerative disc disease. Back injuries often occur due to lifting heavy objects incorrectly, poor posture, or prolonged sitting or standing in awkward positions.
- Work-related accidents: Traumatic injuries such as fractures, dislocations, and soft tissue injuries can occur as a result of slips, trips, falls, or being struck by objects in the workplace.
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping individuals recover from work-related injuries and return to work safely and efficiently. Treatment approaches may include:
01
Pain management
Utilizing various techniques such as manual therapy, modalities (e.g., heat, cold, electrical stimulation), and therapeutic exercises to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing for improved function and mobility.
02
Functional rehabilitation
Designing individualized exercise programs to restore strength, flexibility, endurance, and coordination, focusing on tasks specific to the individual's job requirements and activities of daily living.
03
Ergonomic Assessment and Education
Evaluating workplace ergonomics and providing guidance on proper body mechanics, posture, and workstation setup to prevent future injuries and promote optimal biomechanics.
04
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and massage to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote tissue healing.
05
Work Conditioning or Simulated Work Tasks
Incorporating job-specific tasks and activities into therapy sessions to simulate work demands and prepare individuals for a safe and successful return to their job duties.
06
Injury Prevention Education
Providing education on injury prevention strategies, including proper lifting techniques, stretching exercises, and self-care practices to reduce the risk of re-injury and promote long-term musculoskeletal health.
Our philosophy revolves around being leaders in rehabilitation. We are dedicated to helping you reclaim a pain-free life, enabling you to return to the activities you love. Don't let back pain limit you – let us guide you on the path to a healthier, more active you.