Repetitive stress injuries or overuse injuries affect a significant part of the working population. According to the Centers for Disease Control, these conditions cost the economy around $100 billion in lost productivity each year. Statista reports that 51.4% of the adult working population saw a doctor for an RSI in 2021.
With such high prevalence rates, you need to ensure you know what to do in case you suffer a repetitive strain injury. One of the best things you can do is to see a worker’s comp doctor.
The leading directory for workers comp doctors in New York covers the benefits of seeing a worker’s compensation doctor when you have an RSI.
What Are Repetitive Strain Injuries?
Repetitive strain injuries are musculoskeletal injuries that affect the muscles, nerves, and tendons following prolonged repetitive movements and forceful exertions. You’re likely to develop a repetitive strain injury in your wrists, arms, neck, and shoulders. Some of the most common examples of RSIs include:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendonitis
- Bursitis
- Rotator cuff syndrome
- Tennis elbow
Most RSI patients are people working in roles that require repetitive motions, the use of vibrating equipment, regular lifting and carrying, or working long hours while maintaining awkward postures.
Symptoms of Repetitive Strain Injuries
The most common repetitive strain injury symptoms include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Loss of strength and coordination
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain, tenderness, or dull aches around the affected area
These symptoms will appear gradually but will worsen over time. You may feel them when you’re using the affected part of the body. However, without treatment, the symptoms may become evident even when you’re at rest.
The Importance of Seeing a Worker’s Compensation Doctor to Help You Recover From Your Repetitive Strain Injury
If you’ve sustained an RSI at work, it’s in your best interest to seek medical attention from a healthcare provider with extensive experience dealing with worker’s compensation cases. Here’s how they can help you during the recovery process.
Accurate Diagnosis
When you start to experience any symptoms of an RSI, it’s important that you get an accurate diagnosis to determine the underlying cause of the condition and to measure its severity.
An experienced workers’ compensation doctor will conduct a complete evaluation, including a physical examination and a review of your medical history. They will order relevant diagnostic tests, such as MRIs, X-rays, and nerve conduction studies, to make an accurate diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment
After the doctor arrives at a diagnosis, they will develop a personalized treatment plan focused on alleviating your symptoms and restoring function in the affected body parts. Repetitive strain injury treatments may include all or some of the following:
- Rest and immobilization
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic care
- Working with an occupational therapist
- Use of over-the-counter pain medication
- Use of supportive devices
- Use of modalities, such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat and cold therapy, etc.
Care Coordination
Your workers’ compensation doctor will also serve as a central point of contact for your coordinated care if your injury warrants working with multiple healthcare providers.
Post-Treatment Rehabilitation
Following treatment, the workers’ compensation doctor will turn attention toward your rehabilitation and preparing you to return to work safely.
Some of the recommendations during this period may include making ergonomic changes to improve your posture while working, changing your work gear, varying your tasks, etc.
Compensation Documentation and Support
The workers’ compensation system can be daunting, especially when it comes to proving a repetitive stress injury, which can also happen if you play sports.
An experienced workers’ compensation doctor will also serve as an advocate for your rights, helping you to navigate the claims process and providing the documentation you need to claim benefits.
Find a Repetitive Strain Injury Doctor in New York
Are you looking for a workers’ compensation doctor experienced in treating repetitive injuries? We can help. Our doctors can treat common hand injuries and other types of RSIs.
Contact Workers Comp Doctors today at (888) 533-0870 to schedule a consultation.
Doctors listed in our directory accept most insurance plans, including workers’ compensation, no-fault, and PIP (personal injury protection). Same-day appointments may be available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Age Group Is Most at Risk of RSIs?
According to Statista, 61% of adults aged 65 and older will likely report RSI over a given year. Therefore, this group is most at risk.
Can I Prevent RSIs?
You can reduce the risk of RSIs by taking regular breaks, working in the proper posture at all times, and using ergonomic equipment.
How Soon Should I See a Workers’ Comp Doctor for RSI?
You should see a doctor immediately after you notice the first symptoms of repetitive strain injury.
