If you’ve ever suffered an injury at work, then you know how challenging recovery can be. Fortunately, treating work-related injuries isn’t something you have to do alone. Our physical therapists can help guide you through the entire rehabilitation process as safely and effectively as possible.
The physical therapists at Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy have the knowledge and expertise to identify and treat various workplace injuries, from carpal tunnel syndrome to lower back injuries. We use a combination of hands-on techniques, exercises, and education to manage your symptoms and resolve the issues that contributed to your injury in the first place.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a work-related injury, our Redondo Beach clinic can help! Today, we want to explore two examples illustrating our approach to treating work-related injuries. Let’s dive in!
Treating Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Sarah was a dedicated administrative assistant who spent hours each day typing on her computer. Over time, she noticed a tingling sensation in her fingers and pain in her wrist. As her symptoms worsened, Sarah’s work tasks became much more difficult. She eventually learned she had developed carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition caused by pressure on the median nerve in her wrist–and one of the more common work-related injuries.
Here’s How We Helped Sarah
- Used manual therapy techniques to help reduce inflammation and pain in Sarah’s wrist and hand
- Showed Sarah simple, targeted exercises to strengthen her wrist and hand muscles, relieve pressure on the nerve, and improve her mobility
- Suggested ergonomic adjustments to Sarah’s workstation to help her keep her wrists in a neutral position, minimizing compression on her nerve
Through consistent physical therapy sessions, Sarah’s carpal tunnel syndromes gradually decreased. She regained strength in her hand and wrist, and her range of motion improved significantly. With the therapist’s guidance, Sarah learned how to manage her symptoms and prevent future flare-ups.
Treating A Work-Related Back Injury
Kyle was a hardworking construction worker who developed a severe back injury while lifting some heavy sheets of drywall. He immediately felt a burst of pain in his lower back–and it was severe enough that his supervisor sent him home. When the pain didn’t subside, Kyle visited Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy, where we confirmed he had suffered a lumbar strain–a tear in his back muscles.
Treating an injury like Kyle’s requires a comprehensive approach.
Here’s How We Helped Kyle’s Work-Related Injury
- Performed a thorough assessment to understand the extent of his injury and determine any underlying factors that contributed to it–which in this case included a weak core and some muscular imbalances
- Used manual therapy techniques like soft tissue manipulation to reduce muscle tightness and improve blood flow to his injured back, helping to reduce pain and facilitate healing
- Targeted exercises to strengthen his core, which helps to support and stabilize his spine
- Taught Kyle proper lifting techniques and posture adjustment to help reduce strain on his back
While Kyle’s rehabilitation took several weeks, it proved effective. It helped decrease his pain levels and improve his mobility and strength in his lower back. Soon enough, he was back on the job–this time with the knowledge to avoid another back strain.
How Can Peak Orthopedic Physical Therapy Help You Treat a Work-Related Injury?
Carpal tunnel syndrome and back strains are far from the only work injuries our Redondo Beach physical therapists can address. We’ve also helped people rehabilitate after the following:
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Sprains
- Overuse injuries, especially those in the upper extremities (like tennis elbow)
- Fractures
- And many more!
Treating work-related injuries is one of our specialties, and we strive to create personalized treatment plans that address your unique needs and concerns.
If you or someone you love has recently suffered a work injury, schedule an appionment
