Repetitive Motion Injuries May Be More Serious than You Think

Job duties that require you to repeat the same motions can make you vulnerable to serious injury. Although a particular motion does not seem like it could cause harm on its own, repeating it continually could put significant strain on your muscles, joints, or tendons.

A repetitive motion injury can cause severe chronic pain and interfere with your ability to work. Here are some of the most important things that you should know about these difficult injuries.

Treatment May Be Complex

An injury that happens over time usually has no quick fix. Ongoing medical treatment may be necessary to prevent an injury from worsening. Occupational therapy may help you preserve your range of motion and avoid aggravating your injury. In some rare cases, people need surgery to correct the issue.

You May Be Eligible for Workers’ Compensation

Some people assume that workers’ compensation only applies to accidents. However, a repetitive motion injury that you sustain on the job will probably entitle you to make a workers’ compensation claim.

You May Need to Petition for Reasonable Accommodation

If you have a repetitive motion injury, it probably does not make sense to resume the activity that caused your injury after your symptoms improve. You may benefit from making a reasonable accommodation request to change the scope of your job duties or use special equipment.

Ignoring repetitive motion injuries is likely to make them worse. Even if you have concerns about how dealing with an injury will affect your employment, put your health first.