How are shoulder injuries cause problems returning to work?

The shoulder injury I suffered about 15 years ago was just a minor sprain. It healed up within about a month. Other times, shoulder injuries are more serious. One of the most common types of shoulder injuries I see is a rotator cuff tear. This type of injury often requires a surgery to repair the tear.

What should I do if I have a shoulder injury?

Lifting and working overhead may need to be restricted Suitable Duties – Shoulder Work at waist height, close to body. Bring work to body, rather than reaching. Limit loads lifted – depends on position of upper limb, the higher the lift the lighter the weight lifted

When to take time off work with a rotator cuff injury?

You may need to take several weeks off work, particularly if you have an operation to repair a tear. There are some things that may make a rotator cuff injury more likely. If you’re over 60, you’re more likely to develop this type of injury. This is because you’ve had more wear and tear on your shoulder joint than younger people.

Can you get a light duty job after shoulder surgery?

Your employer can offer you a light duty job at any point. They can even offer you a light duty job when the doctor has recommended surgery. The important question is whether the job offered to you is suitable. In most circumstances, your treating doctor will decide whether the job is suitable.

What happens if my injury didn’t happen at work?

Answer: I’m sorry to hear of your injury. Your anxiety is natural—most people’s initial reaction to a disabling injury is the fear that they’ll never be able to work again and won’t be able to provide for their family. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration provides insurance against this type of situation.

Why does my shoulder hurt after rotator cuff surgery?

The most common causes of pain after rotator cuff surgery are (1) that the shoulder is still recovering from the surgery itself and (2) the shoulder has gotten stiff due to lack of movement.

When to not do rotator cuff strengthening exercises?

Lastly, if strengthening exercises are causing you pain, we recommend that you do not do the exercises over 60 degrees of elevation of the shoulder (Figure 4). This is because the rotator cuff begins to have increased stress above this level, and it can worsen the pain if the shoulder is irritated already.

Can a torn rotator cuff be a shoulder replacement?

Shoulder replacements for patients with rotator cuff tears can be successful but patient eligibility continues to change and evolve. Typically shoulder replacements are reserved for patients with torn rotator cuffs who also have arthritis of the shoulder joint.