Did you know that in 2022 alone, nearly 2.8 million Americans suffered a work-related injury? No one wants to be injured in the workplace, but it does happen. However, understanding common workplace injuries can be the first step in preventing them.
Many people associate workplace injuries with notoriously dangerous jobs like construction or working on an oil rig. In reality, workplace injuries can happen anywhere, and some of the most injury-prone jobs might surprise you.
At Alpine Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, our physical therapists have extensive knowledge of common workplace injuries. They can guide you through a customized rehabilitation program so you can get back to your daily life quickly and effectively.
Keep reading to learn more about the injuries sustained on the job and why they happen. Already suffered an accident? Schedule an appointment at our Arvada, CO clinic to get started!
What Are Some Common Workplace Injuries?
Different jobs will lead to different types of injuries. An office worker sitting at a desk will have different risks than a cashier at a cash register. Both will have different risks than someone working with heavy machinery.
That said, here are the three leading causes of workplace injuries that require emergency treatment, according to the CDC:
- Contact with objects or equipment
- Overexertion
- Falls, slips, and trips
What can happen as a result of these causes? Major musculoskeletal injuries might include…
- Bone fractures
- Damage to your soft tissue (muscles, tendons, or ligaments)
- Concussions
- Crushing accidents
However, sudden injuries aren’t the only kind you’re at risk for. At Alpine Physical Therapy and Sports Performance, we actually work with a significant number of patients who suffered work-related overuse injuries. Overuse injuries develop over time, usually due to repetitive motions or awkward postures.
These injuries might not land you in the emergency room, but they do cause pain and restricted mobility, making it difficult for you to do your job. Here are some examples:
- A barista who develops elbow pain due to forcefully tamping down on espresso
- A hairstylist who develops carpal tunnel syndrome due to the small hand movements required to use hair styling equipment
- A plumber who develops lower back pain due to frequent twisting and bending over
The Role of Physical Therapy in Treating Workplace Injuries
The Alpine Physical Therapy and Sports Performance team can help with common workplace injuries in a couple of ways.
If you suffer a severe injury, our therapists are here to guide you through your rehabilitation. In the early stages, we can help with pain management and mobility. As you improve, we’ll strengthen the affected body part and guide you through personalized functional training. We’ll also let you know when you can return to work or other favorite activities.
However, we’re also available if you notice persistent pain or discomfort while on the job. This is usually a sign of an overuse injury, and while it might qualify you for worker’s comp, you will want to address it before it causes a more severe injury. We’ll assess your symptoms and create a customized treatment plan to address the current injury and prevent future ones from occurring.
No matter your needs, our team is here to help. To find out how physical therapy can benefit you, request an appointment today.
