Work-Related Injuries
Work Injury Expertise
Our team has extensive experience working within the workers’ compensation system and understands the specific requirements for documentation, reporting, and coordination with all parties involved in your care.
Understanding Workers’ Compensation Workers’ compensation (workers comp for short) is specialty insurance designed to protect you from losing income in the event you incur a work-related injury. The compensation claim often covers medical expenses related to the injury as well as lost income replacement. Contact your employer for more information.
Work-Related Injury Services
Throughout your recovery, we keep your employer, insurer, and case manager up to date on your treatment plan and progress – with a focus on getting you back to work as quickly and safely as possible. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just your injury, but also the unique challenges of work-related recovery.
Diagnosis & Treatment
Comprehensive Evaluation and Treatment Thorough assessment and expert treatment of all types of work-related orthopedic injuries using the latest diagnostic techniques and treatment approaches.
Advanced Surgical Treatment Options Access to the full spectrum of advanced surgical interventions, ensuring you receive the most appropriate care.
Pain Management Specialized pain management techniques to help you remain comfortable and functional during your recovery process.
Work-Specific Rehabilitation Physical therapy programs are specifically designed to restore the physical capabilities needed for your particular job requirements.
Ergonomic Assessment and Education Evaluation of your work environment and activities with recommendations for modifications to prevent re-injury.
Work-Related Injury Support
Professional Communication Complete correspondence with referring physicians, ensuring seamless communication and coordinated care throughout your treatment process.
Detailed Work Status Reports Comprehensive reporting that clearly documents your condition, treatment progress, and work capabilities for all parties involved in your workers’ compensation claim.
Customized Work Restrictions and Light Duty Recommendations Expert development of specific work restrictions that protect your healing while allowing for productive work activity when appropriate.
Common Work Injuries
Back injuries account for more than a third of workers’ comp claims, but shoulder and knee injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome are also major contributors. Our specialists have extensive experience treating the full spectrum of work-related orthopedic conditions.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Back Injuries The most common work-related injuries include herniated discs, muscle strains, and spinal compression injuries from lifting, bending, and repetitive motions.
Shoulder Injuries Rotator cuff tears, impingement, and other shoulder problems resulting from overhead work, lifting, and repetitive arm movements.
Knee Injuries Ligament tears, meniscus damage, and degenerative changes from prolonged kneeling, climbing, and physical demands of various occupations.
Repetitive Motion Injuries
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Nerve compression in the wrist from repetitive hand and wrist motions common in office work, manufacturing, and manual labor.
Tendinitis and Overuse Injuries Inflammation of tendons and soft tissues from repetitive work activities affecting various body parts, including elbows, wrists, and shoulders.
Traumatic Work Injuries
Fractures and Breaks Bone fractures resulting from falls, machinery accidents, and other workplace trauma require specialized orthopedic treatment.
Sprains and Strains Ligament and muscle injuries from sudden movements, falls, or overexertion during work activities.
Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries
- Overexertion - Injuries from lifting, pushing, pulling, or performing tasks that place too much physical strain on the body.
- Falling from heights - Accidents involving ladders, roofs, scaffolds, or other elevated areas where a worker loses balance or footing.
- Repetitive motion - Gradual injuries caused by repeating the same movements, such as typing, lifting, or assembly work.
- Automobile accidents - Injuries that occur while driving for work duties, including collisions or other roadway incidents.
- Collision/entanglement with machinery Injuries caused by contact with equipment, tools, or moving parts.
- Falling objects - Injuries from items dropping from shelves, overhead storage, or elevated work areas.
- Slipping or tripping - Injuries due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, or cluttered walkways that cause a loss of footing.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP TOWARDS BETTER MOBILITY
SAY GOODBYE TO PAIN,
HELLO TO POSSIBILITIES
Tips for Avoiding Work-Related Injuries
Workplace Safety Practices
- Know your company's policies and procedures - Follow all safety rules and emergency protocols.
- Dress appropriately - Avoid loose clothing that could get caught in equipment.
- Wear eye and ear protection - Use safety gear when needed to prevent injury.
- Practice safe driving - Keep your vehicle maintained and follow traffic rules.
- Follow directions when operating machinery - Stick to instructions and safety guidelines.
- Use non-slip floor coverings - Prevent slips and falls in work areas.
Physical Health and Body Mechanics
- Use proper lifting techniques - Bend your knees and keep your back straight to avoid strain.
- Include stretching and strength training - Maintain flexibility and muscle support to prevent injuries.
- Know your body’s limits - Avoid overexertion and take breaks as needed.
- Use correct form when typing or using machinery - Reduce strain and repetitive motion injuries.
- Practice proper spinal posture - Keep your back aligned whether sitting, standing, or lifting.
- Do hand and wrist exercises - Help prevent carpal tunnel and repetitive strain injuries.
Get the Expert Work Injury Care You Deserve
If you have been hurt while on the job, you are likely experiencing worry and fear – in addition to pain from the injury itself. At Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin (OHOW), our goal is to make you feel the best you can in every way. You’ll receive unusually compassionate care from our staff who understand the unique challenges of work-related injuries.
Why Choose OHOW for Your Work Injury:
- Specialized expertise in work-related orthopedic injuries and workers' compensation cases
- Compassionate care that addresses both your medical and personal concerns
- Seamless coordination with all parties involved in your workers' compensation claim
- Return-to-work focus with customized rehabilitation and work conditioning programs
- Proven success in helping injured workers return to productive careers
- Complete documentation and reporting for your workers' compensation requirements
- Comprehensive treatment from initial injury through successful return to work
Contact Orthopaedic Hospital of Wisconsin today to schedule your evaluation and begin your path to recovery. Our work injury specialists are ready to provide the expert, compassionate care you need to get back to work and back to your life.