Pennsylvania Attorney Discusses Job-Related Rotator Cuff Injuries
Your rotator cuff is composed of several muscles and tendons that keep your arm fastened in the shoulder socket. If you’re a painter, carpenter, construction worker or warehouse employee, you may endure hours of repetitive lifting, reaching, and extending your arms. You may have been doing it for years without any issue. After a while, you may notice some discomfort. That’s because repetitive, overhead use of your arms can eventually wear away at the connective tissue encompassing your shoulder.
Signs of a rotator cuff injury
Initially, a rotator cuff injury can manifest through mild discomfort that comes and goes. If ignored, it can turn into acute pain and perpetual discomfort. In some cases, a rotator cuff injury caused by heavy lifting can happen suddenly, resulting in a painful tear.
Unfortunately, many people who sustain rotator cuff injuries fail to identify them in the beginning, missing the opportunity to get them treated early on.
According to WebMD, there are two ways rotator cuff injuries can occur:
- A partial tear: The tendon in the upper part of the shoulder can be compromised by a partial tear.
- A complete tear: The tendon in the upper shoulder completely disconnected from the bone or the tissue itself tears.
The symptoms of a rotator cuff injury often include:
- Difficulty with raising or moving your arm
- Limited range of motion
- Weakness in the impacted arm
- Clicking or popping sounds in your shoulder with movement
- Shoulder pain with certain movements
- Disrupted sleep due to pain and discomfort
The recovery process
As soon as you recognize the signs of a rotator cuff injury, it’s crucial that you notify your employer and see a doctor as soon as possible. Rotator cuff injuries are often diagnosed through MRIs, X-rays, and a physical evaluation of your shoulder.
Recovering from a partial tear may require physical therapy, pain medication, and several months away from work. If you sustained a complete tear, you may need to undergo surgery.
The costly medical procedures and time spent away from work can be covered by workers’ compensation benefits. Getting these benefits isn’t as simple as you think. Filing a claim, filling out the paperwork, and securing supporting documents shouldn’t be done without the help of an experienced attorney.
You can trust Vellner Law, PC to help guide you through the process. We proudly help injured workers in Pennsylvania recover from shoulder injuries and other repetitive stress injuries. Contact us today to discuss your options.