Occupational Health - Palm Beach County, FL

Think Before You Lift

I know most people know better, so why do they still use their backs instead of their heads to move heavy or awkward items? It's the tendency to want to get the obstacle out of the way as quickly as possible and the erroneous belief that you can manage anything you can lift that causes most back injuries. Sprains and strains of the back are the third major cause of activity limitation, superseded only by heart conditions and arthritis rheumatism conditions. There are estimates that well over a million men, women, and children suffer from back injuries each year, mainly because they lift without thinking. Prevention is the best way to avoid a back injury. However, if a strain or back injury should occur, no matter how minor, it's wise to visit a doctor of physical medicine and rehabilitation immediately. Spinal problems must not be neglected as they can cause or contribute to disorders which appear in many other parts of the body.

Worker's Reconditioning Program

Work related injuries have been growing at an alarming rate. A reconditioning program can bridge the gap between the medical system and the industrial community. An injured worker who has been off work for an extended period of time may have experienced de-conditioning, fear of re-injury, and an increased focus on pain. Traditional treatment may not be effective. The goal of reconditioning is to provide the injured worker with a safe, smooth, transition back to the workforce. A work capacity evaluation includes assessment and evaluation by a physical therapist and an occupational therapist. A summary of each employee's current physical capacity is outlined. To assist in determining his or her potential for employment therapy is facilitated by the employee's active participation in the program to help strengthen, exercise, and rehabilitate the worker. Education in proper lifting and handling techniques is also used to increase the employee's understanding of factors which contribute to a successful recovery. A reconditioning program should provide you with clear, concise, and complete documentation. This should include weekly progress reports, retesting and comparison between physical capacity and job demand, and independent medical evaluation.

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