Any workplace accident can seriously interfere with your life. While some injuries occur in a moment’s notice, others develop over time. These repetitive-use injuries, commonly referred to as WEAR and TEAR injuries, are often incredibly frustrating for workers who want to return to work but can’t get rid of the nagging symptoms of the injury.
Rotator cuff pain and rotator cuff tendonitis are common injuries among workers whose jobs require they frequently lift objects over their head. While these injuries may not initially seem as serious as other types of workplace injuries, they can take a long time to heal and tend to worsen over time if left untreated. Thus, any worker experiencing rotator cuff pain should consider applying for workers’ compensation benefits so that they can get treatment for their injury and let it heal.
What Is Rotator Cuff Tendonitis?
Rotator cuff tendonitis occurs when the tendons around the shoulder joint become inflamed or irritated. Often, rotator cuff tendonitis develops over time. While anyone can develop rotator cuff tendonitis, the condition is most common in workers whose daily routines require lifting objects above their heads.
Symptoms of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
The first signs of rotator cuff tendonitis include stiffness and mild pain in the shoulder area. Initially, these symptoms will typically subside with rest. However, the symptoms often return, and when they do, they become more persistent. Other, more severe, symptoms of rotator cuff tendonitis include:
- Swelling in the shoulder and along the front of the arm;
- A clicking sound when raising the arm;
- Severe pain; and
- A loss of mobility in the affected shoulder.
Rotator cuff pain may not be excruciating at first. However, the symptoms can get much worse if not addressed.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis Recovery Time
Rotator cuff tendonitis recovery time ranges from a few weeks to several months or even longer. However, this assumes workers get the proper treatment and do not continue to use their shoulder. Once a worker notices shoulder pain, they should avoid all activities that cause the pain to worsen and apply ice to the affected areas three to four times per day. Some over-the-counter medication may also help temporarily reduce the pain and inflammation.
At-home treatment for rotator cuff tendonitis also includes:
- Ensuring good posture while sitting and standing;
- Avoiding lifting the arms overhead;
- Avoiding sleeping on the same side every night;
- Practicing safe lifting and carrying techniques; and
- Stretching the shoulders throughout the day.
While at-home treatment may help in the early stages of rotator cuff tendonitis, medical intervention is necessary when pain is persistent or severe. Doctors treat rotator cuff pain differently, depending on the severity of the injury. Common treatments include:
- Exercises for the rotator cuff,
- Steroid injections, and
It’s important seek medical help for any pain or discomfort in the shoulder, and to follow through with treatment recommendations. This can help support your workers’ comp claim as well as assisting your recovery.
Do Not Work Through Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis will not heal without rest. Thus, it is not a good idea for those with rotator cuff pain to continue working at a job that requires that they frequently lift heavy objects or even those that require them to lift lighter objects above their heads.
Workers experiencing rotator cuff tendonitis may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits are paid weekly and typically last until an employee can return to work.
By applying for benefits, workers can not only prevent future injury but also get their medical expenses paid for and secure weekly income benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can be crucial for those suffering from rotator cuff tendonitis and can help them safely return to work, preventing a more serious injury down the road.
Applying for New Jersey Workers’ Comp Benefits
Workers’ compensation benefits are available to those employees whose injury occurs at work or because of their work. In the case of rotator cuff tendonitis, the symptoms might not show up on the job. For example, a worker may wake up in the middle of the night with a sharp pain in their shoulder or may first notice the pain as they are unloading the groceries. This will not preclude a worker from obtaining benefits; the question is whether the worker’s job caused or contributed to the injury.
Of course, in some cases, an employer of their insurer will argue that rotator cuff tendonitis was caused by some non-work-related event or activity. This can make the process of obtaining benefits more challenging, and it is recommended that anyone who is experiencing rotator cuff pain work with an experienced New Jersey workers’ compensation lawyer when considering a claim. A lawyer can help a worker prove the connection between their injury and their job and ensure that workers are fairly compensated for their medical expenses and lost income.
Contact Petro Cohen Law Firm Today!
If you are suffering from work-related rotator cuff tendonitis or any other type of WEAR and TEAR injury, contact our attorneys at Petro Cohen, P.C.
Our skilled and professional attorneys have a combined 100 years of experience having handled all types of workers’ comp cases. We understand that you have worked hard and that the physical demands of your job over time can take a toll on your body. We have successfully helped many employees like you who have suffered WEAR and TEAR injuries from work.
Many workers are not aware that the benefits payable for WEAR and TEAR claims are identical to accident-related workers’ compensation benefits, including temporary disability, medical treatment, and permanent partial disability. And while proving a WEAR and TEAR injury occurred as a result of your work can be challenging, our team of competent workers’ compensation attorneys have the skill and experience to guide you.
You can rest assured that we will work hard for you to ensure you receive the medical treatment you need and the compensation you deserve. Contact us at Petro Cohen, P.C. today by phone at 888-675-7607 or online to schedule a free consultation and learn how we can help you.
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