In this blog post we will look at how two Recovery Partners’ Rehabilitation Consultants used active therapy to help a worker return to work after a shoulder injury.
Recovery Partners supported Sarah* in her recovery after sustaining a right shoulder injury. Sarah had a pre-existing condition of osteoarthritis, which was aggravated when reaching overhead to get a coat down from a rack. She had been working in retail for many years and was very proud of her role as a Store Manager.
Sarah developed frozen shoulder
Following this incident, Sarah developed frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) which restricted her right shoulder range of motion. She also experienced high levels of consistent pain in her shoulder which would often radiate to her neck and back. This effected not only her professional abilities, but many aspects of her personal life too. She felt she was unable to participate in her usual household duties or attend the gym as she usually would.
Frozen shoulder is noted to have recovery timeframes of 12-36 months, which is a long time to experience chronic pain and have a reduced quality of life. Sarah was unsure if or when she would recover. Recovery Partners joined Sarah in her recovery for roughly 12 months intermittently to aid in improving her functional capacity as well as her belief in herself. Recovery Partners had the clinical knowledge that functional improvement can be made, however the pain associated with this diagnosis, may remain.
Transition to Exercise Physiology after stagnation
We noted when her functional progression with physiotherapy stagnated, and suggested a transition to exercise physiology, as many clients will reduce their activity and movement to avoid paid, which in turn leads to muscle wastage. Through active therapy, Sarah’s range of motion began to slowly improve, and her strength was steadily increasing. She reported feeling stronger and rather than needing to be told that she was doing well, Sarah was able to acknowledge it on her own
Recovery Partners attended several worksite visits to discuss alternative ways to complete her duties, as well as promote self-pacing of duties to avoid injury flare-ups. We also attended a number of specialist appointments to determine that we could improve Sarah’s quality of life as well as return her to her pre-injury duties.
Sarah return’s to her pre-injury duties after shoulder injury
In time, Sarah returned to her pre-injury duties with the knowledge that ongoing treatment and independent management will continue to benefit her.
We are so proud of this accomplishment because not only do we care about returning people to work, we care about returning them to their lives. We know what impacts a chronic condition can have on individuals, and their jobs, and the ripple effect it has into their personal lives and the lives of those around them. By returning people to their pre-injury roles and duties, we are returning them to the people they have hoped to be again. We can restore hope in them.
“Hi Andrea, I am so grateful for the help and assistance you have given me. You made sure that everything was very well taken care of. You and Maanav were always there every time I needed you. Thank you so much for everything.” – Sarah.
Well done to Andrea and Maanav on heading up this excellent team effort and for helping Sarah return to work after a shoulder injury!
Want to find out more?
Our services are available nationwide. Our consultants love to have a chat, so go ahead and give us a call on 1300 OHS RTW (647 789) or email enquiries@rrp.com.au
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*Name has been changed to protect the identity and privacy of the individuals or organisations involved.
Disclaimer – these articles are provided to supply general safety information to people responsible for OHS in their organisation. They are general in nature and do not substitute for legal and/or professional advice. We always suggest that organisations obtain information specific to their needs. Additional information can be found at https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/