Case Study #1: Modified Work

Bob was having problems with headaches. He had been hospitalized for tests and now was back at work. The headaches were severe and Bob had to take 2 medications to try to deal with them. He had to wake up 2 hours before his shift to take pain medication so it would settle down enough to work. It was suggested Bob be evaluated by the physiotherapist on site to see if anything could be done. An evaluation was done which revealed limitations in movement and strength as well certain postures that aggravated the headaches.

A modified work plan was established which initially reduced his hours from 12 to 8 and eliminated 2 tasks that required a certain neck movement. He started some postural correction exercises. Bob's status was monitored closely and his hours were gradually increased to 12 hours. Over time he began to do the limited tasks for short periods. His posture and range of movement gradually improved and strengthening exercises were added. He is now is at full duties, takes no medication and has had no headaches for 2 months. At this point, the on site physiotherapist is still monitoring his neck movement and strength exercises, but expects no further problems. This employee was working, but was having such severe headaches that he could not have continued without some kind of intervention. By having someone on site to deal with the problem we were able to keep him doing meaningful work and gradually return him to full duties, which is one of the key elements in a good injury management program.

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Case Study #2: Physiotherapy Assessment

Joan had been working at XYZ for 15 years and had not had any problems. She had developed a pain in her right forearm when she was picking up objects at work. The physiotherapist on site did an assessment and found she did have Tennis Elbow (Epicondylitis). The problem was explained to Joan in terms that are easy to understand. She was reassured that it would get better with the proper management so that she was not afraid to continue to work. Joan was given stretching exercises to do, a forearm support to wear and her work was reviewed resulting in her continuing to do her work but handling the objects in a different way. The symptoms resolved over the next 6-8 weeks and through educating the employee she now knows how to do her work with minimal risk for injury. This musculoskeletal problem would likely have resulted in a lost time injury if there had not been a knowledgeable person on site to deal with the problem.

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