Repetitive Injuries at Work: When to See a Sports Medicine Specialist

As we close out Workers’ Compensation Month, we’re highlighting an important type of workplace injury that does not always happen all at once: repetitive and overuse injuries.

Not every work injury is caused by a sudden fall or accident. For many workers, pain develops gradually after performing the same movements day after day. Over time, physically demanding tasks can place ongoing stress on muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

When pain keeps returning, begins interfering with your job, or is not improving, it may be time for an orthopedic evaluation.

And while the name may suggest otherwise, Sports Medicine is not just for athletes. Sports Medicine physicians also evaluate and treat many activity-related musculoskeletal injuries that may develop from repetitive or physically demanding work.

At 360 Orthopedics, our Sports Medicine team provides orthopedic evaluation and treatment for injured workers throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and surrounding communities.

How Do Repetitive Injuries Develop at Work?

Repetitive workplace injuries can develop when muscles, tendons, ligaments, or joints are repeatedly stressed over time. Symptoms may start as soreness after a shift or discomfort during a particular task, then become more persistent.

Work activities that may contribute to musculoskeletal problems include:

• Repeated lifting or carrying
• Frequent pushing or pulling
• Repetitive reaching or overhead work
• Repeated gripping or tool use
• Frequent kneeling or squatting
• Forceful movements or awkward working positions

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recognizes factors such as repetition, forceful exertion, lifting, carrying, and awkward postures among workplace factors associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Sports Medicine Is Not Just for Athletes

Sports Medicine focuses on injuries and conditions that affect movement and function—not just injuries that happen on a field or court.

For an injured worker, a Sports Medicine physician can evaluate musculoskeletal symptoms, determine the appropriate diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan based on the individual injury and needs of the patient.

What Repetitive Work Injuries Can Sports Medicine Treat?

The appropriate orthopedic physician depends on the specific injury and diagnosis. Sports Medicine physicians commonly evaluate activity-related and soft-tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints.

Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Injuries

Frequent lifting, reaching, carrying, or overhead work can place stress on the shoulder and may contribute to injuries involving the rotator cuff and surrounding structures.

Learn more about shoulder pain and treatment at 360 Orthopedics.

Elbow Overuse Injuries

Conditions commonly known as tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are not limited to athletes. Gripping, lifting, tool use, and forearm movement can place stress on the tendons around the elbow.

Muscle, Tendon, and Ligament Injuries

Physically demanding work may contribute to strains, tendinitis, and other soft-tissue injuries that affect movement and function.

Activity-Related Knee Injuries

Kneeling, squatting, climbing, and other physical job demands can place significant stress on the knees and surrounding structures.

Learn more about knee pain and treatment at 360 Orthopedics.

Because 360 Orthopedics offers a range of orthopedic services within the same practice, injured workers can also be directed to the appropriate provider if their diagnosis requires a different area of care.

5 Signs It May Be Time to See a Sports Medicine Specialist

Repetitive workplace injuries may begin with mild symptoms that become more noticeable over time. Consider seeking an orthopedic evaluation if:

1. Pain Keeps Coming Back

Pain that improves with rest but returns when you resume the same work activity may warrant further evaluation.

2. Your Symptoms Are Not Improving

Persistent pain, swelling, stiffness, or tenderness despite initial care may be a sign that additional evaluation is needed.

3. You Notice Weakness or Reduced Range of Motion

Difficulty lifting, reaching, bending, or comfortably completing movements that were previously manageable may indicate an underlying musculoskeletal injury.

4. Your Injury Is Interfering With Your Job

If symptoms are making it difficult to perform essential job responsibilities, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.

5. Your Symptoms Are Getting Worse

Increasing pain, weakness, swelling, or difficulty moving should be discussed with a qualified medical provider.

What to Expect From a Sports Medicine Evaluation

Your Sports Medicine physician will ask about your symptoms, how they developed, which activities make them better or worse, and how the injury is affecting your ability to function.

A physical examination may assess strength, range of motion, stability, tenderness, and movement. Depending on the suspected injury, diagnostic imaging such as an X-ray or MRI may also be recommended.

Many repetitive and overuse injuries can initially be treated without surgery. Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include activity modification, medication, physical therapy, therapeutic exercise, bracing, injections, or other appropriate treatment.

Sports Medicine at 360 Orthopedics

At 360 Orthopedics, Dr. Julie Barré and Dr. Steven Page provide Sports Medicine and orthopedic care for a range of musculoskeletal injuries.

Our Sports Medicine physicians provide nonsurgical and surgical treatment options based on each patient’s diagnosis and individual needs. With physical therapy, diagnostic services, and Workers’ Compensation coordination available within our practice, injured workers can receive connected care throughout their recovery.

Why Choose 360 Orthopedics for a Workers’ Comp Injury?

Getting appropriate medical treatment is only one part of recovering from a workplace injury. Workers’ Compensation care can also involve scheduling, documentation, authorizations, rehabilitation, and communication among multiple parties.

At 360 Orthopedics, our dedicated Workers’ Compensation team helps coordinate care throughout an injured worker’s recovery.

Our Workers’ Comp resources include:

• A dedicated Workers’ Compensation team
• Same-day and next-day appointments when available
• Physical therapy at all three locations
• Diagnostic X-ray services at all three locations
• DWC forms and clinical notes provided the same day
• Coordination with adjusters, nurse case managers, employers, and medical providers
• Participation in all major Workers’ Compensation networks
• Three convenient locations

With orthopedic care, rehabilitation, diagnostic services, and Workers’ Compensation coordination within one practice, injured workers can access multiple aspects of their care through a connected team.

Supporting a Safe Return to Work

Depending on the injury and physical demands of your job, your recovery plan may include physical therapy, temporary work restrictions, modified duties, or a gradual progression back to normal activities.

Your physician can make recommendations based on your diagnosis, recovery, and individual job responsibilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Repetitive Injuries at Work

Can repetitive work cause an orthopedic injury?

Workplace factors such as repetitive movement, forceful exertion, lifting, pushing, pulling, and awkward postures may contribute to certain work-related musculoskeletal disorders. The cause of an individual injury should be determined through appropriate medical evaluation.

Can a repetitive injury be covered by Workers’ Compensation?

Workers’ Compensation may cover medical care for an eligible work-related injury. Coverage and authorization depend on the individual claim. If you believe your symptoms are related to your job, report them according to your employer’s Workers’ Compensation procedures.

Do repetitive work injuries always require surgery?

No. Many repetitive and overuse injuries can initially be treated without surgery. The appropriate treatment depends on your diagnosis, symptoms, and individual needs.

What if I am not sure which orthopedic provider I need?

You do not necessarily need to determine the correct type of orthopedic provider yourself. 360 Orthopedics offers Sports Medicine as well as care for the spine, hand/wrist/elbow, foot and ankle, joint replacement, pain management, physical and occupational therapy, and other orthopedic needs. Our team can help coordinate authorized Workers’ Compensation care with the appropriate provider.

Repetitive Work Injury Care in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch & Venice

Repetitive workplace injuries can develop gradually. If symptoms are affecting your ability to work or complete normal activities, an orthopedic evaluation can help determine the appropriate next step.

At 360 Orthopedics, Dr. Julie Barré, Dr. Steven Page, and our dedicated Workers’ Compensation team provide Sports Medicine evaluation, orthopedic treatment, rehabilitation, and coordinated care for injured workers throughout Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Venice, and surrounding communities.

Dealing with a repetitive injury at work?

Learn more about Workers’ Compensation care at 360 Orthopedics or contact our team to learn more about scheduling authorized care.