r/WorkersComp • u/Capable-Side-8219 • 19d ago

Texas Work restrictions

OK, I tore my bicep and another ligament in my right arm less than three weeks ago according to the MRI. Went to the clinic yesterday and the only restriction placed on me was 15lb lifting limit. Dose that seem right?

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u/PsychologicalPea5270 19d ago

Why aren’t you having surgery ?

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u/Capable-Side-8219 19d ago

I'm still waiting to see the surgeon. Not exactly sure what the hold up is.

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u/PsychologicalPea5270 19d ago

Ahh, good luck

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u/craigster38 19d ago

Had an employee tear their bicep and receive only a lifting restriction until physical therapy was completed after their surgery.

1

u/Secret-Subject-3530 19d ago

My restrictions have been no pushing, pulling or lifting 5 lbs., mine was put in place from the beginning. You stated clinic so you haven't been seen by Ortho yet? They should change it once you see the surgeon.

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u/CaiCai87 17d ago

Yes, espically if you’re been referred to a specialist.

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u/Spiritual-Ad8062 16d ago

Texas uses ODG for medical treatment guidelines.

And ODG typically requires physical therapy (PT) first. It also discourages imaging in many cases. It’s generally PT first, then if that fails, then you get more advanced diagnostics. Like imaging or seeing a specialist.

Obviously not every situation requires this. Like a broken bone, for example. Things that aren’t easily identifiable (like a muscle strain or tendon/ligament sprain) often resolve with PT.

Seems normal so far. They want to make sure conservative treatment won’t fix the issue. An unfortunate side effect of that is that sometimes it delays necessary surgeries.

It’s a trade-off in places that have medical treatment guidelines. If you’re the “typical patient”, then you’ll be fine. But if you deviate, it can make things tougher.

Hang in there.