Work Injury Spotlight: Repetitive Motion Injuries (Why It’s Not Just Heavy Lifting)

When people think of work injuries, they often picture heavy lifting, construction accidents, or dramatic on-the-job falls. But some of the most common—and most overlooked—work injuries don’t come from one big incident at all. They come from doing the same movements over and over again.

These are called repetitive motion injuries, and they affect workers across nearly every industry—from office staff and healthcare workers to warehouse employees, retail workers, and manufacturing teams.

At Ohio Therapy Centers, we see repetitive motion injuries every day—and the good news is that early treatment can prevent long-term pain and lost work time.

What Are Repetitive Motion Injuries?

Repetitive motion injuries occur when muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves are stressed by repeated movements without enough rest or recovery time. Over time, these small stresses add up, leading to inflammation, irritation, and pain.

Unlike sudden injuries, repetitive motion injuries often develop gradually, making them easy to ignore—until they start interfering with work and daily life.

Common Types of Repetitive Motion Injuries

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Often caused by repeated wrist and hand movements, especially typing, scanning items, or using tools.

Symptoms may include:

• Numbness or tingling in the fingers
• Wrist pain
• Weak grip strength

Tendonitis

Inflammation of tendons due to overuse, commonly affecting the shoulders, elbows, knees, or wrists.

Common signs include:

• Aching or burning pain
• Tenderness near joints
• Pain that worsens with activity

Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Strain

Frequent reaching, lifting, or overhead movements can strain shoulder muscles and joints.

Symptoms may include:

• Shoulder pain or stiffness
• Difficulty lifting the arm
• Pain when sleeping on one side

Neck and Back Strain

Poor posture, repetitive bending, or prolonged sitting can place stress on the spine.

Watch for:

• Neck stiffness
• Lower or mid-back pain
• Muscle tightness or spasms

Why It’s Not Just Heavy Lifting

Repetitive motion injuries don’t discriminate by job title. You don’t need to lift heavy objects to get hurt.

These injuries commonly affect:

• Office workers and remote employees
• Warehouse and factory workers
• Healthcare professionals
• Retail and grocery employees
• Delivery drivers

Even “light” tasks can cause injury when done hundreds or thousands of times per day without proper body mechanics or recovery.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

You should consider seeking care if you notice:

• Pain that worsens during or after work
• Tingling, numbness, or weakness
• Stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest
• Reduced range of motion
• Symptoms that return every workday

Ignoring early warning signs can allow inflammation and tissue damage to progress—making recovery longer and more difficult.

How Ohio Therapy Centers Can Help

At Ohio Therapy Centers, we focus on early intervention and functional recovery. Our treatment plans are designed to:

• Reduce pain and inflammation
• Improve strength and flexibility
• Restore proper movement patterns
• Prevent reinjury

We also help patients understand workplace ergonomics, posture, and movement strategies to protect their bodies long-term—whether their injury is work-related or covered under workers’ compensation.

Don’t Push Through the Pain

Repetitive motion injuries rarely “just go away.” The sooner you address them, the easier recovery becomes.

If work pain is affecting your comfort, productivity, or quality of life, it’s time to get evaluated.

Contact Ohio Therapy Centers today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief and safer movement at work.