Ergonomic and behavioral interventions as the primary treatment for work-related lateral epicondylitis.
OBJECTIVE
Work-related injuries (WRI) are costly to employers and the United States government due to missed days at work and medical expenses. This case report documents the results of using ergonomic and behavioral changes to address a client's symptoms due to a WRI.


METHODS
The client worked as an administrative assistant at a small, private medical college and presented with lateral epicondylitis.


METHODS
She received ergonomic and behavioral interventions to treat her injury that included modification to her work environment and education on modifying behaviors that would decrease stress and excessive work.


RESULTS
The client reported decreased headaches with improved lighting and increased tolerance to typing with the addition of a keyboard tray, but not elimination of her chief complaints with the tray, floor mat, and behavioral changes.


CONCLUSIONS
Some interventions that occurred at the client's desk resulted in decreased secondary symptoms. No improvements in the primary symptoms were found.
McCormack
Department of Physical Therapy, University of New England, 716 Stevens Ave., Proctor 209, Portland, ME 04103, USA. smccormack@une.edu
D000288:Administrative Personnel; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D012090:Cumulative Trauma Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009784:Occupational Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013716:Tennis Elbow / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015443:Word Processing; D016526:Workload