FMLA And Work Restriction Protocols

FMLA and work restriction protocols David H. Sohn, JD MD

Shoulder scope, complex (rotator cuff repair, SLAP or Bankart repair, frozen shoulder) - sling for 4-6 weeks - for office workers/desk workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. Typing only o after 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks . light duty = no lifting >10lbs, no overhead activity, no pushing or pulling - for manual laborers, off completely for 12 weeks o after 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks . light duty = no lifting >10lbs, no overhead activity, no pushing or pulling o return to work without restrictions at 18 weeks

Shoulder scope, simple (SAD, DCE, biceps tenotomy, labral debridement) Sling for 1 week For office workers/desk workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. Typing only After 6 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no lifting >10lbs, no overhead activity, no pushing or pulling For manual laborers, off completely for 6 weeks After 6 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no lifting >10lbs, no overhead activity, no pushing or pulling Return to work without restrictions at 12 weeks

Knee scope, complex (ACL, meniscus repair, microfracture, lateral release) Brace for 6 weeks For office workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. No standing After 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 18 weeks, can return fully duty For manual laborers, off completely for 12 weeks After 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 18 weeks, can return fully duty

Knee scope, simple (partial meniscectomy, chondroplasty) Brace for 1 week For office workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. No standing After 6 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 12 weeks, can return fully duty For manual laborers, off completely for 6 weeks After 6 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 12 weeks, can return fully duty

Hip scope, complex (labral repair, osteoplasty) Crutches for 4 weeks For office workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. No standing After 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 18 weeks, can return fully duty For manual laborers, off completely for 12 weeks After 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 18 weeks, can return fully duty

Hip scope, simple (psoas release, partial ITB release, trochanteric bursectomy) Crutches for 2 days For office workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. No standing After 6 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 12 weeks, can return fully duty For manual laborers, off completely for 6 weeks After 6 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 12 weeks, can return fully duty

Lower extremity (Ankle fracture, Achilles repair, subtalar fusion) Crutches for 12 weeks For office workers, ok to return in 2 weeks. No standing After 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 18 weeks, can return fully duty For manual laborers, off completely for 12 weeks After 12 weeks, can start light duty for 6 weeks Light duty = no ladders, no lifting >25 lbs, no work on uneven ground, no kneeling or squatting After 18 weeks, can return fully duty

Hand (carpal tunnel, trigger finger) Splint for 1 week No typing or repetitive motion for 12 weeks. No lifting, grasping, pushing or pulling for 12 weeks.

All patients will need 2 half days off per week for physical therapy until full return to work.