A frequent complaint of my clients is that they were sent to physical therapy before an MRI was ordered. If it then turns out that they have a torn rotator cuff, the assumption is that the doctor did not know it was torn until after the MRI result came back and that the physical therapy just made them worse. As the two links below discuss, when the doctor orders the MRI he probably already knows that you have a torn rotator cuff and is using the MRI to confirm his belief as well as to get a “bird’s eye view” of the tear prior to surgery. Also, even if surgery is ultimately done, trying conservative measures before the surgery such as physical therapy are often indicated. Physical therapy is often done in an attempt to improve the condition to a point where surgery isn’t necessary, but also to make the surgery more effective if surgery is ultimately done.
What’s important to remember, especially if the employer/insurer is controlling your healthcare, is that while it’s natural to have doubts about the quality of the medical care you are receiving, it is extremely important to discuss with your doctor what their working diagnosis is and when and under what circumstances they will order an MRI or physical therapy.
The Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Brown: Fighting for New Mexico Workers
We know how hard you work, and we’ll work just as hard for you. Call the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Brown & Derek Thompson today at (505) 275-6600 or fill out our online form to arrange for your free initial consultation to discuss your workers’ compensation matter. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet, and back to work.
This website has been prepared by the Law Offices of Jeffrey C. Brown for informational purposes only and does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The information is not provided in the course of an attorney-client relationship and is not intended to substitute for legal advice from an attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.