Your Expert Orthopedic Specialist for Work-Related Injuries
Workers' Compensation Care in Buffalo, NY
Getting injured on the job is a stressful experience that affects more than just your health—it impacts your livelihood and your peace of mind. Whether it’s a sudden pop in your shoulder while lifting a heavy box or a nagging ache from repetitive motion, a work-related injury can leave you navigating a maze of pain, paperwork, and uncertainty. You don't just need a doctor; you need a partner who understands both the medical complexity of your injury and the specific requirements of the Workers' Compensation system. Finding the right specialist immediately is crucial to ensure your claim is handled correctly and your recovery stays on track.
At Buffalo Orthopedics, Dr. Parentis offers a level of expertise and personal advocacy that is rare in today's healthcare landscape. With over 25 years of experience and a double fellowship in sports medicine and foot/ankle surgery, he is uniquely qualified to treat complex work injuries. He has worked with injured workers for his entire 25-year career and understands the “system” very well. Unlike large, impersonal clinics where you might feel like a file number, our solo practice offers a warm atmosphere where everybody knows your name. You will see Dr. Parentis himself at many of your visits. We are currently accepting new patients and are fully equipped to handle Workers' Compensation cases, ensuring you get the expert care you deserve without the administrative headache.
If you need reliable work-related injury treatment, look no further. Contact Buffalo Orthopedics today to schedule your consultation and get back to work safely.
What is a Work-Related Injury?
A work-related injury is any injury or illness that occurs while you are performing your job duties. This can range from a sudden accident, like a fall, to overuse injuries that develop over time. In New York State, the work-related injury procedure involves specific steps to ensure your medical bills and lost wages are covered. First, you must notify your employer of the injury immediately. Second, you must seek care from a doctor authorized to treat Workers' Compensation patients.
Dr. Parentis is an authorized provider who understands the nuances of this system. When you visit our office, we don't just treat your injury; we establish the medical evidence required for your claim. This includes documenting the "causal relationship"—how your specific work duties caused your injury. We handle the medical reporting so you can focus entirely on healing.
How Do I Schedule an Appointment?
We make it easy to get the expert care you need without the red tape. Buffalo Orthopedics is accepting new Workers' Compensation patients. If you have been injured at work, report the injury to your employer and then call our office. Our friendly, local staff is experienced in handling work injury claims and will help you schedule a consultation with Dr. Parentis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Work Injuries
What Types of Work Injuries Do You Treat?
Dr. Parentis treats a variety of musculoskeletal injuries and most work-related injuries. We provide comprehensive care for basically all injuries of the knee, shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, hip, foot, ankle, and spine.
What Happens During a Work Injury Appointment?
Your first appointment at Buffalo Orthopedics will likely be with Dr. Parentis. We understand that work injuries can be anxious experiences, so we prioritize clear communication. Dr. Parentis will begin by listening to exactly how the injury occurred. This detailed history is vital not just for your diagnosis, but for your Workers' Compensation claim.
He will perform a thorough physical examination to assess your range of motion, strength, and pain levels. X-rays are typically taken on-site to check for fractures or dislocations. If soft tissue damage like a rotator cuff tear is suspected, an MRI may be ordered. Dr. Parentis will then discuss your diagnosis and create a personalized work-related injury treatment plan. Whether you need physical therapy, medication, or surgery, he will outline the path forward and clearly define your work restrictions (e.g., "light duty") to ensure you don't return to work too soon and re-injure yourself.
Is Treatment for Work Injuries Safe?
Yes, treatment is safe and focused on getting you back to full function. Dr. Parentis’s double fellowship training in sports medicine means he treats "industrial athletes" with the same high standards used for professional sports players. He utilizes conservative, non-invasive treatments whenever possible.
If surgery is required, such as shoulder dislocation surgery or repair of a torn tendon, Dr. Parentis uses advanced, minimally invasive techniques and robotic-assisted technology. This reduces the risk of complications like infection and minimizes downtime. He will have a transparent discussion with you about the benefits and risks of any procedure, ensuring you feel comfortable with your care plan. Safety is our top priority, both in the operating room and in your safe return to the workplace.
How is This Different from Urgent Care or the ER?
Many employees go to an urgent care center or ER immediately after an accident. While these are good for life-threatening emergencies, they are not designed for the long-term management of orthopedic injuries. You may receive a generic diagnosis and a temporary sling, but you will often be told to "follow up with a specialist."
Searching for "shoulder pain treatment near me" and choosing a specialist like Dr. Parentis from the start (or immediately after the ER) offers significant advantages. You get an accurate, expert diagnosis immediately. More importantly, you get continuity of care. The same doctor who diagnoses you manages your treatment, performs your surgery if needed, and clears you to return to work. This consistency is critical for Workers' Compensation cases, where conflicting medical reports can cause claim delays.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery timelines vary greatly depending on the severity of the injury. A simple shoulder strain might require a few weeks of physical therapy and modified duty. A complex rotator cuff surgery or shoulder dislocation surgery, however, may require several months of rehabilitation before you can return to heavy lifting.
Dr. Parentis will provide you with a realistic timeline based on your specific job requirements. He works closely with you to facilitate a safe return to work, often utilizing "light duty" restrictions to get you back to earning a wage while you continue to heal. His goal is a permanent fix, not a quick patch, to ensure you don't suffer from chronic pain down the road.