Hi ~Radial tunnel/lateral epicondilytis WC injury 12/10. off work since 4/15/11.
completed 23 OT sessions, 1 PT session (24 auth'd therapy treatments per CA WC guidelines from 1/11-8/11)- pretty much alleviated the epicondilytis problem.
last PT treatment involved ART (Active Release Technique) ~like myofascial release/manual therapy....which significantly reduced the radial tunnel pain and increased function.
MD wants to do surgery to release the radial nerve but I requested more ART with the PT as I feel that conservative approach is preferable to surgery. we disagree so my case went to the RMD and now am going to see another QME/pain specialist/non surgeon.
My job : geriatric physical therapist: my employer is requiring me to be at 100% before allowing me to return to work.
WC says pain is not the factor they look at to RTW, only function.
I do not deal with WC in my practice so have no experience with this side of the health care system.
I would like any input on how to objectively measure pain/function for the WC system.
Any input for california WC would be greatly appreciated.
Have been recommended to hire an attorney but so far have not done so...for those of you on workers comp~ do you have an attorney or not? if so, any recommendations for the east bay/SF area?

thanks!