What work did you do before the waitressing?
You might be able to claim on it.??
not sure how that works though....

another thought, you can call Dr Thompson's office and ask to be put on the waiting list -i f they get any cancellations?
If his office is not to far from you.

Oh did you usually carry the food/trays on one side- or did you use sides equally?
just curious about that- I think favoring one side would be normal but problematic in the long run.

Before waitressing, I was in car sales. No repetitive motions there at all. I had the usual now-and-then shoulder/neck pain I'd experienced most of my adult life.

I think I will call to be put on that waiting list....I live only 45 minutes away from Dr. Thompson. Great idea!

And, YES...I always, almost HAVE to use the same side with the trays/serving style I use. Reason being, that my left side (due to the long ago cheer injury) has always been less stable, so I use it to hand out the dishes, drinks etc, and hold the tray with my right hand. Even though (or maybe because) I am right handed, it worked better to handle the lighter glasses & plates with my left...rather than trying to support the weight of my tray with it.

I am a waitress too! I was just the opposite. Tray in left and hand out with right. What really did me in after injury were those huge trays. I weighed one once. Fully loaded it was 27 lbs. All that balanced on your left wrist, held over your left shoulder. No wonder we are screwed up. Add in my car accident and it is a wonder I can even get up in the morning!
Trix

I too was a waitress for many years. I have much better balance with my right side - with all the sports I do and with carrying trays! I remember holding those heavy things on my shoulder and carrying drink trays over my head...