Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Physical Therapists: Prevalence, Severity, Risks, and Responses

Abstract

Background and Purpose. Physical therapists are at risk for work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Little is known of how therapists respond to injury or of what actions they take to prevent injury. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence and severity of WMSDs in physical therapists, contributing risk factors, and their responses to injury. Subjects. As part of a larger study, a systematic sample of 1 in 4 therapists on a state register (n=824) was surveyed. Methods. An 8-page questionnaire was mailed to each subject. Questions investigated musculoskeletal symptoms, specialty areas, tasks and job-related risk factors, injury prevention strategies, and responses to injury. Results. Lifetime prevalence of WMSDs was 91%, and 1 in 6 physical therapists moved within or left the profession as a result of WMSDs. Younger therapists reported a higher prevalence of WMSDs in most body areas. Use of mobilization and manipulation techniques was related to increased prevalence of thumb symptoms. Risk factors pertaining to workload were related to a higher prevalence of neck and upper-limb symptoms, and postural risk factors were related to a higher prevalence of spinal symptoms. Conclusion and Discussion. Strategies used to reduce work-related injury in industry may also apply to physical therapists. Increased risk of thumb symptoms associated with mobilization techniques suggests that further research is needed to establish recommendations for practice. The issues for therapists who move within or leave the profession are unknown, and further research is needed to better understand their needs and experiences.

Increased prevalence of low back pain among physiotherapy students compared to medical students

“…West and Gardner [7] reported that 16% of physiotherapists first experienced their injury as students, whereas 56% reported their worst injury to have occurred within the first 5 years of working as a physiotherapist. The most common region of injury is the low back [3,4,6,7]. In our study, only 17.7% of physiotherapy students had never experienced LBP.…”

“…To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study that clearly demonstrated the association between undergraduate physiotherapy study and LBP. There are many reports in the literature concerning the burden of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in physiotherapists [3][4][5][6][7]. West and Gardner [7] reported that 16% of physiotherapists first experienced their injury as students, whereas 56% reported their worst injury to have occurred within the first 5 years of working as a physiotherapist.…”

“…Studies with physiotherapists who have already graduated reported a 1 year prevalence of LBP ranging from 22 to 62.5% [4,6,7]. These professionals routinely perform some activities that could be risk factors for development of back pain like manual therapy such as soft tissue mobilization, transferring dependent patients, assisting patients in gait, providing manual resistance, assisting with mat activities, and lifting heavy and cumbersome equipment.…”

“…Some studies have demonstrated that physiotherapists have a high prevalence of LBP [3][4][5][6][7]. The activities of these professionals are related to the development of this pain [3,4,7].…”

“…The activities of these professionals are related to the development of this pain [3,4,7]. It is estimated that up to 60% of LBP events in this group occur as a consequence of work-related injuries [3][4][5][6][7].…”