PREVALENCE OF COMMON WORK RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN IN PHYSIOTHERAPY PRACTIONERS

Gaurai Gharote*, Priyanka Piwal, Dr Ujwal Yeole, Dr Roshan Adakkite, Dr Pravin Gawali

ABSTRACT

Physiotherapist according to W.H.O. assess, plan and implement rehabilitative programs that improve or restore human motor functions, maximize movement ability, relieve pain syndromes, and treat or prevent physical challenges associated with injuries, diseases and other impairments.[1] The WHO defined “Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders” as that arises when the individual is exposed to work activities.[1] Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs) are the most common cause of chronic pain and physical disability that affect contemporary workforces, In this context, musculoskeletal injuries are considered one of the largest health problems among physiotherapists, because the nature of the work that therapists expose themselves to has a high risk of pain[2] Task performed by physical therapists often require an overload of musculoskeletal system combined with repetitive movements of upper limb, maintaining static and dynamic postures for long period and movements that stress the spine. The work tasks that may lead to work related musculoskeletal disorders among physical therapists include lifting and carrying dependent patients, treating large number of patients in a work day, working in the same posture for long period of time, maintaining difficult or restrictive posture using manual therapy technique, perform same task repeatedly and executing movements including inclination and rotation of the trunk. Although work related musculoskeletal disorders are common among physical therapists[3] There are a number of factors that can lead to one developing musculoskeletal disorders. Bork et al identified three primary risk factors associated with WRMDs as repetitious movements, awkward postures and high force levels[4] Hence, in order to contribute to the body of knowledge we conducted a study to determine the proportion of physiotherapist who experienced WRMDs and the national professional association and the professional governing body can use this information to take adequate measures to minimize the exposure risk to injuries and to develop new injury management strategies.[2]

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