Recently qualified physiotherapists’ perceptions of their risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal disorders

The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) among physiotherapists may be as high as 91%, with recently qualified clinicians at greatest risk. Therefore, using a focus group design, this study explored how physiotherapists, within their first 5 years of practice, perceive WRMSDs.

Participants perceived physiotherapy as a high-risk profession; however, they felt that their training would prevent them developing ‘serious’ injuries. Injury preventative strategies were often neglected owing to high caseloads, time constraints, a desire to appear able to cope and moral obligations towards patients. The physiotherapists tended to respond to WRMSDs by self-treating, becoming more aware of their personal risk and taking future precautions as a result.

This study highlights that there is a significant need to increase physiotherapists' awareness of their risk of WRMSDs, as well as shifting the culture within the health services to one that facilitates the use of preventative strategies.