Abstract
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.
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.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 299-307 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 1 Jul 2005 |
Keywords
- work-related musculoskeletal injuries
- physiotherapists
- training
- preventative strategies