Injury prevention in physiotherapists

Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSD) are common in physical therapists and are continually growing. More than 60% of physiotherapists experience work-related pain and discomfort throughout the world. The prevalence is higher (approx. 80%) in physical therapists below the age of 35. Ironically, these therapists those who treat patients with musculoskeletal disorders are at a high risk of developing WRMSD themselves. High prevalence of pain and disorder in the physiotherapists has forced them to reconsider their career and leave their current job. Musculoskeletal injuries to the low back and other areas of the spine are the most prevalent followed by disorders of upper limb such as shoulder, neck, wrists and fingers. Due to an increased impact of low back injury on the career of physiotherapists, most of the prior research is in the area of identifying risk factors and recommending prevention strategies to reduce back pain. In order to design prevention strategies for physiotherapists, it is important to understand risk factors that may be associated with the development and exacerbation of WRMSD in physiotherapists. There are a number of key areas of concern that need attention.