Work-related musculoskeletal disorders in physical therapists: a literature review

Abstract

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a group of
occupational injuries that may affect physical therapists. The aim of this
literature review was to verify the frequency, risk factors, specialty areas,
workplaces and consequences of occupational disosrders among physical
therapists. According to the texts reviewed, body parts most affected are low back, neck, wrist and hands. Professionals between 20 and 25 years old and with less than 5 years of practice are the most affected. Major risk factors are patient lifting, static postures and manual therapy. A great part of the affected professionals modify their practice, by increasing awareness of their own biomechanical changes or even by abandoning the profession. Althought physical therapists are familiar with musculoskeletal injuries, there is a lack of selfcare and prevention. The review points out to the need to more research aimed at intervention and preventive actions.