Work Related Musculoskeletal Problems among Professionals of Physical Therapy in Hospitals of Lahore, a city of Punjab, Pakistan

• Published in: Journal Riphah College of Rehabilitation Sciences 2014-03, Vol.2 (1), p.8-11
• Main Authors: Hina Gul, Bilal Umar, Maryam Shabbir
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2226-9215; 2410-888X

Background: Physiotherapists have to use manual and handling skills while treating their patients. These skills are often physically demanding and put uneven stress on the body. Without proper posture during treatment session, they may prone to different musculoskeletal injuries. Objectives: Objective of this study was to find out work related musculoskeletal disorders in physiotherapists. Methodology: A cross sectional survey was conducted on 50 physiotherapists from different clinical setups of Lahore. Structured close ended questionnaire was used which had been validated by using Delphi Technique. Data were analyzed in SPSS 16.0. Results: Total 36(72%) females and 14(28%) males participated in this study. Most physical therapists 40(80%) in the survey work for normal working hours, only 6(12%) few had overtime or night shifts 4(8%). However, a large proportion of professionals had got musculoskeletal disorders and spine was found the most troubled area 20(40%) while other body joints neck 6 (12), knee 5(10%), hip 5(10%), shoulder 4(8%) are also involved. Results further revealed that 24(48%) had work related discomfort, 21(42%) had this discomfort most of the time and only 5(10%) were those who never feel any sort of discomfort. Conclusion: It is concluded that most of physical therapists are facing musculoskeletal disorders due to nature of their job and spine is the most vulnerable part to these sorts of problems. Implications of this survey are physiotherapists need ergonomic training and more frequent rest intervals in order to prevent these problems during their job. Keywords: Work Related Disorders, Occupational Disorders, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Physical Therapy Professionals