FAQs

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are soft-tissue injuries such as muscles, bones, nerves, tendons, joints and ligaments, caused by sudden or sustained exposure to repetitive motion, force, vibration, or awkward positions. These disorders can affect both upper and lower limbs, neck and lower back.

Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

• Carpal tunnel syndrome.
• Tendinitis.
• Rotator cuff injuries (of the shoulder).
• Epicondylitis (of the elbow).
• Neck pain.
• Muscle strains and low back injuries.

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are conditions in which the work environment and performance of work contribute significantly to the condition, and/or the condition is made worse or persists longer due to work conditions.

In a study of 75,296 participants, it was found that the most common diagnoses for sick leave were Musculoskeletal conditions (70.9 days per 10 person-years), depressive disorders (26.5 days per 10 person-years) and external factors (such as injuries and poisonings, 12,8 days per 10 person-years). (THE LANCET, Lifestyle factors and risk of sickness absence from work: a multicohort study)

Ergonomics is a holistic term that primarily refers to the overall process of arranging a workplace, systems, and equipment in a way that makes it easy for people to use them. In many ways, ergonomics can be defined as the study of people who operate in a work environment.

There are five aspects of ergonomics: safety, comfort, ease of use, productivity/performance, and aesthetics. Ergonomics is a science concerned with the harmonization between people and their work.

DSE assessment is basically a risk assessment conducted for people who use any of these screens – computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone etc.- in their work, for an hour or more each day.

A DSE Assessment looks at a number of things in the user’s proximity and help them evaluate their current workstation layout. More specifically, it looks at their keyboard, mouse, display screens, their furniture (i.e. chair and desk) and the environment around them. A DSE assessment can allow us to provide suitable recommendations in order to improve the work conditions of the user.

Sitting down for hours puts strain on your body, and you are at heightened risk of developing an injury to your hands, wrists, arms, neck and/or back if your workstation is not set up properly.

Presenteeism is a term used to describe employees who seem to be present whilst at work but not being fully functional or productive.

Staff may also be working long hours without seeming present, leading employers to believe they are performing at a decreased level, which can be due to a range of social, economic distractions, or mental and physical health related factors.

Effective Absence Management can help your business reduce the amount of time employees are absent from work due to sickness, injury, or other physical/mental health issues. Persistent absence is often referred to as “Absenteeism”.

Maintaining and improving your workforce’s Occupational Health can enhance employees’ motivation, morale and wellbeing. Supporting their physical, psychological and sociological state will help your staff become more productive.

A specialized Occupational health physiotherapist plays a vital role in promoting employees’ physical health and well-being. Utilising their occupational health and ergonomics expertise, they manage work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) by advising on desk setups, posture, and exercises.

Their approach is focused on providing employees with an individualized rehabilitation plan for their existing MSDs. Furthermore, they provide managers and employers guidance on improving the workplace and minimizing the risk of injury for their staff.

Investing in workplace physiotherapy brings numerous benefits, positively impacting both employees and the business as a whole. For employees, it offers access to early treatment, helping resolve issues before they escalate, and provides preventive measures against stress, poor mental health, and physical injuries.

Managing these issues in the workplace, can lead to a healthier work environment that enhances comfort and focus.

From a business perspective, workplace physiotherapy is a cost-effective investment that reduces sickness absences by addressing musculoskeletal disorders early on. It lowers the risk and costs associated with serious treatments and long-term sick leaves. Additionally, it ensures a smoother return-to-work process, helping employees fully recover and reducing the likelihood of injury recurrence.

An ergonomic assessment is an evaluation of a person’s workplace environment to ensure that it is suited to their needs and does not contribute to pain or discomfort. It often involves analysing workstations, equipment, and work habits to identify potential risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders. The assessment can lead to recommendations for changes in equipment, workplace layout, or work practices to improve comfort and reduce the risk of injury.

Ergonomic equipment includes any tools or devices designed to provide comfort, efficiency, and safety in the workplace. This might include chairs, desks, keyboards, or other equipment that are designed to reduce strain, fatigue, and injuries associated with repetitive tasks or poor posture. The goal of ergonomic equipment is to adapt the work environment to fit the needs of the employee, not the other way around. This can help in reducing the risk of musculoskeletal disorders and improving overall comfort and productivity at work.

Workplace ergonomics can be crucial for chronic pain by influencing how individuals interact with their work environment. Poor ergonomic practices can lead to repetitive strain injuries, exacerbate existing conditions, or contribute to the development of chronic pain. Ergonomic assessments and adjustments can help prevent these issues by reducing the risk of injury and improving phyiscal wellbeing.

Yes, physiotherapy can indirectly help with work-related stress. Physical activity and exercises provided by physiotherapists can reduce stress levels by improving overall well-being. Additionally, the appropriate management of physical pain and discomfort can have a positive impact on mental health, as chronic pain is often associated with conditions like depression and anxiety.

Physiotherapists assess workplace environment through ergonomic evaluations, analysing the physical aspects of workstations and the tasks performed. They consider factors like seating posture, computer screen height, and the repetitive nature of tasks to identify risk factors for musculoskeletal disorders and recommend adjustments for a safer work environment.

Yes, occupational health physiotherapy can reduce the need for sick leaves by addressing early signs of musculoskeletal disorders, providing prompt treatment, and educating employees on injury prevention, in order to maintain a healthier workforce.

Specialized physiotherapy programs can be tailored to different types of jobs, focusing on the specific physical demands and risks associated with each profession. These programs aim to address the unique challenges faced by employees in various specialites and job roles.

Employers should provide training on proper ergonomics, safe work practices, correct use of equipment, and awareness of common workplace hazards. Regular training updates and refreshers can help maintain a safe working environment.