Work-related upper limb disorders in osteopaths: Prevalence and responses, a survey based study
Item
- Title
- Work-related upper limb disorders in osteopaths: Prevalence and responses, a survey based study
- Author(s)
- Turton, Clio
- Abstract
-
BackgroundNumerous studies have shown a high incidence of work-related upper limbdisorders in manual therapists but there is a paucity of research specifically inrelation to osteopaths. The literature shows that one in six manual therapistschange their area of expertise or leave the profession completely due to work-relatedmusculoskeletal disorders and 25% of physiotherapists suffer from wristand hand problems due to hands-on techniques, repetition and heavy work load;all of which are modifiable factors. Raising awareness of work-related upper limbdisorders within the osteopathic profession has important implications withregards to upper limb health, workplace well being, earning capacity and careerlongevity.
ObjectivesTo find out the prevalence of, and responses to, work-related upper limbdisorders amongst osteopaths.
MethodsA survey consisting of thirteen questions, taking no more then 5-minutes tocomplete, was sent to 3096 osteopaths. Questions were adapted from validatedquestionnaires, which looked at upper limb and musculoskeletal disorders inphysical therapists. Participants who had never suffered from a work-relatedupper limb disorder were automatically excluded by question seven.
Results292 out of 537 osteopaths had suffered from a work-related upper limb disorder(54.4%). Between the ages of 16 to 54-years, the older the practitioner thehigher the incidence of injury (P=0.004). Females were more likely than males tohave a work-related upper limb disorder (P=0.008). Most common responseswere to adapt techniques (80.14%/N=234), self-treat (67.81%/N=198) or keepworking throughout the injury (66.78%/N=195).
ConclusionWork-related upper limb disorders are a significant issue in the osteopathiccommunity. Particular attention needs to be paid to techniques that requirefrequent, repetitive use of the upper limbs. Modifying factors, that may preventthe occurrence or increased severity of injury, include adapting and decreasingthe repetition of certain techniques, reducing workload and improving posturalhabits. Further research needs to be carried out in order to gain a clearerunderstanding of risk factors and prevention. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 2017
- Date Submitted
- 12.11.2018 12:49:55
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Number of pages
- 46
- Submitted by:
- 4457
- Pub-Identifier
- 16234
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Keywords
- Manual Therapy; Osteopathy; Occupational injuries; Upper extremities; Work-related upper limb disorders
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Turton, Clio, “Work-related upper limb disorders in osteopaths: Prevalence and responses, a survey based study”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/2121