Work injuries can have a significant impact on individuals, as they can cause symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling. These symptoms may lead to reduced productivity and even temporary or permanent disability. Work injuries are often the result of poor ergonomics, repetitive or forceful movements, heavy lifting, and prolonged faulty postures in the workplace.
Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in addressing work-related injuries by implementing injury prevention strategies and setting goals for a timely return to work. It is essential to begin physiotherapy as soon as possible after a work injury to optimize recovery and minimize time away from work.
Physiotherapy includes exercise programs aimed at strengthening muscles and manual stretches to reduce muscle tension and fatigue. In addition, physiotherapy can involve various modalities to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Ice and heat therapy help reduce swelling and inflammation, while Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) stimulates tissues to improve blood flow and relieve pain. Therapeutic ultrasound is also used to break down scar tissue and reduce inflammation around affected joints, which provides relief from pain and discomfort.
By addressing work injuries through physiotherapy, individuals can regain function, alleviate symptoms, and return to work safely and effectively.
References
1. Soares, C. O., Pereira, B. F., Pereira Gomes, M. V., Marcondes, L. P., de Campos Gomes, F., & de Melo-Neto, J. S. (2019). Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: narrative review. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Do Trabalho, 17(3), 415–430. https://doi.org/10.5327/Z1679443520190360
2. Prall, J., & Ross, M. (2019). The management of work-related musculoskeletal injuries in an occupational health setting : the role of the physical therapist. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation, 15(2), 193–199. https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.1836636.318
3. Barnard, E., Sheaffer, K., Hampton, S., Measel, M. L., Farag, A., & Shaw, C. (2021). Ergonomics and Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Characteristics Among Female Interventionists. Curēus (Palo Alto, CA), 13(9), e18226–e18226. https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.18226