How Can Physiotherapy Treat Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Every year, millions of Europeans are affected by work-related musculoskeletal diseases (MSD) which are by far the most frequent of all occupational disorders in the EMSDsU.

MSDs not only cause lost workdays, but they may also have an impact on the quality of life and contribute to long-term pain and dysfunction. Let’s look at MSDs in more detail, including who is at risk, and how a physiotherapist might assist.

Read Top Health Benefits for Getting Physiotherapy Regularly

Risk factors and impacts of work-related MSDs.

Muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, nerves, and spinal discs make up your musculoskeletal system. Musculoskeletal problems, often known as overuse injuries or repetitive stress injuries. It can cause severe discomfort and restrict mobility, function, and range of motion. Certain risk factors at a job like;

– Improper ergonomic support at work.

– Sitting at a desk and typing for a long period.

– Overexertion and heavy lifting.

– Extended periods of standing.

– Recursive movements like twisting and bending.

If any of these factors affect your employment like demanding repetitive motions throughout the day, you might be at risk for a work-related MSD. Furthermore, some lifestyle choices like poor dietary habits, being overweight, or obtaining little sleep might increase your risk of developing an MSD. Any changes in pain level, functioning, or soreness that may develop at work due to repeated motions should be closely monitored. You can obtain physiotherapy aid before your problem worsens if you act immediately.

If you have a work-related MSD, it might affect your ability to do your job properly. Worse, it may degrade your entire quality of life by creating discomfort and dysfunction. It can also prohibit you from completing and enjoying daily tasks. Musculoskeletal problems can lead to job loss and long-term incapacity in the past.

Common work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

Back pain.

The vertebral discs and the muscles that support your spinal cord and core are intricate structures, and any injury to them can cause considerable discomfort. Back discomfort is a typical problem among individuals whose occupations entail a lot of lifting, repetitive actions, and awkward positions. Long durations of sitting at work, on the other hand, can create discomfort in the upper back and neck, especially if workers are sitting incorrectly. You will find work-related injuries (WCB) therapy in Calgary that can help you gain strength while recovering.

Osteoarthritis.

Arthritic patients frequently suffer discomforts in or around a joint in the knee or hip. This discomfort is commonly related to lifting heavy loads, unusual work postures such as crawling, or repetitive motions that damage the joints. It can limit your activity and interrupt your everyday routines.

Tendonitis.

Work that requires repetitive wrist and arm motions can cause tendonitis, a painful inflammation of a tendon. Tendonitis patients may experience discomfort, swelling, numbness, and a reduction in their ability and range of motion in the afflicted region.

Carpal tunnel syndrome.

Because the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, people with carpal tunnel syndrome suffer pain, tingling, weakness, or numbness in their wrist. Workers who perform administrative jobs that involve typing are frequently affected by this problem.

How can physiotherapy help in treating work-related MSDs?

With the help of assistive devices.

Following a work-related MSD, it might be necessary to employ assistive equipment like braces, splints, or supporting pillows. The physiotherapy clinic in Calgary will ensure that you have access to the right gadget for your treatment. They will also advise you on proper body mechanics for properly using these devices and avoiding future damage.

Imparting workplace awareness and education.

The use of improper posture or ergonomics at work causes or exacerbates several MSDs. A physiotherapist can help you discover any postural habits producing problems and show you how to correct them at work. If, for example, your job requires a lot of lifting and puts you at risk for strains and sprains, your physiotherapist will teach you how to lift properly using your legs and glute muscles to avoid problems. Alternatively, if you suffer persistent neck and shoulder discomfort from sitting at a computer all day, your physiotherapist may teach you proper seating and typing body mechanics.

Stretches.

Our muscles grow stiff and inflexible when we do repetitive tasks at work, contributing to discomfort and dysfunction. During a physiotherapy session, your therapist may likely do some passive stretches on you to help your muscles to lengthen. They will also teach you some active stretches that you may practise at home or at work to avoid additional damage.

Exercises.

Strains, sprains, and back ailments, including herniated discs could be the cause of muscular overuse and weakness. Your physiotherapist will work in tandem with you to establish targeted strengthening exercises to assist cure and prevent muscular damage. Some of these strengthening exercises will be done in the clinic, and your practitioner will also give you home exercises to undertake.

Conclusion.

These are some of the ways by which physiotherapy can help you recover from work-related MSDs. If you have suffered any, find a work-related injury relief center in Calgary.

Also Read: How To Prevent 5 Most-Common Workplace Injuries?