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Volume 7, Issue 6 (Suppl) J Nov Physiother
ISSN: 2165-7025 JNP, an open access journal Physiotherapy 2017
November 27-29, 2017
November 27-29, 2017 Dubai, UAE
5 th International Conference on
Physiotherapy
The incidence and nature of work related musculoskeletal injuries amongst physiotherapists, in South
Africa, Gauteng province
Nadia Latib
Sefako Magatho University, South Africa
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a substantial part of injury burden in the field of Physiotherapy.
A mixed methods sequential explanatory design comprising two phases was conducted. Phase-one demographics
of participants were as follows: The mean age of participants was 37±9.29 years; the youngest was 25 years and the oldest
67 years old. Approximately, two thirds (64%) had a normal BMI and 87.8% were female. Physiotherapists (PTs) reported
that they have sustained WRMSDs (n=98) and are A-type personalities. Work related pain among physiotherapist was more
prevalent on the lower back (41.8%), thumb and fingers (27.6%), cervical/neck (24.5%), wrist and hand (20.4%) and shoulder
(18.4%). Eighteen physiotherapists who sustained WRMSDs participated in phase two qualitative in-depth interview and data
saturation was reached. Four themes that emerged were: factors of injury, management, culture of physiotherapists and future
direction. PTs admitted that they feel guilty to take time off fromwork and would rather work through the pain and discomfort.
Physiotherapy culture revealed denial regarding a predisposition to WRMSDs. Almost all the PTs in this study stated that they
put their patients first. Most PTs do not report injuries, or take time off work, or see a doctor. Majority of physiotherapists self-
treat or ask colleagues to do 5-10 minutes treatment. Many PTs leave the profession or cease clinical practice relatively early
in their career. Deeper insight into the mind set and perception of physiotherapists was gained. Recommendations for injury
prevention and sustainable clinical practice were postulated.
Biography
Nadia Latib is a Masters candidate at Sefako Magatho University, currently a Junior Lecturer at the same institute. She is currently the owner of a private practice
and specializes in orthopedics, rehabilitation, sports injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. She is involved in community projects, where she advices, facilitates
presentations and prescribes exercises to the senior citizens club, the grandfathers club and the cancer care association in her community.
Nadia Latib, J Nov Physiother 2017, 7:6(Suppl)
DOI: 10.4172/2165-7025-C1-020