A study into the prevalence and type of work-related musculo-skeletal injuries (WRMSs) experienced by osteopaths and physiotherapists

Sarah Zaki                                                                        Supervisor: Phyllis Woodfine

Abstract 
Aim: to investigate the prevalence and type of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMSIs) experienced by registered osteopaths and physiotherapists. 
Method: 200 questionnaires were sent to an equal number of osteopaths and physiotherapists, selected randomly from the GOsC and MACP registers. The findings were compared to data from a number of previous studies. 
Results: 57% (n=57) of osteopaths and 63% (n=63) of physiotherapists replied giving a total response rate of 60% (n=120). 70.2% (n=40) of osteopaths and 57.1% (n=36) of physiotherapists in this study reported that they had experienced a WRMSI. Chi-squared, Yates correction and Fisher’s exact tests were used to establish statistical significance. 
Conclusion: The low back had the greatest prevalence of injury, followed by wrist and hands, upper back, neck, thumbs and shoulders. There was no statistically significant difference between the two populations. Osteopaths reported the highest rate of incidence during their training, physiotherapists reported their highest rate of incidence when they had been practising for 10 years or more.