Say Goodbye to Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Through Physical Therapy
Whether you work from home or report to an office five days a week, it’s important to pay attention to your physical well-being while on the job. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common ailments affecting workers across various industries and age groups. The associated conditions can cause pain, discomfort, and even disability, impacting quality of life and work productivity.
Fortunately, many of these disorders can be managed and prevented with proper awareness and intervention. Let’s take a look at some of the more common work-related musculoskeletal disorders, their causes and risk factors, and how physical therapy can help treat and prevent them from coming back.
Empower yourself with insights to address and prevent musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.
Common Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
CTS occurs when the median nerve running from the forearm into the palm is pressed or squeezed at the wrist. Frequent activities like typing or assembly line work can increase the risk, especially if done with poor posture or without breaks.
Our physical therapists often use hand and wrist exercises to improve flexibility and strength in the affected areas. Regular breaks, ergonomic keyboards, and wrist rests can help prevent CTS.
Neck Strain
Prolonged sitting at a desk, especially with poor posture or an improperly set up workstation, can lead to neck strain. Stress, tension, and holding the neck in one position for too long can also contribute to the condition.
Our PTs can walk you through targeted exercises to increase strength in your neck and upper back. They may also include postural awareness training to encourage proper position of the spine to reduce muscle strain throughout the day.
Lower Back Pain
This condition often results from lifting heavy objects improperly, prolonged sitting, or standing without proper support. Factors such as obesity and poor physical condition can also contribute to its onset.
Core strengthening exercises, stretching routines for the back and legs, and manual therapy are often used in treatment. We also educate patients on a variety of tactics to prevent the condition.
- Learning proper lifting techniques
- Using ergonomic chairs in the office
- Targeted exercises for flexibility and strength training
- Proper nutrition
Tendonitis
Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon and can be caused by repetitive motion or overuse of particular body parts. Workers who perform the same movements repeatedly, such as painters or cleaners, are at a higher risk of developing this type of condition.
Treatment may include elements of stretching and strengthening exercises with advice on activity modification to avoid aggravation. It’s important to take frequent breaks, use proper tools, and vary tasks throughout the day to help prevent it from recurring.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
This painful shoulder condition can be caused by repeatedly lifting the arms above the head, such as stocking shelves or certain disciplines within the construction field. Physical therapy interventions may include shoulder strengthening and flexibility exercises, posture correction, and ergonomic adjustments at work.
Ergonomic Interventions for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
An underlying contributor to all of these work-related musculoskeletal disorders is the need for proper ergonomic interventions. Our physical therapists are highly trained in recommending personalized physical, cognitive, and organizational modifications you can make in your workplace to help alleviate and prevent these disorders.
- Adjusting the height of your computer monitor
- Using a chair with proper support and cushioning
- Taking frequent breaks to reduce eye, mental, and muscle strain
- Postural awareness to avoid hunching or rounding shoulders while working
A Personalized Approach with Alpine Physical Therapy and Sports Performance
We’ll start every physical therapy program with a detailed evaluation of your medical history, current condition, and a discussion of your goals for successful recovery. We’ll use those factors to create an individualized treatment and training program to help you recover with the knowledge you need to keep the pain from coming back.
Give us a call today!
