Musculoskeletal Symptoms among Physiotherapists in India

Introduction
Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSD) are common in physiotherapists and are continually growing. The purpose of this questionnaire based study was to examine the prevalence of WRMSD and to identify risk factors leading to WRMSD in physiotherapists from India and to recommend prevention strategies.

Methods
An epidemiological study was conducted in 100 Physiotherapists from across India. Participants were in the age range of 22-45 years without any other medical co-morbidity. Participants were given a self administered questionnaire consisting of demographic data, physical risk factors, general health status, workstyle questionnaire and Nordic pain questionnaire data.

Results
65% of the respondents were male. 48% of participants were of the age group 25-30 years. 80% of the participants were within 5 years of starting their Physiotherapy careers. 50% of the participants were overweight (BMI > 25). 92% of participants worked for more than 9 hours every day. 80% of participants had Orthopaedics as their area of specialisation. 24% of participants had lower back pain, 20% had upper back pain while 19% had neck pain. There was a significant positive correlation between adverse workstyle score and pain experienced by the participant, physical risk factors and pain, awkward posture for longer period and low back pain, working prolonged periods in squatting / kneeling and knee pain, lifting and carrying patients for prolonged periods and low back pain, regularly applying force with hands for treatment and hand pain, and bending and twisting upper body repeatedly and upper back pain.

Discussion
More research and studies are needed to clearly understand the causes and prevention of symptoms and injuries in physiotherapists. Several studies have identified risk factors and prevention strategies, however further investigation regarding the efficiency of these strategies is warranted.