Analysis of pain complaints including occupational injuries among physiotherapists in Poland: a cross-sectional study

Background
Physiotherapists perform manual tasks using methods and techniques that require physical effort, often in a prolonged, constrained position in a non-working environment. Manual handling is the most common workplace risk factor for injury and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs). When working in poor conditions, there is a risk that the physiotherapist will become the patient, which could have a negative impact on the existing shortage of health professionals.

Aim
This study aimed to identify and analyse a broad professional population of physiotherapists and their work-related health problems, including injuries.

Material and methods
A questionnaire was developed and distributed by e-mail. A total of 3,746 physical therapists participated in the study.

Results
Almost ¾ of the physiotherapists reported pain. The most common site of pain was the lumbosacral spine (58% of respondents). Occupational injuries were reported by more than one in three physiotherapists. The most common injuries were to the upper limb or lumbar spine (more than 15%). The level of mental and physical fatigue caused by work, the risk of infection with COVID, HIV or other infectious disease, and the fear of potential legal claims were considered to be the most detrimental.

Conclusions
There is a need for further research; it would be interesting to conduct a statistical analysis of the data collected by the Social Insurance Institution (ZUS).