Citation

Gyer G, Michael J, Inklebarger J. J. Integr. Med. 2018; 16(2): 84-89.

Affiliation

The London College of Osteopathic Medicine, 8-10 Boston Place, London NW1 6QH, United Kingdom.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Science Press)

DOI

10.1016/j.joim.2018.02.003

PMID

29526241

Abstract

Hand injury is the second most common work-related musculoskeletal injury among physical therapists (PTs) and other manual therapy professionals such as osteopaths, physiotherapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists and massage therapists. However, the nature and extent of this problem have not been fully explored yet. Therefore, the objective of this study was to review the existing literature published on the prevalence, risk factors, consequences, and prevention of hand injuries among PTs and similar healthcare professionals. The lifetime prevalence of hand injuries was about 15%-46%, and the annual prevalence was reported as 5%-30%. Thumb injuries were found to be the most prevalent of all injuries, accounting more than 50% of all hand-related problems. The most significant risk factors for job-related hand injuries were performing manual therapy techniques, repetitive workloads, treating many patients per day, continued work while injured or hurt, weakness of the thumb muscles, thumb hypermobility, and instability at the thumb joints. PTs reported modifying treatment technique, taking time off on sick leave, seeking intervention, shifting the specialty area, and decreasing patient contact hours as the major consequences of these injuries. The authors recommend that PTs should develop specific preventive strategies and put more emphasis on the use of aids and equipment to reduce the risk of an unnecessary injury.

Copyright © 2018 Shanghai Changhai Hospital. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Complementary therapies; Occupational injuries; Occupational therapists; Physical therapists; Public health