Defining musculoskeletal disorders.
MSDs, or musculoskeletal disorders, are injuries and diseases affecting the human body’s mobility or musculoskeletal system. It could be tendons, muscles, nerves, ligaments, discs, blood vessels, etc. Physiotherapy treats work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
Common musculoskeletal disorders.
– Tendonitis.
– Carpal tunnel syndrome.
– Ligament sprain.
– Muscle strain.
– Thoracic outlet compression.
– Digital neuritis.
– Ruptured discs etc.
Causes of musculoskeletal disorders.
Workers become fatigued when they are exposed to MSD risk factors. They acquire a musculoskeletal imbalance when weariness outruns their body’s recuperation system. MSD develops gradually as discomfort outruns recuperation and the imbalance stays for some time.
Work-related risk factors.
A worker’s musculoskeletal system is put in danger when he has to execute work above his body’s capabilities and limitations. In such scenarios, an objective assessment of the workplace indicates that the worker’s recovery mechanism will be unable to keep up with the weariness generated by the task. The evaluation will reveal that ergonomic risk factors exist, that the worker is in danger of acquiring a musculoskeletal imbalance and that a musculoskeletal condition is a near-certainty.
Endless repetition.
Many job activities and cycles are monotonous, and they are usually about hourly or daily output objectives and work procedures. When the excessive recursive task is paired with other risk variables such as high force and uncomfortable postures, MSD can develop. If the cycle time is fewer than 30 seconds, the work will be very repetitive.
Use of force.
There are plenty of jobs that necessitate heavy lifting. It puts a lot of pressure on muscles, and it can lead to physical weariness and the risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Improper posture.
Improper postures put unnecessary strain on our joints while overworking the muscles and tendons encircling the afflicted joint. Joints perform their jobs best when they are in the best shape and range. The risk of MSD increases when joints are utilised out of their capacity frequently for a long time without providing the time to recover them.
Physical therapy is the best treatment for various musculoskeletal ailments and injuries. On the other hand, many orthopedic physicians will send you a recommendation for physical therapy, and you will schedule an appointment with a different practitioner.
Why choose physiotherapy for MSDs?
Physical therapy employs many techniques to alleviate musculoskeletal pain and stiffness while also assisting you in regaining normal or mild physical function and mobility. It aids in the recovery of your musculoskeletal system after a severe accident or sports injury.
Physical therapy can help with chronic illnesses like arthritis. The therapy techniques help you strengthen the muscles surrounding a damaged joint, reducing discomfort and friction in the joint.
When you are going through pain due to a chronic ailment such as arthritis or an event such as a fall, the last thing you want to do is move the hurt body part.
Because you’re in pain, your first physical therapy sessions will include passive modalities like light massage, cold or heat, electrical stimulation, and gentle manual manipulation of the uncomfortable region. These passive approaches reduce pain by reducing inflammation. In future sessions, expect additional active modalities, such as exercises and stretches.
Methods that a physiotherapist will use to treat MSDs.
Ultrasounds.
Ultrasound generates deep heat, which relieves your suffering. Your therapist applies a cold gel to the target region before gently gliding the applicator over your skin in gentle circles while the ultrasound waves loosen up knotted tissue.
Electric stimulation.
Your therapist may employ electrical stimulation via a TENS machine (transcutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation) to enhance circulation to the problem location and reduce your discomfort. Enhanced blood flow delivers more nutrients to the area and reduces inflammation. You will feel fast pulses penetrate deep into the sore spot once your therapist moves electrodes on the target location.
Joint mobilization.
Your therapist gently moves the body portion causing you discomfort while you’re reclining on a table. This might assist in stretching muscles that have been tense or align your body in the proper position.
Massage therapy.
Your therapist might give you a gentle massage to help your muscles feel relaxed after the session.
Conclusion.
Your therapist will have you execute moderate stretches and other exercises after your inflammation and soreness have subsided, resulting in an improved range of motion, reduced discomfort, and more normal function. Working with a ball, a resistance band, a stationary bike, and other equipment can all assist you in resuming regular movement.
Physical therapy visits are normally scheduled every two to three weeks. The therapy doesn’t finish when you leave the office. The exercises must be completed at home as part of the therapy. Your therapist might provide you with written instructions with illustrations to properly show you how to complete the exercises. Visit a clinic that offers work-related injuries (WCB) therapy in Calgary.
