Abstract

INTRODUCTION

A work-related disorder, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is multifactorial, meaning that various factors contribute to the onset of the disease, with the work environment and the nature of work playing significant roles to varying degrees. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD) cause chronic pain and functional impairment for millions of individuals, leading to significant societal costs associated with treatment, sick leave, and retirement, and they also reduce productivity in the workplace ^1,2.

WRMDs are prevalent across various professions, particularly in health care fields such as nursing, dentistry, and physical therapy (PT), where risk factors include heavy physical work, repeated lifting and handling of loads, awkward postures (such as bending and twisting), repetitive joint movements, the use of high-frequency vibration tools, psychological stress, and prolonged static body positions^3,4.

Physical therapy services are designed to support individuals and populations in developing, maintaining, and restoring maximum movement and ability throughout their lifespan. This specialty focuses on identifying and maximizing quality of life and movement potential within the realms of promotion, prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation, addressing physical, psychological, emotional, and social well-being^5,6.

On a typical day, a physiotherapist examines a patient’s medical history and assesses various aspects, including strength, range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration, and motor function. They evaluate whether a patient can function independently and assist them in reintegrating into the community or workplace following injury or illness. A treatment plan is then developed, outlining the strategy, purpose, and anticipated outcomes of therapy⁷.

However, during their working hours, physiotherapists often engage in long hours of strenuous activities and maintain prolonged static postures, leading to physiological changes that can result in back, neck, or shoulder pain. If recurring pain or discomfort is ignored, cumulative damage can lead to serious injuries. WRMDs have been frequently reported among physiotherapists globally, yet few studies have investigated the prevalence of musculoskeletal issues in physiotherapy students, particularly in India. Therefore, this study aims to assess the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among physiotherapists around Komarapalayam, Namakkal and Erode^8,9.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 80 physiotherapists aged 30 to 50 years, both male and female, who are undergraduate physiotherapists from surrounding areas. The study involved administering a self-designed questionnaire to gather information regarding the musculoskeletal problems faced by physiotherapists, including the various postures adopted and activities performed throughout the day. The Extended Nordic Questionnaire was also utilized to quantify musculoskeletal pain and activity limitation in nine body regions.

Data Analysis and Results: The survey engaged 80 physiotherapists, all of whom reported musculoskeletal problems that interfered with their work and required professional consultation.

Table 1: Mechanism of Injury

Table 2: Area of the body affected

Table 3: Stress level

RESULTS

The findings from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) indicate that a significant proportion of the physiotherapists surveyed experienced moderate to high levels of stress. Specifically, 52.5% of participants fell into the moderate stress category, while 40% reported high stress, and only 7.5% reported low stress levels. When analyzed in relation to the prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs), a clear association emerged. Among those with high stress levels, 90.6% reported experiencing WRMSDs, compared to 83.3% in the moderate group and only 33.3% in the low-stress group. The high incidence of WRMSDs (82.5% overall) highlights the urgent need for interventions targeting both physical and psychological well-being in physiotherapy practice. Elevated stress levels may exacerbate physical strain or reduce coping ability, potentially increasing vulnerability to injury. These findings support the integration of stress management and ergonomic strategies within workplace wellness programs to reduce the dual burden of psychological stress and musculoskeletal disorders among physiotherapists. These symptoms ranged from mild discomfort and fatigue to more severe conditions requiring medical attention, including hospitalization and rehabilitation.

DISCUSSION

The aim of our study was to report the prevalence of common musculoskeletal issues among physiotherapists studying in Komarapalayam, India. Our sample consisted of 80 physiotherapists who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. Of the participants, 83% were male and 17% were female, with an average age range of 30 to 50 years. Furthermore, 82.4% identified as right-handed, while 17.6% identified as left-handed.

The first objective of our study was to assess the most common musculoskeletal problems experienced by physiotherapists. The results showed a high prevalence of WRMDs among physiotherapists, with at least 70.1% of respondents reporting some level of musculoskeletal pain after entering the profession. These issues ranged from minor discomfort and aches to more serious medical conditions requiring intervention, hospitalization, and rehabilitation. According to the findings, a majority of physiotherapists noted a lack of adequate breaks and the use of non-adjustable plinths and chairs as contributing factors^10-13.

During their working hours, physiotherapists often endure long hours of strenuous activities which include heavy lifting, handling loads, maintaining awkward postures, repetitive joint movements, using high-frequency vibration tools, experiencing psychological stress, and enduring prolonged static body positions. These factors collectively contribute to the onset of WRMDs. The second objective was to identify the stress associated with daily activities^14-17.

CONCLUSION

Musculoskeletal pain and occupational stress represent significant and persistent health concerns for physiotherapists, often emerging early in their careers and negatively affecting both personal well-being and professional performance. The physical demands of patient handling, combined with high workloads and psychosocial pressures, create a challenging work environment that places practitioners at heightened risk of injury and burnout. Addressing these issues requires a multifaceted approach that integrates preventive education, ergonomic interventions, organizational support, and effective coping strategies. By prioritizing the health and resilience ofphysiotherapists, the profession can not only safeguard the longevity and quality of its workforce but also ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and sustainable patient care.

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Citation:

M. Mohammed shabeer, D. Kannan, R. Ferdinand, M. P. Thenmozhi, S. Kohilavani, K. Anantharaj, R. Vishnupriya, S. Sathyapriya (2026). Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Pain and Stress among Physiotherapists: Observational study, ijmaes, 12(3), 2884-2889