Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are conditions in which:
- The environment of the workplace and the execution of the work itself has a significant impact on the resulting condition
- The nature of the work and the workplace itself result in the aggravation of the condition and cause the condition to persist for a longer period of time
Examples of work conditions that may lead to WMSDs include routine lifting of heavy objects, continuous repetitive strain on the hands and wrists, daily exposure to whole-body vibration, routine overhead work, work with the neck in chronic flexed or side-bent position, or performance of repetitive forceful tasks. WMSDs typically produce pain symptoms involving the neck, shoulder, elbow, hand, wrist, and back. Common WMSDs are:
- Sprains, strains, and tears
- Back injuries and back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Hernia
- Arthritis
WMSDs result in approximately 130 million total annual healthcare visits to physician offices, hospitals, and emergency rooms. It is estimated that the economic burden of WMSDs as tabulated by claim expenses, lost wages, and diminished productivity lies between $45 and $54 billion annually.
Virtual Therapy Partners has designed interventional therapeutic programs addressing WMSDs to help employers reduce lost productivity, prevent high-volume/high-dollar claim expenses, and curtail absenteeism and presenteeism in the workplace. VTP’s comprehensive, meticulous, and aggressive approach to WMSD diagnosis, treatment, and prevention establishes a satisfied, productive workforce while demonstrating a clear Return on Investment to the employer.
All the VTP Ergonomic Training Programs include:
- Expert physical and occupational therapists assessing, diagnosing, and establishing rehabilitative programs for employees as clinically necessitated
- Education and training focused on general ergonomics awareness (e.g., lifting and lowering, pushing and pulling, carrying, risk factors such as posture, repetitive motions, and vibration)
- Detailed task analysis and instruction to observe, identify, and eliminate risk factors for WMSDs
