Impact of Work-Related Pain on Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists

Background Physical therapists and occupational therapists experience high rates of work-related pain. Although most therapists continue to work through this pain, it interferes with work and alters therapists’ work habits. However, the effects on productivity, quality of patient care, and therapists’ quality of life and long-term career plans are unknown. Objectives The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of working with work-related pain on physical therapists and occupational therapists. Design Multiple methods were used in this study. It was primarily a phenomenological study. Methods A phenomenological approach was used to explore the meaning of work-related pain in therapists. Focus group interviews were used as the method of data collection. A questionnaire was used to supplement the qualitative analysis. Results Nineteen therapists participated in 4 focus groups ranging from 2 to 7 participants each. The participants noted substantial effects of work-related pain at work, at home, and in their career plans. All of the therapists were concerned about their potential clinical longevity. The professional culture complicated these effects by forcing therapists into a professional ideal. Conclusions Work-related pain affects therapists in several personal and professional domains. It also may affect career plans. Strategies to reduce the risk of injury and physical loading of jobs are needed.