The main purpose is to highlight the role of physiotherapy in the management and prevention of MSDs in work environments including remote work. The document also can be used to support advocacy and policy actions of World Physiotherapy Member Organisations.
A literature review was conducted on the topic of MSDs of people in telework, overall impact on physical and mental health, economic impact, and management from February 2023 to October 2023.
With the information obtained, a number of statements were drafted highlighting the role of physiotherapy in the management and prevention of MSDs in work environments including remote work.
The entire drafting process was regularly reviewed by members of the MSDs Thematic Working Group of the Europe Region of World Physiotherapy.
Physiotherapists, through their understanding of MSDs and the ergonomic setup of the employees’ workplace, have much to offer in the telework environment. Physiotherapy interventions, including exercise programmes, education, and ergonomic assessments, have been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence and severity of MSDs and can also be delivered remotely.
Physiotherapists have strong knowledge and skills to deal with health issues in the workplace, including remote work.
Physiotherapists should be part of a multidisciplinary team designing health interventions aiming to prevent, manage and facilitate the return to work (RTW) of workers with or at risk of developing MSDs.
Physiotherapists have an important role in encouraging good health behaviours and awareness, which is essential for lowering the risk of MSDs.
Physiotherapists can identify risk factors associated with delayed RTW or absenteeism and act to enable employees to stay in work while managing their health problems.
Physiotherapists can provide evidence-based interventions based on education, exercise, and ergonomic adjustments empowering workers, with or without health conditions, with effective coping mechanisms to handle their workload.
Physiotherapists can provide cost-effective interventions for the most commonly reported work-related MSDs, such as back and neck pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome.
The findings of this paper have significant implications for physiotherapy practice, policy and advocacy for World Physiotherapy Member Organisations.
Remote work
Physiotherapy
