Osteopathy at Work

Osteopathy - a solution to the growing problem of musculoskeletal disorders in industry.

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting 1.1 million people a year. Employers in almost every industry can expect to lose money every year, in working days lost to MSDs. The challenge for an employer is to ensure that their workplace and working practices are not an adverse influence on the health of their employees.

In order to achieve this, you may need to make changes in your workplace. However in facing this challenge, you are not alone. Where you face the problem of employees developing MSDs, osteopathy offers the ideal solution.

Osteopathy is a safe and effective hands-on therapy, used for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems, including back pain, neck & shoulder pain and headaches. An osteopath can help to ensure that your employees receive suitable treatment, at an early stage in the development of a problem, thereby ensuring that it does not develop into something more serious and disabling. Early treatment generally means an early return to work.

The Problem

The Health & Safety Executive has highlighted the importance of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). An estimated 12.3 million working days a year are lost to work-related MSDs. The HSE has three key messages:

It is possible to prevent or minimise MSDs
Such prevention measures are cost effective
Not all MSDs can be prevented, so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable rehabilitation are essential.

Upper Limb Disorders

HSE uses the term upper limb disorders (ULDs) instead of "repetitive strain injury" (RSI) because RSI does not cover all upper limb disorders. It is estimated that the equivalent of 4.1 million working days were lost in 2001/02 through musculoskeletal disorders mainly affecting the upper limbs or neck that were caused or aggravated by work. On average, each person affected took an estimated 17.8 days off in that 12 month period.
ULD is used as an umbrella term for a range of disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck. It covers a number of conditions including frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and RSI. Symptoms may include pain, swelling and loss of mobility. The worst cases can result in permanent disability if no action is taken. ULD cases can also result in production losses and compensation claims against employers.

Back Pain

The majority of working days lost through MSDs are due to back pain that is caused or made worse by work. On average, each person suffering from back pain in 2001/02 took an estimated 18.9 days off.

The Solution: Osteopathy at Work

Oxalis Osteopathy is a Bedford-based osteopathic practice, which offers a package for employers. This includes

Individual treatments at the Bedford clinic, which may be scheduled around the employee's work commitments
Preventative structural health checks to identify and treat problems, in the early stages before they give rise to serious injuries.
Emergency telephone help-line
Presentations to managers and/or employees concerning back care and work place ergonomics

Employer benefits

Reduction in sick leave (staff return to work more quickly and pre-emptive treatment means many don’t even go off sick)
Employee loyalty is enhanced as the employer is seen to show real concern about their health
You substantially reduce your liabilities under Health & Safety regulations by providing pre-emptive treatment and education as well as remedial therapy in the event of injury

Employee benefits

Reduced likelihood of developing long-term problems such as chronic back pain or frozen shoulder
They can get back to work (and back onto full pay) more quickly
The quality of life benefits are many and far-reaching, from the easing of existing pain to an increase in general mobility and well being.