A Review of the Role Played by Physical and Occupational Therapists in the United States Treating Work-Related
Ron Z Goetzel1, Kevin H McLaughlin, Jaynie Bjornaraa
1From the Institute for Health and Productivity Studies, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (R.Z.G., K.B.K., E.C.R.); Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland (K.H.M., M.M.A.); American Specialty Health, Carmel, Indiana (J.B.); and Department of Environmental Health and Engineering, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland (L.F.).
Objective:
To examine the evolution of physical and occupational therapy in the treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders from 2015 to 2025.
Methods:
Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered through an extensive landscape review that included peer-reviewed studies and grey literature.
Results:
For employers and health plans, the health and economic burden of musculoskeletal disorders is high, with increases driven by several factors, such as an aging population. Physical and occupational therapists have played a significant role in minimizing the health, productivity, and cost consequences of musculoskeletal disorders.
Conclusions:
There is strong scientific support for physical and occupational therapy in the treatment of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Despite challenges, several trends in regulations, training, technology, and workforce make these disciplines well-positioned to play an even larger role in the coming decade.
