Skip to main content

Effectiveness of Multiple Natural Therapies for Musculoskeletal Disorders

In this study, the authors investigated the effectiveness of a workplace-based intervention to manage musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and their consequences in the workers of a medium-sized company (1). A program consisting of Participatory Ergonomics (PE), Workplace Exercise (WE) and Acupuncture as the main resource of Physical Therapy (PT) performed at the workstations was conducted for 22 months with 126 workers of a hearing aid company. The outcomes were complaints of MSDs and absenteeism measured by the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire. The overall rate of MSDs was significantly reduced in at least one region of the body. Absenteeism was also significantly reduced. For workers with pain at baseline, at least 40% improved totally. The authors conclude that a multifaceted intervention consisting of PE, WE and Acupuncture as the main resource of PT performed at the workstations may be relevant to managing MSDs in working populations.