Occupational injuries account for a large proportion of the 350 million working days a year lost in Britain, and not just in heavy industry. New technology, whether it be automated production lines or computer work stations, can also take its toll on the musculo-skeletal system. Many people experience pain and discomfort as a result which can affect their well-being and their work.

Significant groups of illnesses due to work are disorders of the muscles, tendons and joints, particularly in the back, hands and arms. Symptoms vary from mild aches and pains to severe pain and disability.

Osteopaths are skilled at discovering the underlying causes of pain, using their hands both to gain information and to treat injuries. Treatment techniques may include soft tissue stretching, rhythmic passive joint movements or high velocity thrust to improve the range of movements of a joint.

Well-known for the effective treatment of back and neck pain, osteopaths also treat a wide range of other conditions that may be related to the workplace including tension headaches and migraine and they can also give remedial advice and preventive exercises.

For the Employee 

Most of the 2000 osteopaths in the UK work from private practices. It is not necessary to consult a GP before a visit to an osteopath although the patient may choose to do so. Increasingly osteopaths are working closely with GPs and many fund holding GPs now offer their patients the option of being referred to an osteopath on the NHS. The average cost of private treatment is £20 (£25 in London) but many private health insurance schemes now give benefit for osteopathic treatment (discuss the details with the company). Osteopaths can provide a sick note if time is needed off work.

For the Employer

For years, a number of large companies have retained osteopaths as part of their permanent company health teams. Many smaller companies have also benefited from liaison with a local osteopath, who can advise the management team on correct posture and movement and give staff instruction on back care and preventive exercises. An osteopath involved with staff care programmes can lead to a fitter, more productive workforce, improved morale, increased productivity and less time off through musculo-skeletal ill-health.

Training courses on manual handling and client handling are provided by Osteopaths for Industry. [Source: Osteopathic Information Service]

These figures are backed by osteopaths’ own surveys, which show that over a fifth of their patients thought that an accident or strain at work caused their problems. 

The costs to companies is huge, made up of loss of output and perhaps penalties from missing deadlines, compensation, legal fees and higher insurance premiums, medical costs, sickness benefits, fines and loss of goodwill.

Osteopaths are well-placed to help.  Widely recognised for their effective treatment of back pain, osteopaths routinely treat a wide range of injuries associated with the musculo-skeletal system (the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue).  Musculo-skeletal disorders, according to the Health & Safety Executive, form the largest group of work-related illnesses, accounting for 1.2 million of an estimated 2 million cases of occupational ill-health.

Many companies have benefited from liaison with local osteopaths.  They can help identify physical risks in the workplace, advise on correct posture and movement and demonstrate how to look after the body framework; all to help overcome potential problems.  An osteopath involved with staff care programmes can help produce a fitter, more productive workforce and the company gains through less time lost through musculo-skeletal ill-health.