Osteopathy for business: the facts
How many people have their work and home life affected by musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
Approximately 25 % of adults are currently affected by a long-standing musculoskeletal condition, and as many as 75% of adults will experience back pain during their working life.
Up to 30% of all GP consultations are about MSDs, and are the most common repeat consultation reason, with an MSD accounting for one in eight people who were issued with a sick note. The average length of time certified was 10 weeks.
What impact does this have on businesses?
An estimated 11.6 million working days a year are lost to work-related MSDs.
Long-term absence - which is mainly due to stress, anxiety and depression and to back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders - accounts for 40% of lost working time.
A reduced work-force, either due to MSD related absenteeism, or efficiency due to a diminished ability to work, may have huge repercussions throughout businesses. This may lead to: a failure to meet crucial deadlines and the subsequent financial effects of this delay; loss of custom and goodwill; extra costs in providing cover for absent employees; and an unhappy, unhealthy work-force.
What impact for the employee?
The pain and distress of a MSD (whether work-related or not) may have a huge impact on all aspects of an individual’s life, which may also lead to depression and anxiety regarding their condition.
Absenteeism from employment may result in loss of income and a resulting increase in stress. Back pain is the number one cause of long-term absence among manual workers and a common cause of short-term absence.
Common work-related conditions that osteopathy can help with include:
Repetitive strain injuries
Some forms of headaches, and stress
Back and neck pain
Manual handling/lifting injuries
'Computer hump'
Shoulder and arm pain
Driving related conditions
How can osteopathy help?
Osteopathic treatment can help both the employee and the employer. Rapid access to an Osteopath can prevent or reduce sickness absence and allow employees to benefit physically from early intervention.
Treatment for the individual may also include guidance on work station ergonomics; postural advice; manual handling advice; self help exercises, and other management advice for reducing the risks of further future injuries.
Osteopathy aims to relieve pain and improve mobility, function and general health, helping to keep you in gainful employment in as much of a safe and pain free condition as possible, allowing you to maintain a better quality of life.
Osteopaths can form part of company health teams for larger businesses, but small firms may also benefit from a close liaison with the practice. Please contact us for further details.