Psychosocial issues of work-related musculoskeletal injuries and adaptation: A phenomenological study

The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the meaning of work, causes of work-related musculoskeletal injuries (WRMIs), related psychosocial issues, and adaptation of ten occupational therapy practitioners. Data were collected using interview technique. Emergent themes suggested that the practitioners participating in this study perceived the meaning of occupational therapy as both helping others and providing a sense of identity and satisfaction. Combinations of work, patient and practitioner characteristics were associated with WRMIs, which led to participation restriction and limitation in work duties, activities of daily living, and leisure and social activities. As a result, participants experienced psychosocial problems including depression and dissatisfaction. Participants generated adaptive responses to meet the occupational challenges and to improve their occupational performance. Findings supported the centrality of occupation and its impact on all aspects of the worker with an aquired disability due WRMI.