Osteopathy for the Workplace
Gareth Morris Bsc(Hons), BOst.
REGISTERED OSTEOPATH
For the employer:
Osteopathy - a solution to the growing problem of musculoskeletal disorders in industry.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting 1.1 million people a year. (Health and Safety Executive 2005/2006) Employers in almost every industry can expect to lose money every year, in working days lost to MSDs. The challenge for an employer is to ensure that their workplace and working practices are not an adverse influence on the health of their employees.
In order to achieve this, you may need to make changes in your workplace. However in facing this challenge, you are not alone.
Where you face the problem of employees developing MSDs, osteopathy offers the ideal solution.
Osteopathy is a safe and effective hands-on therapy, used for the treatment of "musculo-skeletal" problems, including back pain, neck & shoulder pain and headaches. An osteopath can help to ensure that your employees receive suitable treatment, at an early stage in the development of a problem, thereby ensuring that it does not develop into something more serious and disabling. Early treatment generally means an early return to work.
The Problem
The Health & Safety Executive has highlighted the importance of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). An estimated 24 million working days a year are lost to work-related MSDs. The HSE has three key messages:
• It is possible to prevent or minimise MSDs
• Such prevention measures are cost effective
• Not all MSDs can be prevented, so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and
• rehabilitation are essential.
Upper Limb Disorders
ULD or RSI is used as an umbrella term for a range of disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck. It covers a number of conditions including frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome, and RSI. Symptoms may include pain, swelling and loss of mobility. The worst cases can result in permanent disability if no action is taken. ULD cases can also result in production losses and compensation claims against employers.
Back Pain
43% of working days lost through MSDs are due to back pain. On average, each person suffering from back pain in 2005/06 took an estimated 17.3 days off. Problems associated with poor lifting or prolonged sitting not only affects your ability to work but has a lasting affect on your general health.
The Solution
Gareth Morris, Osteopathic and Sports Injury Clinic is a central Watford osteopathic practice, which offers a package for business clients. This includes:
• On-site clinics, offered weekly, fortnightly or to suit your needs
• Individual treatments at the Watford clinic, organised through you the employer or the
• employee directly.
• Preventative structural health checks to identify and treat problems, in the early stages
• before they give rise to serious injuries.
• Emergency service (telephone help-line and treatment), offering a response within 24-hours,
• including weekends
• Presentations to managers and/or employees concerning back care and work place
• ergonomics
Employer benefits
Reduction in sick leave (you get your staff back to work more quickly as well as providing
pre-emptive programmes which mean many don’t even go off sick).
On-site or central Watford clinics mean that employees don't have to take time off work for appointments.
Employee loyalty is enhanced as the employer is seen to show real concern about their health.
Employee benefits
Reduced likelihood of developing long-term problems such as chronic back pain or frozen shoulder.
They can get back to work (and back onto full pay) more quickly.
The quality of life benefits are many and far-reaching, from the easing of existing pain to an increase in general mobility and well-being.
