Prevalance Of Thumb Pain in Physiotherapists Practicing In Hyderabad

Abstract

Background: Thumb pain in manual therapy of physiotherapists is an area of growing concern, primarily due to repeated stress placed on thumb joints and muscles during hands-on treatment sessions. The nature of manual therapy techniques involves specific hand movements, placing physiotherapists at increased risk of developing musculoskeletal issues, particularly related to the thumb. Investigating prevalence, factors, and long-term implications of thumb pain among these practitioners is crucial for developing preventive measures and interventions aimed at safeguarding their occupational health.

Objective: Aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of thumb pain among Physiotherapists practicing Manual therapy.

Methodology: In this study 100 physical therapists participated and they performed manual therapy techniques. The targeted population was from clinics and hospital of Hyderabad. The Data was analyzed by using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS).

Results: The result was shown as 58  participants responded to have thumb pain whereas there was notable impact of thumb pain on the workplace, with 29% of participants reporting a reduction in the number of patients they are able to treat. Visual Analog Scale showed that 79% participants experiencing moderate pain, within range of 4 to 7 on the scale.

Conclusion: This study was concluded that 58% physiotherapists experienced thumb pain with the realm of physical therapy techniques employed by physiotherapists, a significant portion utilizes manipulation/ mobilization used to perform manual therapy. This impact directly reducing flow and Quality of treatment of patients in their clinics and hospitals. This was a potential occupational challenge within the field of physiotherapy.