Physical Therapy Utilization in Subjects with Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Taiwan Experience

Introduction This study aimed to investigate the use of physical therapy (PT) services by subjects with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) and to identify factors associated with long-term use of PT in Taiwan. Methods Data including demographic characteristics, work history, pain and disability ratings, and psychosocial status were collected by questionnaire. Subjects who were referred to PT were interviewed weekly by telephone to obtain information about use of PT. Results A total of 160 subjects participated in this study. Of these, 85 subjects (53.1%) did not receive PT. Of the 75 subjects who received PT, 53 (70.7%) received short-term treatment (<30 days) and 22 (29.3%) received long-term treatment (≧30 days). The number of treatment sessions for the treatment groups was 7.8 sessions ± 9.0. Logistic regression analysis identified age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.074, P = 0.007) and the subject’s confidence that the disorder would be diagnosed as an occupational injury (“yes” and “not sure” vs. “no”; OR = 4.288, P = 0.012) as significant factors affecting the duration of treatment. Conclusions Almost 30% of the subjects referred to PT received long-term treatment (≧30 days), the significant factors affecting this classification were subject’s age and confidence in a diagnosis of WMSD.