Many individuals have problems with mobility or with manual handling tasks either as a result of a medical condition or injury.  In some cases these are short-term problems while in others the problem may be permanent.  Most individuals with this type of problem are still able to work effectively even though there may be some tasks they cannot do.

Often the problem is less than everyone thinks.  The employee simply needs to develop confidence, so they realise they can actually undertake tasks they thought would be impossible or difficult.  A suitable rehabilitation programme often helps them gain confidence and fitness, enabling a return to active and effective work. 

Pain can often be a barrier to a return to work.  An understanding of the problem can give individuals confidence.  As they get fitter and more active their pain reduces considerably and in many cases resolves completely.  This is particularly important in cases of back, neck, shoulder and upper arm pain which resolve in the great majority of cases.

An understanding of the natural course of the illness or injury can enable the employer and employee to plan effectively for the future.  We can help you tailor the workload to capabilities during recovery and build confidence, fitness and capability. 

In many cases the problem is related to 'normal wear and tear', but the employee has been worried by a diagnosis or the result of X-rays or an MRI scan they do not understand.  Reassurance that their results are entirely normal for their age can be of great value.  Our doctors base all advice on the latest evidence from research into the medical conditions, and from research into the occupational impact of the conditions.

We can help in assessing fitness for work, advise on long-term risk from work, and advise on reasonable adjustments in the workplace to meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.  We can help you plan rehabilitation programmes and advise when employees will be ready to start and how long these are likely to take.

We can advise on rehabilitation programmes to help individuals with musculoskeletal problems settle back into work and regain fitness at work.

Back pain

A great deal is now known about the causes of back pain and the best treatment and rehabilitation for employees.  The Faculty of Occupational Medicine and the Royal College of General Practitioners have both recently issued guidelines on the management of back pain.  These guidelines emphasise the importance of an early return to work that includes an appropriate period of rehabilitation in the workplace.

Most individuals with back pain can return to work within a few days or weeks rather than staying off work for many months.  Until the last few decades, sickness absence because of back pain was relatively rare.  Back pain was just as common, but the great majority of individuals carried on working without any ill-effect and recovered much more quickly because they were active. 

Most absence is medically unnecessary, particularly if duties can be adjusted for a short while.  In many cases rest away from work actually prolongs the symptoms and can make the symptoms worse.  It is also important to note that absence is less common where the employer is sympathetic and understanding, and helps the employee with back pain to avoid activities such as heavy or awkward lifting and bending for a few days.

We can help ensure that those with serious problems are appropriately supported, and those who can return to work early are guided by a suitable phased return to work that enables them to regain fitness and activity while they rebuild confidence.