Physical therapists who claimed workers' compensation: a qualitative study

Abstract

Background and purpose: Although most physical therapists experience work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) at some time, only a small minority claim workers' compensation. This article describes the experiences of a group of therapists with WMSDs who made compensation claims.

Methods: Interviews were used to document the experiences of physical therapists who reported that they had changed their career because of WMSDs.

Results and discussion: Therapists described their experiences in negative terms and found dealing with the workers' compensation system frustrating and unpleasant. They encountered attitudes that labeled them as malingerers and felt their credibility was questioned.

Conclusions: Physical therapists' experiences of the workers' compensation system were negative, and they were keen to become independent of it. Those who claimed workers' compensation perceived that a compensable claim could limit their employment opportunities, making confidentiality an important issue when treating other health care professionals.