Prevalence of upper extremity disorders in physiotherapists of Tehran

Background and Work related problems are important parts of musculoskeletal disorders. Because of prolonged use of upper extremity by physiotherapists, they are at risk of work related upper extremity disorders. The purpose of this project was the study of upper limb disorder prevalence in physiotherapists of Tehran.A questionare was developed that consist of personal and occupational information and upper limb disorders and offered to many of physiotherapists in Tehran randomely. 96 physiotherapists participated in this research. This research revealed that the most of them have upper limb disorders so that 74% of men and 89% of women have at least a problem in their upper extremities. With increase of work time, this prevalence was increased. This research revealed high prevalence of upper extremity disorders in physiotherapists and serious attention is needed for prevention of this problems and increase performance in physiotherapists population.