Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common health problems worldwide, affecting both developed and developing countries. Conditions such as back and neck pain, joint diseases, rheumatic disorders, osteoarthritis, and osteoporosis not only limit individuals’ daily lives but also have significant social and economic consequences. According to the World Health Organization, musculoskeletal disorders are one of the leading causes of disability and long-term work absence.
This is where occupational therapy comes into play. Occupational therapy is a holistic health discipline that aims to enable individuals to live more independently, productively, and meaningfully. In musculoskeletal disorders, it focuses not only on physical recovery but also on reintegrating individuals into community life.
Musculoskeletal problems can significantly impact activities ranging from daily routines to professional life. Pain, mobility restrictions, and fatigue often make it difficult for people to perform basic tasks such as dressing, eating, doing household chores, or participating in social activities. This may lead to isolation and weakened social connections. Occupational therapists intervene by designing individualized treatment plans. They develop strategies to make daily activities easier and safer, recommend assistive technologies, and empower individuals to remain active members of society. Thus, people with musculoskeletal disorders are supported not merely as patients but as engaged participants in social life.
A considerable proportion of workforce loss worldwide, including in Turkey, stems from musculoskeletal disorders. Office employees face problems from prolonged hours at desks, laborers suffer spinal issues due to heavy lifting, and factory workers are at risk from repetitive strain injuries. Occupational therapy takes on a preventive and protective role in this context. Workplace ergonomic interventions, training employees in proper posture and movement techniques, and adapting workstations to individual needs help reduce existing problems and prevent new ones from developing. This not only protects workers’ health but also minimizes economic losses related to absenteeism and decreased productivity.
The treatment costs of musculoskeletal disorders place a heavy burden on healthcare systems. Long-term medication use, surgeries, rehabilitation programs, and disability-related costs affect both individuals and societies. By promoting independence, facilitating return to work, and reducing reliance on healthcare services, occupational therapy helps alleviate this burden. Moreover, by addressing psychological problems associated with chronic pain and mobility limitations, such as depression and social withdrawal, occupational therapy indirectly contributes to reducing healthcare expenditures.
Musculoskeletal disorders often diminish self-confidence and create feelings of helplessness. The inability to perform daily tasks fosters dependency. Occupational therapists address not only physical functioning but also psychosocial well-being. They teach adaptive methods for everyday tasks, introduce assistive devices, and encourage participation in hobbies and leisure activities. Such interventions enhance quality of life and life satisfaction. At the community level, this strengthens social cohesion, as every individual is enabled to remain an active contributor.
Experts emphasize that musculoskeletal disorders must be addressed with a multidisciplinary approach, not just medical treatment. Integrating medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychology, and social work leads to the most effective outcomes. Occupational therapy stands at the heart of this holistic approach, ensuring that individuals are not isolated but reintegrated into community life.
The role of occupational therapy in musculoskeletal disorders goes far beyond improving personal health. By safeguarding the workforce, reducing healthcare costs, enhancing independence, and strengthening social participation, occupational therapy generates broad social value. With the world’s population aging and the prevalence of chronic conditions on the rise, the societal role of occupational therapy in musculoskeletal health is expected to become increasingly vital in shaping future health policies.
