Australian Occupational Health Physiotherapy from 1970–1990: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND: Occupational Health Physiotherapy plays an important role in maintaining a healthy Australian workforce and reducing the associated economic burden of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. However, there is limited literature surrounding the Australian context in which this field developed. OBJECTIVE: To explore the development of Australian Occupational Health Physiotherapy during its formative years from 1970 to 1990. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study design was employed. Physiotherapists participated in semi-structured interviews via videoconference. Interview questions were informed by the seven Australian Physiotherapy Association Professional Practice Standards in Occupational Health and Safety Physiotherapy. Interview transcripts were inductively analyzed to derive themes and sub-themes. RESULTS: Four main themes emerged from the data. First, the significance of the Repetitive Strain Injury epidemic. Second, the ineffective medical response to repetitive strain injury. Third, the barriers of conventional physiotherapy education and practice, and legislation. Finally, the opportunity for an alternative approach created by physiotherapists' willingness and ability to engage, and legislative reforms. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first primary study to identify the contextual factors that influenced the development of Australian Occupational Health Physiotherapy in the early years. The results suggest that the future of physiotherapy is dependent on the adaptability of the profession to meet the needs of dynamically evolving societies, their industries, and the unprecedented health challenges they present.