Work Related Upper Limb Disorders

Services we offer

• Upper Limb Disorder surveillance which is used to detect, report and management work-related upper limb injuries
• Follow-on Occupational Physician services where the injury is such that work place adjustment or medical treatment is required
• On and off site Physiotherapy services to support injured employees
• Instruction and training packages led by Physiotherapists or nurses which encourage good ergonomic practices such as posture and frequent changes in work routine

General Information

Repetitive physical activities at work can result in a wide range of Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs) such as Tenosynovitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tennis Elbow. Disorders of this type affect muscles, joints, tendons and supporting tissues and are usually associated with pain and loss of function.

There are generally three factors which can provoke or cause Upper Limb Disorders:

1. Posture of the arm. An arm which is worked repetitively in a bent, rotated or twisted position may develop an ULD
2. Force or tension created in a nerve or tendon. Activities involving the application of a force such as compressing cardboard boxes, cutting with shears or scissors or pressing a knife through a surface all may lead to or exacerbate an ULD
3. Repetition of the task. The more often the task is repeated or the lengthy duration of each task can exacerbate ULDs