Did you know that most people spend over one third of their entire life at work and over 60% of their waking time, compared to a fraction of this for most sporting endeavours. So why is sports physio so popular and Occupational Health Physio still a relatively unfamiliar field?
Ever feel like there’s more to physiotherapy than just the clinic and sports field? That maybe your skills could make a real difference in a broader scale, benefiting not just individual patients but whole workplaces and communities? Well, buckle up, because I’m about to introduce you to the awesome world of Occupational Health (OH) Physiotherapy!
So, what exactly is Occupational Health Physiotherapy? It’s all about optimizing health, recovery and well-being in the workplace. Forget sterile rooms and waiting areas – we’re talking diverse settings, from apple orchards to construction sites to fishing boats. Imagine visiting factories making all kinds of amazing things we use every day from milk to toilet paper to elaborate machinery. Understanding what actually goes into fabricating, processing and manufacturing is mind blowing.
Why Should You Care?
Let’s be honest, sometimes the routine can get a bit…well, routine. OH Physio offers a chance to break free and expand your horizons. Imagine:
- Variety is the spice of life: One day you’re analysing work techniques in a manufacturing plant, the next you’re setting up ergonomic workstations in an office, and the next assessing nightshift workers safety at a civil construction site. No two days are the same!
- Making a real impact: You’re not just treating injuries in the clinic, you’re helping employees manage them whilst also working with the company to support their people and prevent future injuries. You will impact organizational change and improvement as well as helping individuals, their health and their outcomes.
- Problem-solving detective: This isn’t just about muscles and joints. You’re looking at the whole picture – the whole person, work processes, workplace culture, and even management styles to identify potential barriers and help create solutions.
- Career boost: This is a growing field! Getting into OH Physio opens doors to leadership roles, consulting opportunities, and learning new specialised expertise.
What Does an OH Physio Actually Do?
Think of an OH Physio as a hybrid of clinician and workplace consultant. Here’s a taste of what you might be doing:
- Task Assessments: Diving into different work environments to understand the physical demands of the job. Observing employee techniques and practices and assessing the overall workplace setup.
- Risk Management: Spotting potential hazards and figuring out how to minimise them. This could involve improving techniques, redesigning workstations, or even recommending equipment or changes to workflow and processes.
- Injury Prevention Programs: Designing and implementing strategies to keep workers healthy and safe. This could include things like warm-up routines, stretching programs, and wellbeing training programmes.
- Return-to-Work (RTW) Planning: Helping injured workers get back on the job safely and sustainably. This might involve modifying job duties, providing rehabilitation programs, and always working with employers and other rehab team members to create supportive and flexible work environments.
- Training and Education: Sharing your knowledge with workers and employers, teaching them how to prevent injuries, support early return to work and promote a healthy workplace culture.
Is OH Physio right for you?
If you’re a physio who:
- Loves a good challenge.
- Has a knack for problem-solving.
- Enjoys working with people from all walks of life.
- Is passionate about health and wellness.
- Is always looking to learn and grow…
…then OH Physio might just be your dream career!
Where do you start?
- Upskill! Take courses in Return to Work management, ergonomics, occupational health and safety, or many other related fields.
- Network! Connect with OH Physios in your area. Ask to shadow them or volunteer your time to gain experience.
- Get Certified! Look into post graduate certifications in Occupational Health
- Join the Special Interest Group! Join the Physiotherapy New Zealand’s OH Special Interest Group part of Physiotherapy New Zealand.
Read more here >>> - Find out more: Read our Occupational Health Physiotherapy guidelines and get excited about your potential future career in OH Physiotherapy
Read more here >>>
OH Physio: it’s more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real difference.
So, are you ready to break free from the clinic and make a real impact on people’s lives and recovery? Occupational Health Physiotherapy offers a rewarding career path, with endless opportunities for learning, growth, and making a positive difference in the way people work. What are you waiting for?
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