The number one work injury is currently Musculoskeletal Disorder, (MSD) also known as strains and sprains. MSD’s can cause companies tens of thousands of dollars. A strain or sprain can happen with a single event or reveal its self overtime. They can be brought on by improper body mechanics, or by putting stress on a muscle for an extended period.

OSHA is very specific on how and when an MSD becomes a recordable incident. It is also clear on how an MSD can be treated before it is a recorded incident.

If a massage is used in conjunction with medical treatment already being administered, then it’s a part of the recorded incident.

Also if massage therapy is part of physical therapy or chiropractic treatment, then the incident could trigger a recordable event, if a worker shows signs of an injury or illness. Massage by it’s self is considered first date under OSHA guidelines.

As a licensed massage therapist the techniques and treatment to use are all classified as massage, regardless of its use for wellness/preventive, work related MST or post-op from an MSD surgery the workplace program provides an opportunity to have a license massage therapist on site to revive massage therapy and education of massage dress reduction for both the prevention and treatment of MSG at or away from work.

The goals of the workplace program are to:

1. Prevent a work-related MSD from becoming a Recordable or Lost Time Incident
2. Help speed up the healing time of a Recordable MSD
3. Teach the worker how to tell which muscles are under stress and how to make small changes in their body movement to reduce the stress