Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Abstract

Physiatry is an exciting, growing specialty that emphasizes prevention and treatment of disability secondary to injuries. Our treatment goal continues to be to minimize dependence and maximize functional independence to restore individuals to their highest potential and reintegrate them into the community. Physiatrists are involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and rehabilitation of work-related injuries. Cumulative trauma disorders of the upper extremities and cervical spine are a major cause of impairment disability and compensation in manual workers.¹Despite advances in robotics and automation, industry remains dependent on manual labor and, in some instances, automation has increased the need for certain types of manual workers such as keyboard data operators. Residual functional capacity is being assessed for some occupations and requires a thorough understanding of the occupational demands, particularly in terms of joint motion and muscle activity.²Ergonomic assessment of the workplace is considered an essential step in the rehabilitation