Clinical – Musculoskeletal

Musculoskeletal injuries comprise a majority of the acute occupational injuries seen by the OEM physician and cause major productivity, financial, and human losses for employees and employers alike. Thorough understanding of the anatomy, physiology, and pathology of the musculoskeletal system, as well as appropriate diagnostic and management skills, are essential. OEM physicians are able to correlate clinical conditions with functional capacity in relation to activities of daily living and work. Applying the principles of epidemiology and ergonomics enables the OEM physician to facilitate the development of programs to prevent these conditions.

1. Perform focused and comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluations, including the history, physical examination, laboratory studies, and the investigation of occupational risk factors.
2. Select appropriate diagnostic tests in the evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal conditions using evidence based guidelines.
3. Identify, manage, and prevent acute and chronic musculoskeletal disorders and their associated disabilities, and determine when such conditions are work-related.
   • Diagnose, manage, and prevent spine disorders, including low back pain.
   • Diagnose, manage, and prevent cumulative trauma disorders, with attention to specificity of diagnosis and etiology, and both occupational and non-occupational risk factors.
   • Diagnose, manage, and prevent joint and extremity injuries and disorders.
4. Prescribe ergonomic interventions and appropriate rehabilitation services for an injured worker.
5. Identify delayed recovery and manage chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes.