MSK Myth Busting: Returning to Work
One of the most common misconceptions about returning to work after an illness or injury, especially musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions is the belief that you must be 100% recovered before stepping back into the workplace.
Returning to work in a phased, controlled, and safe way can be a powerful part of the rehabilitation process. When managed well, good work is good for our health physically, mentally, and socially.
Why Early Return to Work Matters
Let’s look at some compelling data from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP):
- If someone is off work for 4 weeks due to an MSK-related illness, they have an 80% chance of returning to work at full capacity.
- If they’re off for 6 months, that chance drops to just 20%.
- And if someone is off work for 2 years, statistically they are more likely to pass away than return to work.
These figures are stark. They highlight how time away from work can quickly become a barrier to recovery, rather than a support. The longer someone is absent, the more difficult it becomes to return not just physically, but also emotionally and socially. Confidence can erode, routines are disrupted, and the sense of purpose that work often provides can be lost.
The Role of Phased Return to Work
A phased return to work allows individuals to gradually reintroduce themselves to their role, often starting with reduced hours or modified duties. This approach is especially beneficial for those recovering from MSK conditions, where full physical capacity may take time to rebuild.
Employers and occupational health professionals can work together to create a tailored plan that supports recovery while maintaining engagement with the workplace. This might include:
- Adjusted workstations or equipment
- Flexible hours or remote work options
- Temporary reassignment to lighter duties
- Regular check-ins to monitor progress
By making work part of the recovery journey, rather than something to fear or delay, we can improve outcomes for individuals and reduce long-term absence.
Fit Notes: What You Need to Know
The term “sick note” has evolved. It’s now called a Fit Note (Med 3 form), and it’s important to understand that:
- Fit Notes are advisory, not mandatory.
- Occupational Health (OH) professionals, especially MSK specialists, can recommend a return to work before a Fit Note expires.
- Since 1st July 2022, it’s not just GPs who can issue Fit Notes. Now, physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists, and pharmacists can also issue them.
This change is significant. With over 10 million Fit Notes issued annually by GP practices in England alone, expanding the pool of professionals who can issue them helps reduce delays and ensures people get the right support at the right time.
Good Work vs. Bad Work
It’s important to distinguish between good work and bad work. Good work supports health and well-being. It offers structure, purpose, social interaction, and financial stability. Bad work, on the other hand, can be detrimental characterised by high stress, lack of support, poor ergonomics, or unrealistic expectations.
The goal is not just to return to any work, but to return to good work. Employers play a crucial role here. A supportive workplace culture, open communication, and a willingness to adapt can make all the difference.
Returning to work doesn’t mean being fully healed. It means being ready to re-engage in a way that supports your recovery. With the right support, work can be a vital part of getting better—not a barrier to it.
If you or someone you know is navigating a return to work after an MSK condition, remember you don’t have to be 100% fit to start. You just need the right plan, the right support, and the right mindset.
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