Musculoskeletal Pain Relief in Sonographers: A Systematic Review of the Effects of Therapeutic Techniques

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain and resulting injury is a growing concern for sonographers. Statistics substantiate the rising trend of sonographers in pain, but prevention methods are not currently established as part of the education process or in the clinical environment. A systematic review of the literature was performed to determine whether sonographers taught to use proper body mechanics, stretching, and/or therapeutic techniques experience less pain. The results suggest that education workshops and stretching techniques have the potential to benefit sonographers. Sonographers who incorporate stretching into the work day may experience a reduction in pain. Education workshops may improve the long-term outcomes for sonographers. Additional research is necessary to determine the outcomes of the various therapeutic methods. Those methods that are proven valuable should be adopted into the sonography profession by educators and clinical sites. Managers, supervisors, physicians, and sonographers should be provided information regarding research outcomes in order to advocate for evidence-based practice changes.