Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders
Abstract Background The unpredictable nature of firefighting, characterized by lifting and carrying of heavy equipment, forceful upper body movements in confined spaces, and exposure to extreme conditions, predisposes firefighters (FFs) to a range of work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs). The uniqu...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-06-01
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| Series: | Discover Public Health |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00739-8 |
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| author | Temitope Osifeso Joy C. MacDermid Dorala Berinyuy Pulak Parikh Kenneth Faber |
| author_facet | Temitope Osifeso Joy C. MacDermid Dorala Berinyuy Pulak Parikh Kenneth Faber |
| author_sort | Temitope Osifeso |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background The unpredictable nature of firefighting, characterized by lifting and carrying of heavy equipment, forceful upper body movements in confined spaces, and exposure to extreme conditions, predisposes firefighters (FFs) to a range of work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs). The unique occupational demand of firefighting underscores the need for targeted intervention and occupational health programs tailored to the demands of firefighting. Objective To explore the: (1) Management strategies that FFs employ after WSDs (2) Needs and preferences of FFs with WSDs in relation to their occupational health and recovery. Methods Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we interviewed 14 firefighters (males, n = 9; females, n = 5) with an average age of 47 years, who experienced WSDs in their careers. Semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews were conducted using online video conference software and were transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Result Four themes emerged from firefighters as management strategies following WSDs: (1) Appropriate diagnostic precision and tailored management; (2) The critical role of early medical and physiotherapy intervention; (3) Comprehensive social support systems; (4) Adaptive coping mechanisms. Two themes also emerged as needs and preferences in relation to their occupational health and recovery: (1) Formal and targeted training exercise programs; (2) Mandatory health and wellness monitoring programs. Conclusion The unique occupational demands of firefighting necessitate a multifaceted and holistic approach to shoulder injury management and prevention. This approach encourages the development of tailored intervention programs that address the specific challenges and perceived needs of firefighters with WSDs. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-a819bd664aff4ff4bcc82f7d00960bbf |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 3005-0774 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-06-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Public Health |
| spelling | doaj-art-a819bd664aff4ff4bcc82f7d00960bbf2025-08-20T03:22:48ZengSpringerDiscover Public Health3005-07742025-06-0122112010.1186/s12982-025-00739-8Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disordersTemitope Osifeso0Joy C. MacDermid1Dorala Berinyuy2Pulak Parikh3Kenneth Faber4Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western UniversityDepartment of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western UniversityDepartment of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western UniversityDepartment of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, Western UniversityClinical Research Lab, Roth McFarlane Hand and Upper Limb Centre, St. Joseph’s Healthcare LondonAbstract Background The unpredictable nature of firefighting, characterized by lifting and carrying of heavy equipment, forceful upper body movements in confined spaces, and exposure to extreme conditions, predisposes firefighters (FFs) to a range of work-related shoulder disorders (WSDs). The unique occupational demand of firefighting underscores the need for targeted intervention and occupational health programs tailored to the demands of firefighting. Objective To explore the: (1) Management strategies that FFs employ after WSDs (2) Needs and preferences of FFs with WSDs in relation to their occupational health and recovery. Methods Using an interpretive descriptive methodology, we interviewed 14 firefighters (males, n = 9; females, n = 5) with an average age of 47 years, who experienced WSDs in their careers. Semi-structured one-on-one virtual interviews were conducted using online video conference software and were transcribed verbatim. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis. Result Four themes emerged from firefighters as management strategies following WSDs: (1) Appropriate diagnostic precision and tailored management; (2) The critical role of early medical and physiotherapy intervention; (3) Comprehensive social support systems; (4) Adaptive coping mechanisms. Two themes also emerged as needs and preferences in relation to their occupational health and recovery: (1) Formal and targeted training exercise programs; (2) Mandatory health and wellness monitoring programs. Conclusion The unique occupational demands of firefighting necessitate a multifaceted and holistic approach to shoulder injury management and prevention. This approach encourages the development of tailored intervention programs that address the specific challenges and perceived needs of firefighters with WSDs.https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00739-8FirefightersShoulder injuriesOccupational healthPhysiotherapy interventionsMusculoskeletal injuriesInterpretive description |
| spellingShingle | Temitope Osifeso Joy C. MacDermid Dorala Berinyuy Pulak Parikh Kenneth Faber Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders Discover Public Health Firefighters Shoulder injuries Occupational health Physiotherapy interventions Musculoskeletal injuries Interpretive description |
| title | Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders |
| title_full | Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders |
| title_fullStr | Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders |
| title_full_unstemmed | Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders |
| title_short | Perspectives of North American firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work-related shoulder disorders |
| title_sort | perspectives of north american firefighters on navigating interventions and healthcare choices for work related shoulder disorders |
| topic | Firefighters Shoulder injuries Occupational health Physiotherapy interventions Musculoskeletal injuries Interpretive description |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s12982-025-00739-8 |
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