The return to work of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders

Introduction: The return to work is a complex process and there are some difficulties and challenges to workers with RSI/WRMSD. Objective: To investigate the experiences during the process of return to work of individuals affected with work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Method: Exploratory, descriptive, retrospective and qualitative study. It had two steps: (1) Documentary analysis of open records in CEREST, Santos-SP, from July 2014 to July 2015. Records selection of the individuals with clinical diagnosis of RSI/WRMSD. (2) Selection of individuals who experienced the process of return to work, use of a pre-elaborated script for conducting semi-structured and individuals interviews. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for content analysis by thematic categories. Results: For this study, six (n=6) individuals participated in the interviews, aged 28-54 years, the majority female (n=5), with incomplete high school educational level and with varied professions. The testimonies showed: return to work for the same function; no respect to the physical restrictions/ limitations; resurgence of painful symptoms; fear and risk of dismissal; feeling of inability and the importance of a family support. Conclusion: The return to work process requires interventions of multiprofessional teams and interdisciplinary actions