Affiliations: Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, Indianapolis, USA
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Jill Stikeleather, PT, PhD.,
Associate Professor, Krannert School of Physical Therapy, University of
Indianapolis, 1400 East Hanna Avenue, Indianapolis, IN 46227-3697, USA. Tel.:
+1 317 788 3524; Fax: +1 317 788 3542; E-mail: stikeleather@uindy.edu
Abstract: This study highlights the return-to-work experience of older workers
on worker's compensation as there is a dearth of research in this area. Method: Qualitative research methods delineated the experience of
four older workers who had sustained work-related musculoskeletal injuries.
Results: "Push or Protect Self" emerged as the core category with
three themes, including the level of employer support and degree of flexibility
in work; continued health problems; and financial distress. These themes
influenced each worker's decision to either "push self" to meet their
pre-injury work demands, or "protect self" and accept a job post-injury that
was less physically demanding, but was at a lower pay level. The four workers
sustained financial difficulties subsequent to being off work, and reported
continued health problems related to their injuries after being discharged from
the worker's compensation system. Conclusion: Degree of employer support in providing flexibility in
work demands varied, where low support and inflexibility in job tasks
contributed to difficulty in returning to work or in sustaining the work
demands of the job.
