INTRODUCTION: Healthcare professionals are affected by several painful problems in the vertebral column, and low back pain is one of the complaints most frequently found among these professionals. Physical therapists are professionals who often present this type of disorder. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency of occurrence of low back disorders among physical therapists in the city of Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil, and relate it with length of time in the profession, age and work schedule. METHODS: This study was a case series that was developed by applying a questionnaire to 56 physical therapists. Results: A high rate of musculoskeletal disorders in the low back was found, with complaints observed in 78.58% of the subjects. CONCLUSIONS: According to the results obtained from this study, it is necessary to seriously consider the occurrence of low back disorders in physical therapists, in order to reach a better understanding of the problems identified and to act towards improving the quality of life of this professional, by means of further studies.
musculoskeletal disorders; low back pain; physical therapists
