INTRODUCTION: The work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDS) are articulated directly to occupational activities and working conditions. OBJECTIVE: The article developed from a qualitative study that analyzed the social representation of physical therapy among workers with Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDS), users of the Reference Center for Occupational Health (CEREST - Centro de Referência em Saúde do Trabalhador), through the Department of Occupational Health (DSAT - Departamento de Saúde do Trabalhador), Juiz de Fora (MG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The resource of capturing the information was the semi-structured interview, conducted with 12 workers aged between 29 and 55 years old. RESULTS: The information submitted to thematic analysis indicate that physical therapy received echoes over long periods of treatment, and dissatisfaction of the results, through a curative practice, targeted and little resolving, in which prevails the use of equipment at the expense of bodily and holistic maneuvers. CONCLUSION: Whereupon the report, we found the need for humanized care, whole and equal with accountability and commitment, in addition to the appreciation of workers and users, promoting better quality of life. It is essential carrying out further studies to enable a better understanding as well as theoretical and practical deepening of the relation between the role of the physiotherapist and the social representation involved.
Physical therapy; WMSDS; Social representation; Occupational health