Risks, prevalence and management of carpal tunnel syndrome amidst Somatologists within the Western Cape

Abstract

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) has been recognised for many decades across various industries and researched extensively in these domains. The practice of Somatology has greatly evolved from the beauty therapy industry of past years that simply focussed on aesthetic techniques of beautifying clients. The new techniques and general physical demands of the somatologist profession, however, raise concerns for the health and wellness of the somatologist. This research was motivated by the lack of data available on musculoskeletal disorders generally, and specifically, the prevalence among somatologists in the Western Cape of carpal tunnel syndrome. The study objectives were to determine the general prevalence of CTS among qualified somatologists in the Western Cape, to identify risk factors that contribute to the development of CTS in somatologists, and to determine current preventative measures and management of CTS among somatologists. A quantitative research approach was used to evaluate the objectives by collecting the data, using a questionnaire as the research tool. Various beauty schools and businesses within the field were contacted to determine the prevalence rate of qualified somatologists being diagnosed with CTS. A sample group of somatologists who had worked or were working in the Western Cape was recruited to the study and the questionnaire included openended questions to elicit more detailed responses beyond the statistical data. The results of the study indicated CTS is generally prevalent in the beauty therapy industry and has debilitating long-term consequences for the health and career longevity of somatologists, many of whom have to prematurely leave their chosen career paths due to their development of CTS, or to divert income to treatment costs in an industry where earnings are typically low. The study highlighted several issues that require further and wider study, such as compensation for injury, access to medical aid or employer subsidies, inherent health risks in the nature of some treatments and the need for more education and possible adjustments to training to prevent or alleviate the onset of CTS. Such future studies should provide insight for companies within the industry to aid their revision of policies and procedures to better facilitate and support somatologists suffering from CTS.