Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant concern, particularly for employees engaged in repetitive activities or maintaining uncomfortable postures for extended durations. These disorders can lead to discomfort both during work and at rest, presenting in various forms such as cervical neck pain, low back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia, among others. In a hospital or health center environment, this could have an impact on the health, productivity, and satisfaction of the staff, as well as the quality of patient care.

The Wellness Center at Rawdat Al-Khail Health Center at the Primary Health Care Corporation (PHCC) conducted an informative workshop on February 26, 2025, titled ‘Exercises for the Management of Musculoskeletal Discomforts’. Dr. Sarah Rashid Musa, Consultant Community Medicine and Wellness Center in Charge in Rawdat Al-Khail Health Center, explained that the objective of this workshop was to enlighten employees on the significance of exercise in alleviating musculoskeletal pain, particularly for those suffering from discomfort due to prolonged sitting or standing. The interactive workshop was structured into three segments: a theoretical overview, types and management strategies, and a practical session focused on work adaptation, concluding with a question-and-answer session that encouraged participants to share their experiences and concerns regarding musculoskeletal discomfort in their daily work lives.

Neeli Vijayakumar, a wellness gym instructor at Rawdat Al-Khail Health Center, discussed about the causes, classifications and assessment tools of musculoskeletal pain. The workshop emphasized tools and strategies for managing regional musculoskeletal pain, occupational overuse syndrome, and repetitive strain injuries through exercise and muscle strengthening. Participants were informed about the advantages of regular exercise in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, which include enhanced pain tolerance, increased strength and flexibility, reduced inflammation, and beneficial psychological effects that assist in coping with pain.

Nangelyn Estioco Macatangay, a wellness gym instructor at Rawdat Al-Khail Health Center, conducted a practical session focused on assessing and modifying activities both at work and at home. Ms. Macatangay showcased simple isometric exercises, which involve static contraction of a muscle without any visible movement in the angle of the joint, aimed at alleviating localized musculoskeletal discomfort and elaborated on how participants could adjust their work environments to leverage their muscles' natural strengths while minimizing pain.

Dr. Sarah Rashid Musa, noted that this workshop was part of the Employee Wellbeing and Wellness Program initiated in October 2022, which has already benefited thousands of employees from PHCC, Hamad Medical Corporation and the Ministry of Public Health. This ongoing initiative emphasizes health awareness, fitness workshops, and lifestyle modification strategies designed to enhance employees' overall wellbeing. “By providing resources, knowledge, and support, we empower employees to take control of their health and enhance their quality of life,” Dr. Sarah added.