| Summary: | Purpose: Based on the viewpoint of an interdisciplinary team, this exploratory study aimed to identify different types of trajectories followed by workers with musculoskeletal disorders and the factors contributing to them.Methods: The research design used a single-case study in which the main unit of analysis was an interdisciplinary work team. This team discussed eighteen workers’ progression during a work rehabilitation programme. Analytical methods were based on phenomenology. All team discussions were audiotaped and transcribed, and two researchers completed the content analysis.Results: Four types of trajectories emerged: (1) return-to-work trajectories without obstacles; (2) return-to-work trajectories with obstacles; (3) non-return-to-work trajectories with episodes of progression; and (4) non-return-to-work trajectories without progression. Moreover, three outlines emerged from the data analysis: (1) the worker’s compliance with the programme; (2) the way the worker coped with exposure to work; and (3) stakeholder collaboration. The results of this study also suggested that the absence of a single consistent message among participating health professionals could create confusion for workers and pose a major impediment to the resumption of their activities.Conclusion: The results underscore, for clinicians, the complexity in managing this type of chronic work rehabilitation population, related to both the worker and the worker’s interactions with the stakeholders. Also, this study casts light on the non-linear work rehabilitation processes of individuals with prolonged disabilities of musculoskeletal origin, as described by an interdisciplinary team.
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