By Anna Trnka, Physiotherapist
Tradies Health Month
This August we are shining the spotlight on tradies health to keep them moving well and pain free.
A tradies’ health is their most important tool, yet Australian tradies experience some of the highest rates of injury and time off work compared to other workers.
In fact, 3 in 5 serious workplace injuries involve a tradie, despite tradies making up only 30 per cent of the Australian workforce.
With nearly 200 serious injury claims each day, the health of Aussie trades people is in trouble!
Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy is encouraging all tradies, their employers and families to think about their health and take a few simple steps to prioritise their wellbeing at work.
If you rely on your body being healthy to go to work it is important to prioritise your general, physical and mental health so you can keep doing what you need to.
And let's face it, this advice is not just limited to Tradies, we all need to be fit and healthy to perform well during our day, whatever we do for 'crust'!
Here are some simple tips to make health a part of your toolkit
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Ensure tasks are risk assessed regularly to reduce the strain (ask for help when you need it too!)
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Check the equipment you are using is adequate, easily handled and fit for purpose ( tools that are blunt, broken and the wrong size can be very dangerous!)
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Use good posture and technique when handling objects (bend with knees, turn your whole body when lifting rather than twisting etc.)
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Keep your core strong and general fitness up by exercising regularly (exercise at work is not enough alone)
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Keep your flexibility by doing 5–10 minutes of stretching every morning (see exercises below)
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Maintain quality sleep and nutrition to ensure you have the energy to remain well, alert and safe throughout the day. There is some amazing research coming out recently showing how important sleep is for our health. Elite sporting clubs are monitoring sleep, and adjusting their programs accordingly, and so should you!
Here are some simple warm up exercises that may benefit you.
1. Lumbar Extension Options
2. Thoracic Extension and Rotation Mobility Exercises.
How can Physiotherapy help you?
At Melbourne Sports Physiotherapy our goal is to get you moving pain free as soon as possible.
But, we also want you to actually move better and live a healthier, more active and fulfilling life!
If your work has been wearing your body down, book in with one of our expert physiotherapists so we can help you reduce your pain and bullet proof your body so that you can keep working in the long run.
If you are showing some signs of injury or simply want help staying injury-free then book in with one of our highly experienced Physiotherapists today!
You can make an appointment by calling or booking online.