Tradies National Health Month is an awareness initiative that focuses on the significance of tradies health. Did you know that 60% of tradies often have some type of aches and pains as a result of physical demand of their job? This can decrease their physical health and have an impact on their mental health. The physical demand of tradesmen jobs can cause or exacerbate old injuries. The average time taken off work due to an injury for tradies is approximately 5-6 weeks.
Furthermore, another reason why tradies have many chronic injuries is due to the workplace culture and practices. Tradies often don’t report injuries and continue working through their injury which can often exacerbate the symptoms. To fix this issue, there needs to be an open culture at work to encourage and emphasis tradies health and safety. Tradies rely on their body for work and it is their primary tool, if they’re incapacitated then they will not be able to work to their full ability.
Health tips for tradies
We know the physical labour of being a tradie, this is why it is important to get home safe so you can be ready for work the next day. Here are some health tips for tradies:
- Pace your workload throughout the day
- Ensure you stay hydrated at work
- Stay strong and fit enough to do your job. Regular exercise can help with fitness
- Ask for help when heavy lifts are required for work
- Practice good lifting techniques to help prevent injury. A physiotherapist will be able to teach you how to properly lift work related items.
- You can begin to treat acute injuries with the RICE technique (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation). If the injury does not settle then it is important to seek a health professional
Physiotherapy for tradies health:
Back pain is the most common injury tradies experience at work, this is due to the back being required for almost all tasks at work. Tradies often also experience shoulder pain due to repetitive reaching and using tools. Knee injuries from repetitive squats and bending to the ground. Ankle sprains due to the work environment. A physiotherapist are experts in musculoskeletal health, it is time to add physiotherapy to your toolbox, get expert health advice, tailored treatment and exercises to protect the most important tool in the work shed, that is your body. Myphysio physiotherapists can provide you with a tailored treatment program. Book an appointment today. You can also follow us on Facebook or Instagram for tips on managing your injury.
In the month of August 2023, Myphysio is offering 50% off initial consultation for tradie patients. Mention BLOG50 at checkout to receive your discount and get your rehabilitation journey started with an experienced Myphysio physiotherapist.