JULY 23 2024
Tradies National Health Month 2024
August is Tradies National Health Month, an initiative to raise awareness about the importance of tradies health and wellbeing.
Musculoskeletal injuries are very common among tradies. Some common presentations include:
Knee Strains: including strains and sprains, due to prolonged kneeling and squatting.
Shoulder Pain: Common especially among carpenters and electricians, due to repetitive overhead work and heavy lifting.
Back Injuries: Lower back pain is the leading cause of disability among tradies, often resulting from heavy lifting, awkward postures, and repetitive movements.
Tool-Related Injuries: Repetitive overuse can lead to various musculoskeletal injuries, including hand and wrist strains and sprains.
3 Exercises for tradies to try
Glute Bridges
Strengthens the glutes and lower back, providing better support for heavy lifting tasks.
How to: Lie on the back with knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Lift the hips towards the ceiling, squeezing the glutes, and hold for a few seconds before lowering back down.
Cat-Cow Stretch
Improves spinal mobility and reduces stiffness caused by bending, lifting, and twisting on the job.
How to: Start on your hands and knees in a tabletop position.
Inhale, arch your back, and tilt your pelvis up (cow pose).
Exhale, round your spine towards the ceiling, and tuck your pelvis under (cat pose). Repeat 10-15x.
Lunges
Strengthens the lower body and improves balance, reducing the risk of falls and leg injuries.
How to: Step forward with one leg and lower the hips until both knees are bent at about 90 degrees. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg.