Regardless of what occupational field you are in, there are many ways that your line of work may cause you to be susceptible to workplace injury. While it is hard to predict these instances and when they may occur, you can actively decrease your chances of injury through exercise.
At Barrington Orthopedic Specialists, we are proud to accept worker’s compensation to help you get back on your feet if you sustain a workplace injury. However, we also want our patients to stay aware of ways they can prevent these injuries before they occur.
Here are three ways in which injury prevention exercises can help mitigate the risk of workplace injuries:
1. Strength Exercises Keep Your Body Ready for Heavy Lifting
Does your job require heavy lifting? Strength training keeps your muscles strong and helps build new muscle mass. By improving your muscle strength, power, and endurance, you are preparing your body for strenuous activity and preventing your risk of injury. The stronger your muscles are, the more likely you are to have better posture, healthier bones, and proper heavy lifting techniques. This decreases your risk of back pain and overexertion.
Not only does strength training improve your physical performance in the workplace, but it also enhances the chemical release of endorphins in your body which can increase your energy and boost your mood. To prevent workplace injury, consider trying one of the following exercise routine to build muscle and strength:
- Weight lifting
- Work with resistance bands
- Heavy gardening (shoveling/ digging)
- Hill walking
- Push-ups, sit-ups, squats
2. Frequent Movement Allows for Healthy Joint Movement
By staying consistently active, you can actively improve the condition of your joints. Here’s how: each of the joints in your body contain synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is a thick liquid that lubricates your joints and allows your joints to move against each other smoothly. Engaging in physical activity allows synovial fluid to circulate more rapidly to your joints. This is especially important if you have arthritis that flares during the work day.
While arthritic conditions may cause you to want to stray away from further movement, lack of exercise can actually compound the pain and stiffness in your joints. When engaging in physical activity, however, be sure to follow these protective measures to ensure optimal joint health:
- Choose low impact exercises
- Apply heat to relax your joints prior to your workout routine
- Warm-up prior to exercising
- Do not be afraid to move slowly
- Ice your joints after a workout
If your arthritis is affecting your performance in the workplace, do not allow your condition to worsen. The physicians at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists can treat arthritis of the hand, hip, foot and ankle, spine, shoulder, and knee, and are here to help.
3. Flexibility Exercises Reduces the Risk of Muscle Strain
While exercises that build strength and endurance are important, flexibility exercise programs that lengthen and stretch your muscles are just as important. Implementing flexibility exercises to your daily routine can help prevent injuries caused by back strain or balance issues. Frequent stretching also allows your muscles to achieve their full range of motion, improves your ability to complete functional movements such as bending or stooping, and can improve your posture to prevent neck and back pain.
If you are suffering from a work-related injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. The team at Barrington Orthopedic Specialists proudly accepts worker’s compensation and is committed to your total recovery. Ready to get started? Request an appointment with us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I exercise to prevent workplace injury?
The recommended amount of exercise for adults is at least 150 minutes a week. This can be broken down into shorter sessions throughout the week, such as 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity for five days. It is important to listen to your body and gradually increase your activity level.
Can exercise prevent workplace injuries?
Regular exercise and physical activity have significant improvement in your physical fitness, mental health and well-being. Upper body exercises can improve muscle strength and endurance, which can greatly decrease your risk of injury when performing tasks that require heavy lifting or repetitive motions. Making you more resilient to potential workplace injuries.
What is the importance of using safety equipment in the workplace?
Safety equipment such as gloves, helmets, and protective clothing are crucial for preventing injuries in the workplace. These equipment are designed to protect your body from potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents. They play a significant role in creating a safe work environment.
