One of the unfortunate experiences of an employee who works in a labor-intensive industry, such as manufacturing,, is occasional layoffs or, in some cases, an extended period away from work. As we return to our places of employment and re-adjust to the physical demands of our jobs, we undoubtedly will experience an onset of aches and pains. Thankfully, a majority of these aches and pains will resolve on their own or with some basic interventions and pain management.
The Importance of Physical Conditioning As An “Industrial Athlete”
As athletes return to their sport, no matter how intense their rehab routine or off-season training, they will have to work through aches and pains as they re-adjust to the demands of their sport. One of the goals of rehab or off-season conditioning, is to prepare the body physically to better manage the intensity of muscle soreness. “Industrial Athletes” are no different. Although the physical demands of those who work in the industrial setting may be less intense, industrial athletes place similar stress on their bodies, but at a lower intensity for several hours at a time.
Our Athletic trainers are able to utilize their expertise to help minimize the aches and pains when returning to work. Regardless of whether one is an athlete or an “industrial athlete,” a common component in this process for both populations is proper physical conditioning to prepare our bodies to tolerate the demands of the job. As previously mentioned, the discomfort experienced is generally unavoidable. However, if physically prepared, the intensity of soreness will be less and will resolve in a shorter period of time.
Why Does Returning to Labor-Intensive Work Cause Pain?
When you return to labor-intensive work after an extended period of time off, a majority usually experience muscle soreness afterward. Why does this soreness occur? Muscle soreness results from microscopic damage to muscle fibers, which occurs when you force your muscles to work harder than they are used to or use muscle groups that are not utilized regularly. Muscle soreness that comes along with an increase in activity level or performing unaccustomed tasks, although unpleasant, we must endure. This is how muscles become stronger and develop endurance.
In addition to muscle soreness, repetitive motions that go along with performing a particular job task also contribute to muscle tightness or spine and back pain. This lends support to the importance of performing a regular warmup and stretching routine before, during, and after one’s shift. Stretching also helps maintain joint range of motion and prepares them for physical job demands.
Additional Ways to Manage Work-Related Pain
In addition to muscle strength, endurance, and flexibility, nutrition, hydration, practicing healthy lifestyle habits, getting the proper amount of rest, practicing proper lifting techniques, and cardiovascular conditioning are other components that should not be neglected. It is important to understand that these components are equally important. Practicing all of the behaviors listed below together gives the body the necessary “tools” to perform and recover:
- Proper nutrition
- Hydration
- Pre-shift, post-break, and post-shift stretching
- Muscle strengthening/endurance
- Practicing proper lifting and moving techniques
- Smoking cessation
- Limit alcohol intake
- Getting adequate amounts of rest
- Maintaining a proper level of cardiovascular conditioning
Relieve & Manage Pain When Returning to Work with The Center
Are you an industrial athlete returning to work and in need of pain management? Strengthen your muscles and relieve your pain through The Center For Physical Rehabilitation’s pain management programs and Wellness Academy. At the Center, we provide physical therapy to all those in need in a compassionate atmosphere. Contact us to request an appointment today to find work-related pain relief.