Injury Prevention
Did you know that 497,300 Australians were injured in the workplace last year? And 66,500 sports injuries lead to hospitalisation stays. As Physiotherapists, we play an integral role in attempting to reduce these numbers, so here is what you need to know.
Injury Prevention is the effort to prevent or reduce the severity of injury caused by external and internal mechanisms. In other words, we make every effort to reduce your risk of workplace and/or sporting injuries by looking at and addressing all possible risk factors.
Injuries can be acute, which is an injury that occurs in a single action e.g. lifting a heaving box at work or they can be chronic, which develops over time e.g. wrist pain from repetitive computer use.
As Physiotherapists, our role involves:
- Assessment and identification of any possible risk factors
- Internal Risk Factors: Reduced range of motion, decreased flexibility, hypermobility, decreased strength, poor balance, overall fitness etc.
- External Risk Factors: Computer/Desk SetUp, Sporting Field and Equipment, Environment.
- Education regarding risk factors
- Development and implementation of an injury prevention strategy
- Exercise prescription
There are many actions as an individual you can take to prevent risk of injury, including:
- Regular Stretching
- Foam Rolling
- Trigger Point Therapy
- Adequate Sleep
- Supportive Hydration and Nutrition
- Warming Up/Cooling Down, before and after exercise
- Correct equipment and set up in the workplace
- Regular exercise
For the month of September, we will be focusing on Injury Prevention. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more tips, tricks, exercises and promotional product offers! To find out more on your individual needs and risk factors, book your next appointment with Chevron Island Physio.
Written by Hannah Bennett- Physiotherapist, Women’s Health & Pilates Instructor
To prevent future injuries, book an appointment with us online today or call our team on 07 55 04 7000.
