Last week, we delivered an article on the essential nature of physiotherapy for delivery drivers and couriers in the Greater Vancouver area. But before a single package gets into their hands and vehicle, it likely first arrives at a port. This is where you, a longshore worker, ultimately launches the supply chain that keeps the country’s population afloat. Your on-the-job requirements of heavy lifting and/or operation of heavy machinery in addition to other longshore worker duties puts you at risk not just for acute injuries (those sustained during accidents, etc.) but chronic ones too. In fact, it’s the latter that sidelines longshore workers from doing their job (and enjoying life away from the port) more than any other. These are the injuries we want to address today. Below is a breakdown of why you should make physiotherapy a regular part of your life.
Why Longshore Workers Should Make Physiotherapy a Part of Their Normal Health and Wellness Regime
Prevention and Rehabilitation of Chronic Injuries Commonly Suffered at the Port
WorkBC defines the following port area duties for Greater Vancouver longshore workers:
- Dockworker / dock hand / marine cargo
- Loader, barge / boat / tanker
- Longshore / wharf
- Lumper
- Operator, shop-loader / tower-loader
- Stevedore
- Stower
While each comes with its own unique set of body movements and requirements, there are commonalities when it comes to injuries. Studies find a prevalence of low back pain and dorsalgia (which includes low back, mid back, and sciatic pain) in port workers, in addition to neck pain, shoulder pain (rotator cuff, etc.) and even carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).
It’s not just those who are highly active in the physical duties laid-out by WorkBC that have cause for concern when it comes to chronic problems. Data unveils that over 57% of longshore workers are identified as having an awkward static position at work, while over 28% take an awkward knee and sitting position. These all contribute to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that make showing up at the port practically unbearable.
Whether you’re new on the job or you’ve established comfortable seniority, you’re at risk. In fact, you’re probably already living with a chronic injury as you read this. Thankfully, physiotherapy can offload the solutions you need to correct back pain, neck pain, rotator cuff pain, CTS and much more. Your road to recovery will call upon chiropractic interventions, but may also call into port much needed massage therapy in addition to acupuncture and IMS, among other disciplines found at a full-service clinic.
Beyond the benefits of receiving in-clinic treatment for common longshore injuries, a physiotherapist will also provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to continue treatment at home and on the job (on your break, between shipments, etc.). Your therapist will provide clear instructions on regular stretching exercises that you can perform to reduce and prevent the symptoms of MSDs. This will provide an effective means to improving neuromuscular coordination and flexibility while also improving muscle strength.
Simply put, a physiotherapist will not only unload the in-clinic treatment you need, they will empower you with ongoing self-intervention methods for the prevention and cure of musculoskeletal disorders.
If you’re a longshore worker in the Greater Vancouver area, dock yourself at our Burnaby BC clinic today. Contact us to schedule your first appointment.