Bus drivers are an integral part of any city’s essential services. If this services comes to a halt an entire community can be crippled. People cannot get to work, school, or find their way to other important destinations such as grocery stores, doctors offices, or family homes. For these reasons you are one of the most valued members of society, even if the public fails to show their appreciation from time to time.
While outsiders may not consider your position as one that comes with much risk of chronic injury the converse is true. Bus drivers absolutely face a number of persistent pains that make performing their essential service a serious challenge. This is where an essential service for YOU comes in – physiotherapy. Here’s what you need to know.
Why City Transit Operators Should Make Physiotherapy a Part of Their Normal Health and Wellness Regime
Prevention and Rehabilitation of Chronic Injuries Commonly Suffered by Bus Drivers
Bus drivers experience an alarming number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDSs). One important study finds that approximately 82% of bus drivers experience lower back pain. which occurs as you sit in a prone position which is compounded by whole-body vibration received from the vehicle and road. In addition, repetitive arm and leg movements involved in extended periods of driving along with the act of opening and closing bus doors over and over (and over) again lead to overuse injuries in the limbs. In fact, many bus drivers live and work with painful carpal tunnel syndrome(CTS), an injury that not only occurs from overuse but from the aforementioned vehicular vibrations.
The longer you’ve been on the job the more likely that you will suffer from these work-related injuries. They will not only prevent you from performing your essential duties they will significantly impact your quality of life at home and during much needed leisure time.
A physiotherapist will perform an ergonomic assessment of posture and body parts related to MSDSs and will directly address chronic injury and pain common to operating a vehicle for long hours. Learn more about how physiotherapy is used to improve the physical health and wellness of drivers.
Beyond the benefits of receiving in-clinic treatment for evident and underlying injuries, a physiotherapist will also provide you with the ammunition you need to continue treatment at home and on the job (on your break, between stops, etc.). They 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 deliver the in-clinic treatment you need, they will empower you with ongoing self-intervention methods for the prevention and cure of musculoskeletal disorders.
Can Assist With Fatigue
You often work extremely long shifts while performing the same repetitive movements and going back and forth on the very same routes. The risk level for fatigue is considerably high when compared to most other professions. Given that you’re on the road with dozens of passengers depending on you to get their to their destinations safely the implications of succumbing to fatigue are clear.
How can physiotherapy help with fatigue? Certain treatments available at highly specialized clinics can make a big difference. Acupuncture therapy (an available service at our clinic) is commonly employed to treat poor circulation, low energy, and ultimately fatigue. More importantly, physiotherapy can help you get a much better night’s sleep so that you’re fresh and ready for your next shift. How does it accomplish this? A number of ways. As mentioned above, physiotherapy directly addresses chronic pain that can keep you from getting the required 7-9 hours of sleep you need to feel refreshed. In addition, it can correct poor sleeping positions which is a leading cause of sleepless nights and morning pain. Learn more about how physiotherapy can help you get more rest and be ready to tackle the road each and every day.
Before you get behind the wheel for your next shift be sure to schedule a consultation at your local physiotherapy clinic. If you live (and operate) in Greater Vancouver BC we welcome you to our Burnaby area facility where your road to recovery and injury prevention await. Call 604.558.2273 to book your first assessment.