Most people don't think about it much but working with animals can really take a toll on the human body. Veterinary and pet care professionals are frequently - throughout their day - bending, stooping, lifting, and contorting their bodies to perform a wide variety of work duties. Back injuries are a common consequence to improper technique in lifting or standing in awkward positions, and are one of the most costly and debilitating of injuries. In fact, over 25% of workers' comp claims are related to ergonomic injuries including back injuries.
Watching out for your own back doesn't stop in the workplace ... our general posture and the way we carry ourselves also impacts our back health. We've all been told to bend at the knees and hips to minimize back strain, but what, then, can we do to keep our knees healthy?!
Knee problems and pain are also common problems! While not all knee problems can be prevented there are steps you can take to strengthen the muscles around your knees and improve flexibility in an effort to protect them. An ounce of prevention beats a pound of cure every time. Here are some valuable resources that can help:
- Ergonomics in Veterinary Medicine - Innovative Veterinary Care (Jan 2020)
- Strains, Sprains, and Pain in Veterinary Professionals: Top 6 Repetitive Stress Injuries and Strategies for Preventing Them. Trends Magazine - AAHA (May 2020)
- A User Manual for Your Knees & Preventing Knee Pain - NY Times Well
- The Best Exercises for Back Pain - NY Times Well
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