by Ally Folkert, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS

As we close off a month focused on shoulder health, let’s summarize what industrial athlete-specific research has to say regarding workplace shoulder injuries and how we can prevent these issues in the first place. If your job requires heavy lifting, repetitive motion, or working with your hands overhead, your shoulders are under constant stress and at risk for injury. Work-related shoulder injuries are so common among industrial athletes that researchers have been investigating causes and solutions for years.

Cumulative Effort or One “Bad” Lift?

It’s quite common to think that if your shoulder doesn’t hurt then lifting with improper form won’t impact you. Evidence shows that long-term exposure to physically demanding tasks was a major predictor of chronic shoulder problems. The highest-risk group faced a 3x higher chance of developing lasting shoulder disorders. Even moderate workloads caused significant strain when done day after day and year after year. It’s not just one bad lift that leads to injury. It’s the cumulative effect of your workload over time – especially if form and recovery is lacking!

The bottom line? The way you move at work matters – but so does how you move after hours.

Movement As Medicine

It has been found that repetitive tasks, forceful upper body work, and overhead movements significantly raise the risk of developing shoulder pain. However, industrial athletes who regularly engage in physical exercise during their free time have a much lower risk of injury – even when exposed to physically heavy jobs!

So what does this mean for the industrial athlete? Strength training, cardio, and mobility work outside of your shift can act as a buffer, improving joint health, circulation, and muscular balance. Try out this quick stretch and flex routine below to kickstart this habit!

Prevention Favors The Prepared

Your best protection to prevent shoulder injuries is practicing Elbows In & Thumbs Up as often as possible. In addition to this simple habit, incorporating movement outside of work 3-5 days per week will keep you healthy by preparing your body for the demands of your job. Check out the August calendar for ideas on what exercises you can do to help keep your shoulders PREPARED for anything!

Ally Folkert, DAT, LAT, ATC, CSCS || With a Doctorate in Athletic Training from The University of Florida and Bachelors in Athletic Training from Grand Valley State University, Ally brings a diverse background to her tenure at Work Right ranging from working with high level college athletes to pickleball-loving snowbirds! Outside of work, Ally spends most of her time training for competitive beach volleyball and testing healthy recipes in the kitchen. Ally has a passion for keeping those she serves off of the sidelines and enjoying the activities that they love.

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Be sure to check out our other blogs for further injury prevention education and tips for the industrial athlete from Work Right NW!