Most musculoskeletal or movement system disorders (MSD) are the result of a preventable imbalance that affects the muscles, tendons, and nerves (the soft tissues) of our movement system.

Each day we use our body; physical stress and strain sometimes produces microscopic wear and fatigue to our soft tissues.  Normally, this fatigue is fully repaired by rest, circulation, and nutrition through the blood supply.

When there is a balance between this fatigue and the repair process, we maintain good health.

But too much fatigue coupled with too little repair can lead to MSD.

Prevention of MSD

Here’s the good news… MSDs are absolutely preventable.  MSD prevention strategies seek to reduce daily fatigue and enhance your body’s recovery process. Employing prevention strategies can have an immediate impact on the quality of our life.  We can go home with more energy left to do the things that make our life more enjoyable!

In order to take care of our musculoskeletal systems, we need to decrease fatigue and increase the recovery of the system.

Decrease Fatigue:

• Ergonomics
• Proper body mechanics
• Proper lifting techniques
• Pre-shift stretching
• Reverse stretching

Increase Recovery:

• Proper hydration
• Good nutrition
• Vitamin supplements
• Proper sleeping habits
• Good physical fitness

Decreasing fatigue and increasing recovery allows our bodies to perform at peak levels and prevents musculoskeletal disorders from happening.

Education and Awareness of MSD

Prevention is a shared responsibility! The company is responsible for a safe work environment and procedures, and all workplace athletes are responsible for using their body properly and keeping their body fit for work.

All employees must be aware and educated of their responsibilities!

Mark Middlesworth, MS, ATC/L, CEES, has been providing workplace injury prevention services since 1988. Mark is the founder of Ergonomics Plus, author of Building Wellness from the Inside Out, and a member of the National Speakers Association.

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