What is Dynamic Stretching?
Dynamic stretching involves movements where joints and muscles move into various positions and ranges of motion, such as a golfer completing practice swings or a soccer player kicking their leg back and forth. These movements increase muscle activation, blood flow, and nerve activity, preparing the mind and body for the tasks ahead. Unlike static stretching, which is better suited for post-activity, dynamic stretching is ideal for pre-work routines.
Benefits of Dynamic Stretching for Your Business
Reduction in Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs):
Proactive Approach: Implementing a dynamic warm-up and stretch program is a proactive step in reducing MSDs within the workplace. This can significantly lower the incidence of chronic conditions that can arise from repetitive physical tasks.
Injury Reduction:
Pre-shift and Post-break Routine: Regularly completing the program before starting a shift and after breaks can reduce the risk of injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, which are common in the early stages of a shift or after a break.
Pain Reduction:
Enhanced Endurance and Flexibility: Workers who participate in warm-up programs report reductions in pain and disability, as well as increases in endurance and flexibility. This leads to a more comfortable and productive workday.
Advantages of an Employee Stretching Program for Your Team
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injury:
Health and Wellness Routine: Employees can utilize a dynamic warm-up and stretching program as part of their overall health and wellness routine, helping to prevent musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace.
Encouragement of Proactive Health Behaviour:
Active Workplace Culture: Being active regularly within the workplace encourages employees to be proactive in their own health and injury risk management. It also makes them feel supported by their workplace in these efforts.
Promotion of a Positive Workplace Culture:
Group Activities: Completing an active warm-up routine in a group setting helps establish a positive health culture within the workplace, fostering teamwork and mutual support.
What Does a Workplace Stretching Program Include?
A dynamic warm-up and stretching program should be specific to the workplace and the type of work performed. It should target the specific body areas that experience the most strain and exertion throughout the day, based on injury data. In developing a program for your workplace, Employ Health will:
- Conduct Appropriate Analysis: Determine the appropriate exercises for inclusion based on workplace activities and injury data.
- Develop Instructional Materials: Create posters and company-specific video content to guide employees through the exercises.
- Provide Face-to-Face Training: Conduct training sessions to ensure employees understand and correctly perform the exercises.
Why Choose Employ Health?
Employ Health’s team of physiotherapists are experienced in developing and implementing dynamic warm-up and stretch programs tailored to specific workplaces. They understand the importance of preventing workplace MSDs and the role of dynamic warm-ups in this effort. With a deep understanding of common workplace injuries, our physiotherapists can recommend specific exercises to prevent these issues.