47% of absenteeism is due to musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal Problems

The generic term "musculoskeletal disorder" (MSD) is attributed to joint damage due to repetitive movements or soft tissue damage (muscles, tendons, nerves). Wikipedia

Musculoskeletal disorders cause significant costs for businesses and the economy. 47% of all occupational absences due to illness involve musculoskeletal disorders. Every year, back pain causes more than 100 million days of absence from work in Switzerland.

 

What is MSD impact on our body?

Who has never felt, one day, a localized and persistent muscular fatigue (neck, back, shoulders, wrists, etc.) or tensions when performing efforts or daily activities?

Three stages of symptoms can be identified: 

  • Initial stage: pain and fatigue present during repetitive movements but disappearing in the evening or during the days off.

  • Intermediate stage: pain and fatigue during the whole day,  persisting in the evening.

  • Last stage: persistent pain and chronic fatigue at rest. Difficulty to find sleep and to perform light tasks.

What is the link between physical activity & MSD?

The initial pain should serve as a signal that the posture must be modified and ergonomics improved at workplace. Poor sitting postures, held for long periods of time in front of screens for example, can be an obvious cause of "muscular imbalance". The muscles of the anterior part of the body will then tend to shorten and stiffen to create tensions in the opposite muscle chain.

Stretching exercises performed regularly accompanied by a slow and conscious breathing will bring immediate relaxation, and targeted strengthening exercises will improve the posture. This combination of movements is particularly beneficial because it stimulates the circulation and reduces muscle tension.

How to introduce physical activities in your daily life to reduce MSD?

After only one minute of stretching you can already feel a beneficial relaxation in the targeted area, and after the execution of a set of basic exercises you will feel a new vitality in your muscles.

 No need to spend hours at the gym, start already with 10 minutes of exercises a day!

“Active Breaks” is a program, specifically developed to give you a maximum of results in a short period of time. With an alternation of stretching and strengthening exercises, it can be performed everywhere at any time of the day.

These exercises are effective ... but on 2 conditions:

- Respect the technique of execution.

- Practice them as often as possible during the day.

Are you ready to adopt an Active Attitude? Remember, regularity is the key, your health is in your hands!

Try the first exercice

How to increase motivation?

Challenging your colleagues & introducing a wellness program in your team could be a good start. Contact us for a demo session !