It’s no secret that athletes often experience severe injuries that hinder their performance during their sport. However, surgeons can also experience minor to severe pain and when treating athletes and other patients as well. Surgeons are at a high risk of developing musculoskeletal injuries that are directly work-related. This type of injury can be debilitating for surgeons and impact their ability to work optimally and complete even daily tasks comfortably. Kinesiology tape is used to treat, alleviate the pain and inflammation of various injuries to accelerate the healing time of an injury.
Many surgeons are opting to use kinesiology tape as a form of effective treatment for their musculoskeletal symptoms. Kinesiology tape has been proven to be a viable method for reducing pain in the neck and back areas and ultimately improving their functions. In this article, we’ll reflect on how kinesiology tape is effective at treating musculoskeletal symptoms and helping surgeons get back to work much sooner and free of pain.
What Is Musculoskeletal Pain?
Musculoskeletal pain refers to muscle, bone, nerve, tendon and ligament pain. It can range from relatively mild to quite severe and debilitating enough to interfere with one’s everyday life. Some musculoskeletal pain can be acute and occur for a very short duration. However, other musculoskeletal symptoms may last for over six months and become a chronic issue. These types of musculoskeletal disorders often occur as a result of falls, injuries from sports or car accidents. There are over 150 types of musculoskeletal pain disorders that exist. Some of the most common disorders include arthritis, osteoporosis and fractures or dislocations. Lower back pain is arguably the most common type of musculoskeletal pain.
Surgeons and Musculoskeletal Pain
Musculoskeletal disorders have begun to affect many surgeons each year. Surgeons are at a higher risk of developing a musculoskeletal disorder and affecting their healthcare performance negatively. This is due to the fact that surgeons are consistently overworking their muscles, in awkward positions for extended periods of time during procedures and ongoing repetitive movements of their upper bodies.
Surgeons generally have to lean forward when operating on a patient, which results in increased muscle extensions and irritation. In addition, some operating tables may either be too high or too low for the surgeon, which can also affect their back. There are some preventative measures and treatment solutions for musculoskeletal disorders, including applying kinesiology tape. Kinesiology tape has been used to improve the physiological problems of a patient, restore movement, balance and range of motion. The tape provides support and stability to relax and ease the pain in the area. This is an effective solution for surgeons that do not have the luxury or time to relax in between treating patients.
How To Prevent Musculoskeletal Injuries While Working
Although it is a critical part of a surgeon’s practice to operate heavy equipment, consistently stretch muscles and change their body positioning, it’s still important for surgeons to take measures to prevent musculoskeletal disorders from developing. MSDs are commonly caused by overexertion of the muscles, improper or heavy lifting techniques, repetitive movements and awkward postures. You should apply the following techniques in between work and during free time:
- Improved Work Techniques: Try to decrease potential risk factors during operations as much as possible. For example, use any equipment or tools that can aid in heavy lifting and extensive use to keep you from injuring and harming your body.
- Proper Stretching: Try to implement work site stretches or flex programs intermittently between operating or after your day is over. This allows your body time to heal and repair, and can also present an opportunity for bonding between other employees.
- Better Resources: Fortunately, surgeons are often operating and working with some of the most reliable, advanced tools and resources available. Using the wrong tool or resource can cause extreme discomfort, irritation and even long-term side effects that can impact your work.
- Training: It’s important for surgeons, and all healthcare workers, to understand the risk factors associated with MSDs and what techniques they can apply to prevent them from forming. Being aware of how to prevent MSDs and ensure the health and structure of your lower back is crucial to prevent any interference with work.
Why You Should Apply Kinesiology Tape for MSD Injuries
When the musculoskeletal system becomes injured, the fluids in the area can build up and cause it to inflame and become irritated. The excess fluid build-up cannot be removed organically by the lymphatic system, which prevents nutrients and oxygen from healing the tissues in the area. When you apply kinesiology tape to the injury, the skin becomes lifted and creates a space to allow blood circulation to flow optimally and reduce the swelling and pressure in the area for nutrients and oxygen to reach it.
Kinesiology tape can be worn while surgeons are operating as well as after to allow for complete muscle recovery and prevention of future MSDs. Kinesiology tape does not restrict the body but works with it to simultaneously heal and allow you to function normally.
SpiderTech offers the most comprehensive line of high-quality, durable and effective kinesiology tape solutions available. From rolls to powerstrips, pre-cut tape, strips and more, SpiderTech kinesiology tape not only offers more variety but a quality that is superior to other tape technologies. Each kinesiology tape technique is easy-to-apply, comfortable, wearable for several days at a time and visually appealing. Available in a variety of colours, textures and styles, SpiderTech kinesiology tape is suitable for everyone. You can feel the difference when you apply viable kinesiology tape. Regardless of the situation, SpiderTech kinesiology tape will maximize efficacy, provide consistency and reproducibility.
Visit SpiderTech’s website to browse their kinesiology taping solutions:
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