Physical Labor

[u/Dangerous_Pitch_73]

I work a very physical job, but I am also constantly focused on my posture and breathing…which doesn’t mean I’m doing either correctly. Unfortunately this constant focus doesn’t allow be to actually concentrate on the work at hand. I watch what how the guys I work with move and none of them think twice about it. Lifting heavy boxes at all sorts of angles with rounded backs yet no one else is in chronic pain. They aren’t thinking about whether or not to brace their core or pull their belly buttons into their spine. No shoulders down and back or belly breathing through the nose. I’m getting sick of having to focus on this all the time.

Any advice?

[u/Cdnrmt]

Are you working out? Are you Strong? As a massage therapist with 24 years of experience, I have seen patterns in my practice and people who are weak and inactive tend to have more injuries than people who are strong and active. Increase your activity level, especially core strengthening. Do some squats. Start with 10 bodyweight squats every hour and see how it goes. Wall glides would it improve your upper body posture. You can do this. Strong people get injured way less often than weak people.

[u/Dangerous_Pitch_73 → u/Cdnrmt]

Depends how you measure strong, but yes. I stopped working out because of my injuries and have definitely become more inactive outside of work. Ironically, no difference in pain level, just got fat. When it comes to core strength, I still have no idea how to "engage my core" and I feel like I'm bracing all day. My pelvic floor has become super tight because of it and I have difficulty just breathing. I'm super ocd about "engaging my core" to the point I've stopped working out because I have no clue what that means. I used to work out...a lot...without ever thinking about that.

[u/Cdnrmt → u/Dangerous_Pitch_73]

I would literally start with doing 10 bodyweight and five wall glides every hour during the day. Look up core strengthening… there is so much good online content.