The Aches and Pains of Being A Builder and Labourer
Posted on 4th July 2023
Being a builder or labourer is no easy task and can be very taxing on your body. It involves lifting heavy loads, operating powerful machinery, navigating challenging terrain, and long hours in physically demanding conditions.
It’s unsurprising that this strain on the body can lead to a lot of different aches and pains. If left untreated, these can lead to serious injuries and even require time off from work to heal – not a luxury that many freelance builders or labourers have.
In this blog post, we'll explore some common ailments that builders and labourers often face and, more importantly, what you can do to prevent or treat them.
Back pain
For obvious reasons, back pain is one of the most prevalent issues faced by builders and labourers. The nature of the job often involves lifting heavy objects, bending, twisting, and spending long hours in physically demanding positions. All of these activities can put a strain on the back, leading to pain.
Prevention and management are key to reducing back pain. Proper lifting techniques, such as bending the knees and keeping the back straight, can help minimise strain. Regular exercise and stretching can also strengthen the muscles that support the back. Additionally, using ergonomically designed tools and equipment, and taking regular breaks to rest and stretch, can provide much-needed relief. You may also want to consider booking in a regular massage to keep on top of any niggles and prevent them from becoming serious issues that could impact your ability to work further down the line.
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition that affects the hands and wrists, often caused by repetitive hand movements or prolonged use of vibrating tools. Builders and labourers who frequently handle tools, such as hammers, drills, or power saws, are at risk of developing CTS.
To prevent CTS, it's important to maintain proper posture while working and take frequent breaks to rest the hands and wrists. Using specifically designed tools with cushioned handles can also help reduce the strain on the wrists.
Carpet layer's/housemaid's knee
Known less commonly as prepatellar bursitis, Carpet Layer’s/Housemaid’s Knee is a little more out of the box in regard to typical injuries and pains - but certainly still a very painful condition.
This condition is a swelling of the prepatellar bursa, which can be incredibly painful and tender especially to the touch, which is very irritating as a labourer. This can be caused by a trauma to the knee such as a fall or a build-up of pressure over time from repeated trauma such as kneeling down. This is due to the walls of the bursae being very thin. Fortunately, it doesn’t tend to affect the range of motion in most cases however it’s still very uncomfortable.
Preventing carpet layer's/housemaid's knee involves using knee pads or cushioning to reduce the impact on the knees while kneeling. Taking breaks and alternating tasks that involve kneeling can also help relieve stress on the knees. When possible, using knee-friendly techniques, such as squatting instead of kneeling, can also help prevent this condition. Some opt to get small stalls to sit on instead to prevent kneeling for long periods of time.
Contact us today if you would like any further advice on injury prevention or would benefit from a sports massage to ease those aches and pains.
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