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Physios urge tradies to consider physical, mental health

Tradies urged to consider physical, mental health

One in four tradies has taken extended time off work because of injury – and most of those found it hurt their mental health as well.  

The survey was conducted on behalf of the Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA) ,has called for tradies to look after their minds and bodies this Tradies National Health Month (TNHM). 

National Chair of the APA Occupational Health Group Zac Lowth says  tradies are often over-represented in workplace injuries and mental health statistics.  

“Many tradies seem resigned to the aches and pains brought on by the intense and repetitive nature of their work and they don’t prioritise their wellbeing,” he says.  

“Your body is the most important tool you own, and physiotherapy can help tradies stay fit, prevent and treat common injuries and reduce the risks to mental health associated with acute and chronic pain.” 

The APA points to the importance of injury prevention for tradies and the early treatment of any injuries that cannot be prevented.  

“Left untreated, small issues can lead to more serious chronic conditions can that impact a tradie’s ability to work, their finances and long-term physical and mental health,” Zac says. 

The association also stressed the effect mental health has on physical health, with most tradies surveyed saying poor mental health had caused their physical health to suffer.  

The APA urges tradies to lean on their community, their employers and each other, and to make seeing a physio a part of their health toolkit. 

“Physios are also excellent at pointing tradies in the right direction for other professional services where needed, including general practitioners, surgeons, podiatrists and mental health professionals,” says Zac.  

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