Recently an employee was unloading groceries when he felt a "stinging sensation" in his shoulder. The employee continued to work and completed the task. Correct lifting techniques were being used. So what could have caused the "stinging to the employee’s shoulder?" Maybe the muscles were not sufficiently stretched prior to doing the task.

The physical stresses we place on our bodies while doing our jobs, are in many ways, no different than those experienced by athletes. Think of the similarities between our work and the actions of an athlete:

• Sudden movements
• Lifting weights, or loads
• Getting in awkward positions to complete a task or movement

As discussed many times, injuries can occur as a result of doing these types of activities. How do skilled athletes who perform the same activities avoid injuries and continue to compete? It starts with flexibility stretching. When you see a runner pushing against a telephone pole or a baseball player twisting a bat behind his back, they are doing flexibility stretching or "warming up."

When muscles are cold and stiff, they are prime targets for damage, but when they are warmed up and stretched, muscles respond to demands without causing strains. To help prevent injuries to yourself, you should start "warming up" before work. The best warm-up is a total body stretching of 5-10 minutes before beginning your shift. If you have a question concerning your ability to perform any of the stretches, consult your physician.

1. Relax as much as possible
2. Breathe deeply and evenly
3. Never stretch past the point of tension, strain or pain.
4. Hold each position for a ten count. (1000+1, 1000+2, etc.)