Lobstermen have one of the highest rates of job-related injuries in the United States. What is it about lobstering that takes such a toll on the body? First, it’s repetitive work. You repeat certain actions over and over and over again. Second, you often put your body in awkward positions in order to do what needs to be done. Over time, the daily routines of lobstering will cause pain, sometimes even a serious injury. A recent survey showed that 50% of New England lobstermen surveyed had low back pain; even more suffered from injuries in the shoulders, elbows, hands, and wrists.
A simple stretch can keep your back happier. FishAbility photo.
Every lobsterman knows that he or she must take care of the boat in order to be a successful fisherman. You need to do the same for your body.
Think of May as your month of spring training. Just like any athlete, you need to get your body ready to start the season. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension has a program specifically for fishermen designed to help them stay safe and uninjured while fishing. FishAbility supports fishermen, lobstermen, oyster farmers, people working in aquaculture, and family members who are experiencing problems due to aging, injury, or chronic illness. It offers resources, information, and practical solutions to help fishermen work safely and productively.
On its website, FishAbility gives practical suggestions for strength and conditioning, specifically for fishermen, to minimize injury and pain and avoid long-term disability. These exercises and stretches are intended to be done using gear that is readily available on the boat or yard and performed easily while in the wheelhouse or on the deck.
Think about Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). CTS is a common musculoskeletal disorder in the arm; lobstermen are even more susceptible to developing CTS because they do so many repetitive motions while fishing (think about squeezing a bander over and over again). When you have CTS, you know it: it hurts!
FishAbility offers simple stretches, such as bending your fingers downward, to stave off or reduce pain from CTS.
An easy way to avoid carpal tunnel syndrom. S.Gable photo.
How about the pain you feel in your neck and shoulders from standing at the wheel all day? You’re behind the wheel but you are also constantly twisting to see what’s happening on deck or over the side. Over time this will put strain on your neck, shoulders, and back.
You can exercise your body to avoid this strain, or to reduce it in the first place. To do that, place your left hand on your right knee and raise your right arm to shoulder height while twisting gently towards your outstretched right hand. Then repeat that on your opposite side.
FishAbility has many more exercises designed to get you ready to fish and, just as importantly, help you maintain your body so that you can continue to fish without pain. Click here to learn more ways to get your most important piece of equipment, your body, ready for the upcoming season.