Being a pilot is one of the coolest & most important jobs around, but also one of the most taxing on the body. As a commercial pilot you suffer number of pains & injuries on the job that can impact job performance and overall quality of life. While most injuries sustained by pilots are chronic overuse injuries but there are number of acute ones also that can occur in flight.
Acute injuries can be due to sudden jerking of plain during turbulence are like:-
• Sprain/ Strain of neck and back
• Whiplash Injuries
• Soft Tissue injuries
• Vertigo
Chronic or Repetitive Stress Injuries occur due to mere act of sitting for extended periods of time and performance of same physical functions on regular basis. They are:-
• Neck Pain & Low Back Pain
• Headache
• Sciatica
• Deep Vein Thrombosis(DVT)
Physical Therapy can be a tremendous asset to airline professionals as Physiotherapist diagnoses the threat to body, helps in preventing and repairing both acute and chronic injuries.
Physiotherapist Training Workshops should be a part of pilots normal health and wellness regime.
GOAL OF PHYSIOTHERAPY WORKSHOPS FOR PILOTS:-
• Educating Posture Care to Pilots and other support staff.
• Preparing Pilot’s body for bouts of turbulence by improving their core strength and fitness.
• Ergonomic Advice
• Educating DVT(Deep Vein Thrombosis) prevention exercises
• Teaching Strengthening and Posture Correction Exercises for neck ,back, legs and arm so
that pains and aches can be avoided.
• Assessment of Pilot’s joint and spine fitness
• Guidance of treatment plan if anyone is suffering from neck and back pain or any other
health issue.
• Educating Emergency care of neck and back in case of acute injury in flight
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