Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding professions, requiring strength, endurance, and agility in unpredictable and high-stress environments. Due to the nature of the job, firefighters are at a heightened risk for musculoskeletal injuries that can impact their performance and long-term health.
✅ Heavy loads + overhead work = High rotator cuff & biceps tendon stress
✅ Unpredictable movements = Higher risk for instability & labral tears
✅ Fatigue + asymmetrical loads = Increased likelihood of acute trauma & overuse injuries
Exertional and overuse musculoskeletal injuries account for 50% of firefighter injuries. At Mend Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating and preventing these types of injuries to keep this population performing at their best. Here are some of the most common injuries we see and how we address them.
1. Shoulder Injuries
Why They Happen: Firefighters frequently perform overhead movements, such as hoisting equipment, breaking through structures, and handling fire hoses. The repetitive nature of these tasks, combined with the weight of gear, increases the risk of rotator cuff tears, labral injuries, and impingement syndromes.
How We Treat Them: At Mend, we focus on restoring shoulder stability and mobility through individualized rehabilitation programs. Our approach includes manual therapy, targeted strengthening, and movement retraining to reduce strain and prevent future injuries.
2. Knee Injuries
Why They Happen: The unpredictable terrain firefighters navigate, combined with the need to kneel, squat, and climb stairs under load, makes knee injuries common. Ligament sprains, meniscus tears, and patellar tendinopathy are frequently seen in this population.
How We Treat Them: Our knee rehabilitation programs emphasize improving lower-body strength, stability, and movement mechanics. We incorporate evidence-based exercises to restore function and reduce pain while also addressing mobility restrictions that may contribute to knee stress.
3. Low Back Pain
Why It Happens: Firefighters often lift and carry heavy loads in awkward positions, leading to excessive strain on the lower back. The combination of heavy lifting, prolonged sitting in fire trucks, and high-impact activities increases the risk of disc injuries, muscle strains, and chronic low back pain.
How We Treat It: We utilize hands-on manual therapy to relieve pain and restore mobility, followed by progressive strengthening exercises to enhance core stability and proper lifting mechanics. Our goal is to build resilience in the spine and improve movement efficiency to prevent recurrent issues.
4. Ankle and Foot Injuries
Why They Happen: Firefighters work in unstable and hazardous environments, increasing the likelihood of ankle sprains, Achilles tendinopathy, and plantar fasciitis. Wearing heavy boots for extended periods can also contribute to foot pain and dysfunction.
How We Treat Them: Our treatment focuses on restoring ankle mobility, improving foot mechanics, and strengthening the stabilizing muscles of the lower leg. We also educate on proper footwear support and strategies to enhance balance and proprioception.
How Mend Physical Therapy Can Help
At Mend Physical Therapy, we understand the unique demands of different professions and provide individualized care to help these people recover from injuries and prevent future setbacks. Our 1-on-1, hour-long sessions with expert clinicians ensure that each person receives tailored treatment to optimize their performance and longevity in the field.
If you’re a firefighter or in a similarly laborious job and experiencing pain or looking to prevent injuries, contact us today to schedule an evaluation. We’re here to keep you strong, mobile, and ready for the next call.
Click Now to schedule your next appointment with the experts at MEND