Neck, back, wrist: Reducing the physical strain of veterinary practice

Veterinary work is physically demanding, yet chronic neck, back, and wrist pain are often treated as unavoidable parts of the profession. In this episode of The Resilient Vet: Mind and Body Strategies for Success, Aaron Shaw, OTR/L, CHT, CSCS, and Jennifer Edwards, DVM, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP, discuss the physical demands of clinical practice, from repetitive strain from dentistry and surgery to the physical toll of floor-based exams and patient handling. The conversation explores practical adjustments, movement strategies, and workplace habits that can help veterinary professionals reduce physical wear and tear, prevent injury, and support career longevity.

Below is a partial transcript, lightly edited for improved clarity.

Shaw: My name is Aaron Shaw, and I am an occupational therapist, a health nut, and the spouse of a veterinarian, which is what got me into the position here as I stand in front of a microphone [for] this podcast. I really get tired of seeing great people in vet medicine get burned out or injured, and ultimately, too many actually leave the profession that they care so much about.

What I felt [was] that there needed to be something more than talks on just this broad concept of wellness. Instead, we really need systems. There needs to be better systems for physical and emotional durability, and that's why I created Project Vetspan to help leaders build healthier, stronger, more durable teams.

I know I mentioned this free resource, so I just want to say this one more time: If you want a free veterinary ergonomic checklist, just send me an email. My email is [email protected]; in the subject line, just put “Ergo checklist” or something, and I'll send you this document. It is free, easy, and super simple to use.

But right now I have to say that in vet med—and I talk to a lot of vets and a lot of techs—it seems like there's too much pain, literally too much physical pain. It seems like there's this assumption that physical discomfort is just part of the job. It's shrugged off as a warranty that we have to do in order to take care of our patients. I'm here to say it does not have to be the norm.

But let's hear from somebody who's been there and done that. Jennifer, have you ever felt physical discomfort from the work you're doing in practice? And if so, what was that about? What did you feel? What type of things were you doing?