This week, I had the privilege of working with the dedicated firefighters at the Portland International Airport (PDX) for a hands-on workshop focused on injury prevention and self-care.
Firefighting is one of the most physically demanding jobs out there. The gear is heavy, the environments unpredictable, and the physical demands are extreme. It’s a career that requires both strength and resilience, and that’s exactly what our workshops were designed to support.
What We Covered
During the 90-minute workshop, I combined education with practice — breaking down how and why injuries happen and what can be done to prevent them.
We explored:
- The three most common injury types firefighters face: joint injuries, soft tissue injuries, and training-related imbalances.
- How biomechanics play a role in performance and pain.
- The difference between stretching and mobility, and why mobility is the smarter, safer, and more functional choice.
- The foundational principles of maintaining long-term musculoskeletal health: movement variety, daily consistency, and proper load management.
Most importantly, we practiced ten mobility routines that can be performed anywhere — at the station, post-shift, or at home — to improve range of motion, reduce stiffness, and keep the body ready for the next call.
Why This Matters
Firefighters are often expected to perform at a high level under unpredictable conditions, yet many don’t receive targeted education on body maintenance or recovery.
By understanding how the body adapts to repetitive stress and load, firefighters can:
- Prevent chronic pain and injury recurrence
- Improve strength and range of motion
- Recover faster between calls
- Extend career longevity
Our approach blends traditional chiropractic care with modern biomechanical analysis, helping first responders stay strong, mobile, and pain-free throughout their careers and into retirement.
Resources & Follow Up
If you attended one of the workshops, or if you missed it and want to catch up, you can access the content shared below:
- Workshop Presentation
- Mobility Routines:
We’re Here to Help
At Hosmer, we’re proud to support our firefighters and first responders with evidence-based care and movement education.
Our services are covered by most insurance plans, and include:
- Chiropractic evaluation and treatment
- Soft tissue therapy
- Massage therapy
If you or your department would like to schedule a similar workshop or consultation, please contact us at (503) 227-2279.
Seth