Physiotherapy in the workplace

During the months of June - August 2025, our production plant in Jablůnka finally, after the "Covid" pause, managed to implement the long-planned Physiotherapy in the Workplace project . This project has already been implemented in Jasenice, where it met with great success. The entire event was organized and led by an experienced physiotherapist, Mgr. Ondřej Kolařík, who has been practicing for more than 19 years. The goal is to adjust the ergonomics of the workplace and improve the overall physical condition of employees who work manually and in shift operations.

28 female production employees have now joined the project. Initial fears and uncertainties disappeared relatively quickly. We started with an initial examination, in which we focused on three main domains: mobility, strength and stability. The level and composition of the exercises were then set according to the results of the entire group. The participants were divided into several groups and they regularly attended exercises for eight weeks, where they improved and became familiar with other exercises to support a healthy body. Online recordings were also included so that they could repeat the exercises at home.

Ergonomics was also included. The physiotherapist went through individual workplaces, where he observed the employees work. He then provided us with valuable insights on how to improve individual workplaces to make the working environment even better and how to avoid back and joint pain.

The fact that the time spent in this way was meaningful was shown during the final examinations, which followed the eight weeks of exercises. Mr. Kolařík presented the results of the joint effort to all participants in the group and there was also a small surprise at the end. The whole team was in a relaxed mood and satisfied, which is also evidenced by the feedback:

• My leg doesn't hurt, I feel better than before, but it took a lot of work. I'm glad I signed up.
• There's definitely something to it, I can breathe better, I don't get leg cramps at night, I can sit down without pain.
• I was curious if it would help me, my hip doesn't hurt at all. I'm satisfied and would go again.
• Actually, I didn't believe it at first, but the pain under my shoulder blade completely disappeared, I walked straighter and we had more energy.
• I liked everything, I've never experienced anything like it, it's just luxury. Thank you.
• Considering I haven't exercised in 40 years, it was great.
• The group of people were often motivating, because some managed more than I did, and sometimes I was glad that I was better than the others.
• It was nice that we met other people from work.
• Everything met my expectations, I feel like it was aimed in the right direction.
• Body strengthening exercises - I was surprised that I couldn't do it, and now I can do it.
• It was good, anyone who says they don't have time is making excuses, ten minutes is time that I can find every day, even while cooking you can do something, like stand on one leg.
• I thought the exercise would be more intense, but in the end it was great.
• I like going to the gym, it's relaxing for me, so I enjoyed it.
• Everything went like clockwork. Everything was accepted in the workshop too and it was great.
• I would definitely recommend the program, but you need to work from home and make time.
• I think you did a great job and thank you very much for making it possible in the company.

Mr. Kolařík was also satisfied: “The program was completed at 77%, which is the second best result in the time I have been doing this project, i.e. in 7 years. Everyone deserves great praise not only for the courage to sign up, but also for the diligence they put into both the exercises and taking care of themselves and their health.”

And what measurable indicators do we have?

• 28 participants started and completed
• Attendance was 83%
• Improved health status in 83%
• Reduced pain in 85%
• Meeting expectations: 88%
• Satisfaction with the organization: 87%
• 100% would continue
• 100% would recommend the project
• Together we lost 12.4 kg of body weight

Follow-up check-ups will be held in December 2025 to determine whether the participants are managing to maintain their bodies in better shape over the long term. We would like to thank not only Mr. Kolařík, but especially our courageous colleagues. At this moment, we are already planning a second group, which will begin meeting in Jablůnka this autumn. If the situation allows, we would like to apply this benefit to location 4 in Bobrky in the future.