E23 | Getting In and Out of Patrol Cars | Why This Movement Causes Pain Over Time

It’s one of the most repeated movements in your job. Getting in. Getting out. Twisting. Stepping. It doesn’t feel like much in the moment. But over time… it adds up. In this episode of First Responder Readiness, we break down why getting in and out of vehicles may be contributing to knee pain, hip pain, and low back pain—and how repetition, positioning, and fatigue combine to create wear and tear over time. Because it’s not always the big movements that cause problems. Sometimes it’s the ones you do every shift. What You’ll Learn Why repeated vehicle entry and exit impacts your body over time How asymmetrical movement patterns contribute to pain The role of hip rotation, single-leg loading, and trunk position Why small, repeated movements can lead to bigger issues How to start improving the way your body handles these demands Key Takeaways Repetition matters more than intensity over time Most job movements are asymmetrical—not evenly distributed Fatigue changes how your body handles repeated stress Small movement patterns can create long-term wear and tear 🎧 Continue Listening To better understand how this connects to pain and performance, check out: Episode 11: Knee Pain in Police Officers | Why Patrol Cars Are Wrecking Your Knees Episode 21: Hip Pain in First Responders | The Hidden Driver of Knee and Back Pain Episode 6: Pain After Long Shifts | What Accumulated Load Is Doing to Your Body Homework This week, start paying attention to your movement patterns: Do you always lead with the same leg? Do you twist the same way each time? Does one side feel more stiff or uncomfortable? Awareness is the first step toward reducing long-term stress on your body. Fit for the Call Insider If you’ve been dealing with pain that seems to build over time and you’re not sure why, I created something for you. Fit for the Call Insider is where I share simple, practical strategies to help you: move better reduce pain train for the job Coaching Call If you want help identifying the movement patterns that may be contributing to your pain—and how to fix them— 👉 Book a 1-hour coaching session Share & Support If this episode made you think differently about something you do every shift: Follow the podcast Leave a review Share it with someone on your crew