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Knee braces versus building muscle... what's the real move for surviving years on a vibrating dredge deck?
Saw an old hand on my buddy's crew struggling to climb down because his knees are shot from the constant shake... Some operators insist on good braces and taking it easy on the joints, but a few younger guys are all about hitting the gym to strengthen everything around them... I get the logic both ways, but I'm wondering what actually works when you're logging twelve-hour days... Has anyone found a method that really sticks?
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charlie_jones356mo ago
Seen this same debate in construction and factory work... people always reach for the quick support before trying to fix the root issue. Braces might help you get through the shift, but that constant shake will still wear you down over years. Building up the muscle around your knees is the real long term fix, because your own body is the best shock absorber you got. It reminds me of how folks with desk jobs buy expensive ergonomic stuff but never actually move or strengthen their backs... the gear becomes a crutch. On a dredge, you can't fake it... your body either handles the vibration or it doesn't. So start strengthening now, use a brace for real bad days, but don't kid yourself that gear alone will save your joints.
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gibson.morgan6mo ago
Yeah but @charlie_jones35, how long does that muscle building take to actually work when you're already on the deck every day? Like if a guy's knees are already talking to him, is he just supposed to tough it out for months while he gets stronger?
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