Maine AgrAbility

by Brie Weisman, OT, Maine FishAbility Also published by Commercial Fisheries News January 2022 FishAbility: Secrets of Lobstering as a Centenarian Maine’s newest celebrity is the world’s oldest commercial lobster harvester. At 101, Virginia Oliver has hit national and international news and was the November cover girl for DownEast magazine. I had the opportunity to […]

Written by Brie Weisman, OT- FishAbility   Aging is inevitable. How you age is up to you. With the average age of commercial fishermen being 40 years old, it’s incredible to know there are few still fishing at 100 years old. You may suspect centenarian fishermen of having good genes, but they also do a […]

By Michaela Marden, Masters Occupational Therapist Student, USM Also published by Commercial Fisheries News November 2021 FishAbility: Fishermen and Rotator Cuff Injuries Shoulder and back injuries are commonly reported by fishermen. The movement of a boat on rough seas and inclement weather conditions can increase risk of a traumatic injury, and more specifically to the […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News September 2021 FishAbility: Fishermen and Occupational Therapists FishAbility works with fishermen who have chronic health issues or had an accident or injury, and want to continue working safely and productively. To do this, Occupational Therapists (OTs) on FishAbility staff help identify and address fishermen’s […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News August 2021 If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255 Maine FishAbility: Fishing & Mental Health Issues Imagine working with an untreated broken arm. The pain is excruciating, your efficiency may be dramatically reduced. Your safety […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News Tendonitis is tendon irritation or inflammation caused by repetitive motion. Better known as tennis elbow, it can affect any joint. Symptoms include tenderness, swelling, stiffness, weakness in the affected area, as well as numbness and tingling in extremities. Fishing is the very definition of […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News Commercial fishing involves working in harsh environments and being in physically and mentally strenuous situations. Energy Conservation can help; it’s the practice of examining tasks and structuring them to minimize muscle fatigue, joint stress, and pain by using your body efficiently and ergonomically. Weather […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, June 2021 Roughly 10.5% of the U.S. population has diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is largely due to excess body weight and physical inactivity; and as a result, the body doesn’t use insulin properly. Left unchecked, diabetes can lead to serious health issues. Fishermen with […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, May 2021 Knee pain is common in the fishing industry. Whether from an acute injury like a tear, or from a chronic issue (arthritis for example), fishing with knee issues makes for a hard day. Working on the sea means fishermen have better balance […]

By Brie Weisman, Occupational Therapist Also published by Commercial Fisheries News, April 2021 FishAbility for Maine Fishermen – April 2021 Back pain is a common complaint of commercial fishermen worldwide. In a 2016 OSHRI study,  fully 50% of participating lobstermen in the Northeast reported having lower back issues. This should surprise no one.   Most […]