“Probably since the age of 18 I’ve been running to chiropractors, oestos and physios,” he said.

Last year Mr Kreutzberger, now 51, began regular clinical pilates classes, a move less about fixing present problems and more about preventing future ones.

It’s an attitude people in physically demanding jobs are encouraged to take during Tradies National Health Month, which began on Tuesday. An initiative of the Australian Physiotherapy Association, the month focuses on tradespeople, farmers and labourers improving their health and well being.

A Tradies Health Night on August 30 at Commercial Club Albury will reinforce these messages with giveaways, competitions and short presentations on health topics people might not usually consider.

Border physiotherapist Liam James, of Flex Out Physiotherapy, said people often only sought help when injured, but many problems accumulated over time.

“It’s taking control of your own health and looking after yourself,” Mr James said.

“Getting on to little niggles really quickly; if there’s something that’s not quite right, the longer you leave it, more often than not the bigger problem it becomes.”

According to the Australian Physiotherapy Association, almost three in five serious workplace injury claims involved a tradesperson, who make up less than a third of the Australian workforce.

Mr Kreutzberger said people wouldn’t necessarily change their work just because of the physical aspect.

“We’re not going to choose a job that’s light on our body but we absolutely hate getting out of bed for every day, are we?” he said.

But he valued improving overall health instead of just reacting to injuries.

“Clinical pilates has helped me greatly,” he said.

“It’s given me core strength.”

As owner of a fertiliser spreading business, Mr Kreutzberger now finds it easier to get under his vehicle to do maintenance.

“I’d have a lot of problems straightening up and walking, I’d walk sideways with a limp because something’s hurt in my back,” he said.

“And now, I get under, I roll around, I do the job, I get up and walk off and say, ‘What’s next?’.”