Gardening can be a healthy form of exercise for both mental and physical health. Follow these tips & tricks to help prevent future back and knee pain.
We are here to help if you jump into spring cleaning and gardening too quickly or do a little too much! Book online or give us a call at (331) 401-5900.
1) Stretch prior to gardening:
After waiting all winter, it may be tempting to jump right into spring cleanup. Loosen up your muscles and joints to better prepare your body and help prevent future soreness. A good five minute full body stretch will do wonders!
2) Using proper form when lifting and carrying heavy items:
Always lift with your legs, not your back! Try to stay standing up right with a straight back and keep items within arms reach for less strain on the muscles.
3) Making sure to stay hydrated:
Being out in the sun can dehydrate you and cause added achiness in joints, so proper hydration is key. Keep a water bottle nearby!
4) Take breaks and re-stretch:
When you're in the zone, you can lose track of time and miss your body's cues of overexertion. Any kind of repetitive bending motion on your body can lead to soreness. By taking breaks and re-stretching your muscles and joints, you can help prevent unnecessary tension.
5) Try to use raised flower and garden beds to help prevent too much bending:
Too much bending at the spine can put severe stress on your spinal discs and muscles and in return can cause chronic low back pain.
6) Use specialized long handle tools for gardening and knee pads for better protection:
Long handle tools can help eliminate excessive bending in your spine and knee pads can help prevent too much strain on your knees. Consider using a kneeler to help you get up and down easier, too.
Non-invasive and safe treatment options are available and can help relieve ongoing pain and improve function. Don't let pain keep you from your favorite hobbies and hanging out with loved ones. Book online or give us a call at (331) 401-5900 so you can start feeling better!