With spring around the corner, many people are beginning to think of planting their gardens. Between lifting heavy bags and spending prolonged periods of time in awkward positions, gardening actually puts tremendous stress on the human body. So Brill Physical Therapy is here to offer some pointers!
Gardening should be treated like exercise. Remember to warm up for 10-15 minutes before you start. This will help loosen your muscles.
Remember to take lots of rest breaks. Human beings really aren’t meant to stay in one position for prolonged periods.
Drink lots of water! As the weather starts to warm up and we exert ourselves, it’s essential to stay hydrated to keep our tissues healthy.
Maintain your posture. Slouching can lead to back pain, so remember to sit up tall and move from your hips, rather than your back.
When kneeling in order to plant your flower beds, consider using a foam kneeling pad in order to decrease pressure on your knees. This will minimize compression on your knee caps and help decrease knee pain.
When lifting heavy bags of soil, remember to bring the items close to you, and lift with your knees. Also consider using a cart or a wheelbarrow to decrease the amount of time you’re lifting large, heavy, or bulky items.
Lastly, remember to cool down when you’re done. Take some time to gently stretch when you’re done.
If you have any residual pain after gardening, don’t hesitate to contact your therapists at Brill Physical Therapy for an evaluation. Gardening can and should be enjoyable, and doesn’t have to hurt!
