1 minute read
Avoiding Aches in the Garden
34 avoidingachesin thegarden
With all the gardening and landscaping occupying weekends for many new Millwater residents, and with the arrival of summer, I thought it appropriate to offer help with some thoughts on minimising those aches and pains on Monday morning! We often treat people with wrist, shoulder and back pain, attributed to carrying awkward loads and repeated digging and pruning. Sustained postures and lifting are the most common causes of low back and neck pain. Repeated hammering and jarring can lead to elbow and wrist pain. Some useful tips and guidelines to follow are: When lifting, bend your knees (no more than 90 degrees), look straight ahead and avoid twisting your back. Share the load and get assistance if possible. Don’t overfill the bucket, wheelbarrow etc. Plan what you are going to lift; better to lift several lighter loads than too heavy a load. Keep loads close to your body. This significantly reduces stress on the back and neck. If you are in a sustained posture, such as for weeding, stand up regularly and stretch. Use your surroundings. Place garden pots and containers at bench height to work on them. Wrists are designed to take the load in their neutral position (fist). Be conscious of this when lifting or pruning. Remember: you can replace tools etc, but you only have one spine/body and it is better to pace yourself, take breaks and plan what you are doing, rather than being incapacitated and no more work can be done! We have lumbar, wrist and elbow braces available, which are useful where appropriate. If you have ongoing joint pain, come and see us; we can diagnose early, give you exercises and guidelines, enabling you to complete your landscaping and continue to enjoy life.
Advertisement
