Gardening can help improve your physical and mental wellbeing. Although gardening is a simple activity, it is still possible to injure yourself if you are not careful. Thousands of Americans are sent to the emergency room every year due to gardening injuries. Many of these injuries could have been prevented by using the proper safety precautions. Some of the more serious gardening injuries tend to affect muscles, tendons, and joints located in your back, neck, shoulders, and knees.
Here are some great tips that are designed to help you prevent serious injuries while gardening.
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Avoid repetitive motions over a long period of time. – Using the same muscles over and over again can cause significant irritation and discomfort over time. Make sure that you rotate between multiple activities while you garden to prevent the overexertion of muscles.
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Take frequent breaks. – This is another great way to prevent overexertion. Taking a break makes it easier to notice any pain or discomfort that you might be feeling, preventing overuse injuries. It also allows you to drink more water. Dehydration is a major health concern when working outside, and taking frequent breaks can help ensure that you remain properly hydrated.
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Don’t use your hands to dig. – When digging in the dirt, It might seem like a good idea to use your hands to clear small rocks and other debris. This can often injure the joints or muscles in your hands and your wrists. Using the proper digging tools will help keep your hands and wrists safe from injury. At the same time, wearing gloves can protect your hands from being cut by sharp debris.
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Stretch beforehand. – It is highly recommended that you stretch before you start gardening. Limbering up 10-15 minutes beforehand can help prevent soreness and injuries.
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Lift heavy objects with your legs instead of your back. – If you have to move any large rocks, branches, or other debris from your garden, make sure that you use the muscles in your legs instead of your back. Not using your legs puts an unhealthy amount of stress and pressure on your back.
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Avoid awkward or uncomfortable movements and positions. – Listen to what your body is trying to tell you. If a particular action or stance is causing you discomfort, don’t ignore it. Pain and discomfort is usually a sign that something is wrong and that damage is being done to the body. It is important that you stop as soon as possible in order to prevent injuries from further developing. If you still feel pain or discomfort in the following days, you should schedule an appointment at our multidisciplinary facility.
Are you a gardener suffering from chronic pain or discomfort in your muscles? We can help. Here at Massapequa Pain Management and Rehabilitation, we provide a wide range of different rehabilitative services for our patients. From physical therapy to chiropractic care, we can help ensure that your recovery process is as easy and successful as possible. Contact us today!