June is the month for celebrating National Gardening Week, which offers a terrific opportunity to enjoy getting out in your garden, along with the millions of other Americans who share your hobby.

Additionally, gardening is a great way to get exercise as you get your yard in shape too. Although gardening is a healthy, low impact form of physical activity, it’s good to understand the ways you can prevent and reduce injuries while gardening.

How to Reduce Injuries While Gardening

Follow these guidelines to reduce your risks:

• Take a few minutes to stretch and warm-up before beginning and at regular intervals. Remember to drink plenty of water.
• Don’t overdo. Take frequent breaks and plan to spread your tasks over several days.
• Prevent soreness and injury from repetitive movement by changing your tasks and positions frequently. Refrain from bending for extending periods by sitting on the ground or a low seat.
• Concentrate on maintaining good posture, and using proper lifting techniques by bending the knees and your tightening core muscles to protect your back. It’s important to avoid twisting or pivoting.
• Protect your wrist by using ergonomically designed tools and avoiding awkward bending. Consider cushioned, long-handled, easy-reach tool to decrease stress on joints, while avoiding excessive kneeling or bending.

If you have soreness after gardening, apply ice to the area for 5-20 minutes, twice a day. However, if you continue to experience pain, discomfort, swelling, or weakness, it may be time to seek medical attention.

How Can We Help?

Have you had a gardening injury? Or are you worried that your joint arent strong enough to garden and have questions? Contact us today at 888-409-8006. Or you can schedule an appointment online here.