15 Quick Tips For Safe Gardening In The Fall [Must-Read Advice To Avoid Gardening Injuries]

October 23, 2018 | By: Raleigh Orthopaedic Team

NC State Fair’s Flower and Garden Show in Raleigh is nearly here. Whether you are a professional or an amateur gardener, you will surely enjoy all it has to offer between October 17-21 this year.

ING_39524_00928-300x200 15 Quick Tips For Safe Gardening In The Fall [Must-Read Advice To Avoid Gardening Injuries]

We especially recommend the series of lectures “Gardening in N.C. Year-Round”, which will include tips on gardening in the fall. As a gardener, you can appreciate learning new techniques, tips and advice on gardening this time of year.

Fall gardening can be quite tricky. The amount of chores waiting for us in the fall garden can be overwhelming. There is the fall clean-up, cutting, wrapping trees and bushes, recycling and spreading compost… All these fall garden tasks will help your garden grow gorgeously next spring. The problem is they can be quite aggravating for our bodies, especially if we have pre-existing conditions.

We don’t want our work in the garden to lead to muscle aches and joint pains.

Here are 15 quick tips to avoid some common aches and pains you might encounter while gardening this Fall:

  1. Prepare a plan for your garden work and stick to it.
  2. Start slow and progress gradually.
  3. Before you start, warm up your body by walking and stretching (especially the muscles and joints that give you problems).
  4. If you feel any pain during your chores, rest until the pain goes away.
  5. Change positions and chores often. Try a different activity every 20 minutes.
  6. Use helpful tools such as padded handle tools; non-slip gloves, and kneeling pads to protect your wrists, knees, and elbows.
  7. Walm down: Stand, walk, and stretch again before you decide that your work for today is done.
  8. Be realistic with your plans. Don’t take on too much for one day.
  9. Ask for help if needed. Your loved ones can assist you or you can hire a professional.
  10. Plan ahead.  Prepare all supplies that you need,exactly where you need them before you begin.
  11. Look after your back:  Try not to bend over from your waist and back, instead bend from your hips and knees.
  12. Avoid twisting your upper body.
  13. When shoveling, try lifting smaller loads of dirt. Avoid doing it all at once.
  14. When raking or hoeing, work in smaller zones.  Keep the tools near your body.
  15. Lastly, stop and respect pain, as soon as you feel it. Don’t disregard your body’s signals when it needs help. Any pain persisting for more than 48 hours needs to be evaluated by a physical therapist in Cary or other medical professional.

About Physical Therapy in Cary

It’s easier and more effective to treat new and recent injuries rather than those lingering for a few months. Know that your Physical Therapist in Cary knows many methods to help teach you ways to adapt activities in order to allow you to keep enjoying them all fall, while at the same time reducing your risk of pain.

For your convenience, physical therapy is offered at our eight clinic locations in the Triangle. To schedule a therapy appointment at one of our clinics or performance centers, please call (919) 863-6996. For any other questions or concerns, please call our main therapy number (919) 781-4060.

Physical Therapy in Cary -find out more about how you can help yourself here.

Happy Gardening!

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.