Springtime Gardening Tips for Keeping Your Self Aligned

Nothing makes it feel more like spring than the signs of life in our gardens with beautiful flowers and budding branches.  Gardening is usually the first burst of activity for the season and it can often lead to injuries, pulled backs and aches and pains from the awkward angles, kneeling, pulling, twisting and leaning.  It is important to prepare ourselves so that we do not injure our spine, joints or muscles.  Here are a few tips and tricks to keeping your body healthy while taking care of your yard.

• Warm Up and Stretch:  It is always important before performing any type  of exercise to warm up your body to help reduce injury.  Take a walk, do some gentle yoga and stretch your core, back, shoulders, arms and legs.
• Minimize Repetitive Motions:  Repetitive motions, particularly when they involve twisting or other unfamiliar movement can cause serious problems.  If you have a task that requires a repetitive motion like raking or shoveling try to keep your tools aligned with your body rather than to the side.
• Kneel, Don’t Bend:  Purchase a kneeling pad and use it rather than bending your body at the hips or stretching your ligaments.  If you do have to bend over, make sure to keep your spine straight and hinge at the hips.
• Lifting:  When lifting heavy planters or new trees and bushes, be sure to use your legs by squatting and lifting rather than bending your hips and lifting with your back.  Use a wheelbarrow to move thing far and never twist while lifting.
• Rest and Hydration:  It is always important to stay hydrated in the sun.  Bring a water bottle and stop frequently to refuel your body every 15 to 30 minutes especially if it is a hot day.
• Prevention:  If you do hurt yourself or even if you are just feeling sore or stiff, schedule an appointment with us to get in and get your body realigned.  A proper adjustment will help your body heal faster allowing you to get back outside and  enjoy the gorgeous weather again sooner.

Most of all, enjoy the springtime and the beautiful yards you will create.  We are here for you when you need us.