GARDEN Frolics

That time of year... at last!

This last couple of weeks, I am seeing A LOT of the same thing and hearing A LOT of the same reasons... low back aches and pains because you are back in the garden and yikes, there’s a lot to do and with the current weather, a lot to keep on top of. I thought, ah ha! I will put together a little piece with my top tips on how to protect your back in the garden and what a great reason to start up my newsletters again!

1. Preparation is key

You know! I know! Let’s start with the basics though! Firstly, make sure that your clothing doesn’t restrict you so you can bend and twist in those hard to reach areas. Check your shoes give you enough support and won’t mean you are constantly having to grip them with your toes.

2. This is what we all forget, including me... gardening is exercise! So ensure that you are warming up. remember, a warm up means short and quick, not long slow deep stretches, you can save that for later!

3. Using a ladder

When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction. Rather than leaning or reaching, move the ladder or step regularly to keep up with where you are. Any kind of ladder must be firmly and safely planted in position and, if possible, have someone else there to keep an eye on things.

4. Invest in tech

Controversial, I know but if you don’t much care for those fine lines on your garden lawn and care more for your tan lines then get a robot mower!

5. Pace yourself

Tempting as it may be with the current changeable weather, do not go hell for leather to get the job done and then struggle to get out of bed the next day. Gardening is instantly gratifying, focus on one job at a time, sit back and enjoy it. Try and plan your jobs so that you have more time for bigger jobs and potentially able to recruit help!

6. Work smarter, not harder

To avoid constantly bending over, consider using elevated planters. If your garden is on ground level, you can buy a garden kneeler that can help take some of the strain off your body, back, and knees. Using a caddy can also help you easily carry around all your gardening tools rather than lifting them. If you’re someone with wrist pain, investing in compression braces can help ease the pain and thwart injuries.

Crazy, I know but if you are digging or hedging, do make sure that you swap feet because using the same leg continuously is a sure fire way of hurting your back!

Finally...

Don’t forget to cool down after you have finished, even if it’s after a cup of tea, it still helps.

If you are still struggling or suffering after gardening, it might be time to get yourself checked out. Call the clinic on 01628 879580 or you can email us info@berksclinic.co.uk Laura and the team at Berkshire Health Clinic.

We specialise in all aspects of hard and soft landscaping from small to large scale scheme, offering complete design and build services. We are passionate about the environment and the gardens we work in, and whether you require maintenance to existing garden structures/buildings or the implementation of new landscape designs to transform your garden, we are here to help.

With over 17 years experience providing landscaping and gardening services in Reading, Wokingham and the surrounding Berkshire area. 5 Star Reviews