Time to get into the Garden! …Top tips for Gardening Safely

Gardening is a great form of exercise, and like any exercise having the right equipment and good technique can help to prevent injuries from occurring. With so many jobs to do in the garden at the moment consider our ps before venturing out there.

Start slowly

Start with lighter jobs before gradually moving onto the more strenuous jobs, to warm up your joints and muscles.

Take regular breaks

Always remember to listen to your body, if you start to feel red or experience any pain STOP and have a break. Even beer, if you can set a mer and have a break every 20-30 minutes.

Check your tools

Gardening tools have changed a lot over the years. Lighter and longer handled weeders, shovels and rakes with angled handles help you avoid poor posture and reduce the stress on your joints. Make sure you try equipment in the shop before you buy it.

Watch how you li

When liing make sure you keep your back straight and bend from your knees, ensure the object is close to you before liing it. If the object is heavy or an awkward size get some help before trying to move it. Let your tools do the work

When digging ensure that you use your foot to push down on the spade or fork and instead of bending over to bring the fork or spade out of the ground, pull the handle back using it like a leaver, then bend your knees as you li it out of the ground. Don't let your knees take all the strain!

When you are kneeling, be mindful of your posion, using knee pads or a cushion can help reduce the pressure going through your knees. Or try kneeling with one knee on the ground and the other up, and switch knees as needed to alleviate the pressure.

If pain is stopping you from enjoying your gardening then please call us on 01462 490141 to see one of our Osteopaths, who can help get you back in the garden pain free again.

The Amber Health Team