Now Spring is in the air, are you thinking about giving your garden a big tidy up? If the answer’s yes, then check out our top tips on how to get back into gardening – without putting your back out.
1. Dress comfortably
Don’t wear clothes that are too tight or could constrict your movement as you could end up getting into awkward positions.
2. Warm up
If you want to look after your back while gardening, treat gardening like any other exercise you do and warm up. Instead of going straight into heavy garden work, try doing a few stretches first. Or you could start off with lighter jobs such as pruning to help lessen the chance of muscle strain.
3. Use a ladder
Use a ladder or steps to avoid awkward straining in the garden. Make sure you move them regularly so you don’t have to lean or reach to do your work. Also, make sure you are always facing the ladder or steps, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction.
4. Get up close
Get as close as possible to the things you are pruning and avoid overstretching to reach the area you are working on. If you can’t get close, invest in some long handled secateurs to prune plants and bushes that are beyond your reach.
5. Avoid heavy lifting
Avoid back pain when it comes to lifting heavy items such as compost, cement, sand or gravel, by buying smaller bags rather than one big bag, as they are easier and safer to carry. If you do buy heavy items, use a trolley and ask an assistant at the store to help you. You can also shovel the contents of large bags straight into smaller containers or a wheelbarrow from the back of the car to avoid straining your back. You can also minimise the stress on your back when lifting heavy items by keeping your elbows bent and to your side rather than lifting with straight arms.
We hope these tips help you get the best out of your garden this summer but if they’re too late and a bout of gardening has already left you with pain in your back, neck or anywhere else, please just call on 0117 9723 518 to book an appointment so we can help get you back on track.