Weekend Gardening Warriors

by Karlynn L. Benson, D.C.

Spring fever has hit Burnsville, MN. Which means the gardening weekend warriors are doing battle with their yards. Then on Mondays and Tuesdays, they crawl or hobble into Skyline Chiropractic. I’m happy to help, but let’s talk about some tips for avoiding the Monday crawl.

Tips for Avoiding Injury

The most important tip is not to overdue it. Instead of working in the yard for eight hours, try only working for 2-4 hours a day. Remember, it has been a long winter, and you are doing work your body has not done in 4-6 months.

Other gardening tips for avoiding injury:

• Do some easy warm-up exercises and stretches. It’s important to focus on a strong core.
• Use your knees not your back to lift things. If you have to bend, keep your back straight.
• If something is heavy (like soil, mulch and heavy planters) use a wheelbarrow.
• Use a kneeling pad and kneel, don't bend to pull those weeds.
• When digging, keep your shovel and body straight, and avoid twisting.
• Keep gardening tools close to you. When lifting, be sure to keep them within an arm’s length.
• Choose lighter equipment.
• Take breaks.
• Hydrate by drinking plenty of water.

At the end of your gardening session, do some stretches. As you would do at the end of a good exercise workout, take a warm bath or hot shower.

You may still feel stiff and sore on Monday, but I hope you will be able to walk into the office, and we can do some chiropractic wellness and maintenance, instead of repair.