In the Upstate area, we are fortunate to enjoy mild weather for the better part of the year. If you keep a garden, that’s good news – a nice long growing season! We have many patients who love to garden in their spare time, but end up with back pain or knee pain as a result. This is all too common! Anyone who has spent any time landscaping or gardening can tell you just how hard on the body it can be. We’ve got a few tips for our gardening enthusiasts to help prevent pain and to deal with it after the fact.

Use Better Ergonomics

Since gardening generally takes place close to the ground (even with raised beds), it’s important to set yourself up to be as comfortable as possible. Ergonomically designed tools reduce fatigue and repetitive motions. To find some, search online for “ergonomic garden tools” with unique handles like this:

 

In addition, instead of bending over or crouching, try a kneeling stool or short chair designed specifically for this purpose. Invest in a few special tools to make yourself more comfortable. As a result, you’ll be able to garden longer while reducing the negative impacts on your body.

Aftercare For Gardening

It’s no secret that we love ice around here. This incredibly accessible home treatment option greatly impacts your ability to recover from physical stress. After you’re done gardening for the day, treat yourself with a cold drink and an ice pack. Ice areas that typically flare up when you garden for at least 20 minutes. You have the tools you need to halt inflammation in its tracks right in your freezer! An ice session will most likely keep you from being in too much pain the next day.

Come In For Your NMT Appointment

One of the primary reasons we shifted towards a membership-based system was to make it easier for our patients to come in regularly. Gone are the days of those lengthy, get-naked-under-the-sheet appointments. These can feel impossible to work into your day! Instead, stop in on your lunch break or after work for a 15-minute session in whatever you’re wearing. You’ll be amazed at the difference that once or twice a week regular appointments will make in how your body feels on a daily basis.

Ready to learn more about how NMT can help you keep doing your favorite activities? Contact us today to schedule an assessment.