The summer months are upon us and that means more planting, weeding, mulching, and raking. These repetitive movements may seem harmless but can have us raking through the theraband drawer at physical therapy in no time. You can do a few simple things before you start to reduce the risk of injury and will keep your garden from becoming abandoned.
- Warm-up: This sounds rudimentary but a proper warm-up can get your muscles and joints ready for the task at hand. Whether that is just getting out for a quick walk before and/or stretching, it will help prepare you.
- Listen to your body: If you start to ache, cramp, or feel pain in your neck or shoulders, take a minute and stretch. Your body is trying to tell you that you are in a wrong position or overworking your muscles/joints so switch up your position or hand that your using.
- Don’t knee on both knees: This will help give your back more stability.
- Stretch: When you’re all done, stretch and go for a little walk. This will help prevent soreness the next day.
Contact one of your local Makovicka Physical Therapy clinics if you have questions on mechanics to prevent injury.
Source: MoveForwardPT.com