Chiropractic Tips for Healthy Gardening
By Sara Butler
Gardening season is in full swing, so you’ve probably spent some time working outside this year. Gardening is a great activity for people of all ages. While it may not seem like it, it’s actually a great way to get your body moving and incorporate physical activity into your day. But just as with any other physical activity there are precautions you must take to stay healthy. Here are a few tips from the chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic to help you keep your body in as good a shape as your garden!
Cushion the Knees
Gardening often involves a lot of kneeling, which can lead to pain and discomfort in your knees. In fact, if you spend a lot of time kneeling on the ground when you garden, then it can lead to injuries over time. You should invest in a cushion or pad to kneel on when working in your garden to help protect your knees and keep you free from injury.
You may also want to invest in a rolling scooter for your garden that enables you to sit comfortably while digging, weeding, or performing other gardening duties. Scooters can also help you to keep from twisting awkwardly, something that can injure your back if you’re not too careful.
Gardening Up High
Not all gardening requires getting low to the ground. In fact, some tasks may require you to reach up and that is something that can injure your back. Don’t overextend yourself by constantly trying to reach too far. Instead, get a step stool or ladder and reach only as far as you comfortably can. Don’t strain or you may injure your neck, shoulders, or upper back -- not to mention you risk falling!
Warm Up
Before you begin to garden, you should perform a series of stretches to warm up your muscles and prepare them to move. Flexibility is key to any physical activity -- gardening included! Work on your flexibility and you can avoid injuries and prevent your muscles from becoming stiff as you work in your garden.
It’s also important to take frequent breaks and rehydrate while gardening. Working outside in the summer can be brutal, so utilize shade and keep water handy as you’re working. Go slow when you garden and try to take a break at least once an hour, if not more.
See the Chiropractor!
Chiropractic care is important all year round but is especially helpful when you’re very active. Your chiropractor can help to teach you techniques and stretches to keep you safe and healthy in the garden. Your chiropractor can also help you to address issues before they become much larger problems that keep you away from your favorite gardening activities!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Aurora, Colo.