Spring is here, and that means an increase in patients asking for the best ways to prevent gardening injuries in Bristol when they visit my Henleaze Osteopathy clinic.
And, of course, I'm always happy to help give advice on best prevention and treatment.
Gardening can be a strenuous activity that can cause problems, especially during the Spring when people get back outdoors and undertake various garden jobs.
I wrote a News post last year after a patient called in and asked ‘Can a Bristol Osteopath treat gardening injuries’ - read it in full here.
Prevention is always better than cure, so I thought it would be useful to share tips on how to prevent injuries from gardening in the first place wherever possible.
One of the most important things is not to do too much too quickly.
Most gardening-related injuries that I treat as a Bristol Osteopath are a result of a patient doing activities in the garden suddenly, too intensely and for too long.
The body isn't used to this, and can develop aches, strains, pains and worse.
I believe it’s really important to get the body fit for gardening activities by building up physical activity slowly and steadily.
Do gardening little and often, take regular breaks and hydrate properly whatever the weather or temperature outside.
I also advise patients to remember that gardening is strenuous work, with lots of bending, stretching, lifting, carrying and associated physical movement. As such approach each activity with care.
Other key things to remember include:
Don't spend hours bent over in the garden
Use kneeler equipment when weeding
Take extra care when digging heavy/hard soil
Get up and stretch regularly in the garden
Pot plants at waist level with a table when possible
A large garden project should be done in small sections
If you would like to discuss how osteopathic treatments in Bristol could help you with gardening injuries, please book a consultation with me online here.
My Bristol osteopath clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for osteopathic treatments, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for all patients.
To find out more about the full range of osteopathic treatments that I provide in Bristol, please visit here for details.