Sunny skies and amazing weather have a way of driving people outdoors. Yard work and gardening have many benefits, both physically and mentally. But as with all activities, they entail pain and injury risks.
Fortunately, there are things that you can do to perform outdoor activities without suffering from muscle pain. There are natural solutions to help you enjoy your yard work and gardening activities. Here are several ways to alleviate muscle pain.
Stretch Before You Garden
It is vital to stretch before you perform your gardening activities. All that digging, weeding, planting, and mulching can strain or stress the muscles and joints. Prepare the body before you begin. There are stretching exercises that can be very effective. A brisk 10-minute walk can also help warm up the limbs and stretch the spine.
Changing Positions Frequently
You can avoid cramping or stiffness by changing your position frequently when working in the garden. It is vital to be aware of your body as you work. If you feel any aches, make sure that you take breaks to stretch the body part. If your back begins to ache from too much bending, switch to a different activity. Gently leaning back several times can help soothe the muscles.
Proper Posture And Lifting
It is vital to use proper posture when working in your yard or garden. Make sure that you lift using your knees. Keep your back straight while bending your knees and tightening your stomach to pull or lift objects.
When moving a wheelbarrow or cart, good posture will help prevent injuries and muscle pain. Avoid twisting your knees and spine as you move things to one side. Instead, work your entire body as a unit.
Choosing Tools And Equipment
If you need to move heavy objects, use a wheelbarrow or garden cart. Consider investing in some elevated planters for your gardening. Use the right tools and equipment to make your gardening work less stressful for your body. Protect your knees by using a gardening pad or kneepads any time you kneel.
Working In Short Stints
Avoid pushing yourself, especially if you have not done yard work or gardening in a while. Work in short stints, taking frequent breaks to rest and get some hydration. Avoid working during hours when the sun is too hot. Do not wait until you start experiencing aches or pain before taking a break. End the gardening session with gentle stretches and a short walk.
Getting Chiropractic Care
If pain or discomfort linger after your gardening work, it is a good idea to visit a chiropractor. Chiropractic care can help keep joints and muscles in good condition. Manual adjustments can help address spinal pain. The techniques can help return the joints and spinal discs to optimal condition. Spinal decompression can help alleviate muscle pain.
Working in the yard and garden usually involves a lot of movement. It can be easy to overwork the body even without realizing it.
To find out more on how to alleviate muscle pain during yard work and gardening, visit Oropeza Chiropractic Wellness Center at our office in Key West, Florida. You can call (305) 440-1614 today to schedule an appointment.