Yard Work & Gardening: Alleviate Muscle Pain this Spring

In the spring gardening and yard work are good ways to exercise. At Unity Chiropractic & Wellness Center in Beaverton OR we provide instructions on how to garden and perform yard work without pulling muscles in the back, legs, arms, and neck. We provide chiropractic care, heat, and cold therapy, cold laser therapy, ultrasound therapy, corrective exercises, myofascial therapy, acupuncture, diet and exercise services to treat many conditions.

Tips for Avoiding Pain When Gardening or Doing Yard Work

Warm-up by taking a walk for 5 to 10 minutes before you attempt gardening or yard work or do other exercises that your chiropractor may have suggested for your condition. They can be jumping jacks, sit-ups and stretches. Drink water when doing work in the yard, the muscles need to be hydrated. Keep a bottle of water nearby that you can drink, or take a break to drink water or juice.

Try doing different activities for short periods of time. Plant some flowers, do some weeding, watering, and raking. Never perform one activity for long periods of time. When bending, kneel on a mat, and always bend your knees. Sitting on a stool when gardening is another method that works. Have all of the tools that you need to use nearby.

When you mow stand straight and do not lean forward, push with your hands and legs. Keep your back straight to avoid pulling muscles. When you lift bags of gardening supplies, always bend your knee and hips. Keep your back straight, and make small piles to pick up and discard. Take frequent breaks when you feel tired. When raking, try switching sides every five minutes so that both sides are exercised.

Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers or support shoes that protect the feet from injury. Work on one activity for 10 to 20 minutes and take a break. Talk to us before you garden or do yard work this spring so that we can give you specific exercises to do to warm up that are suited to your condition.

Contact Us For An Appointment In Beaverton

Contact Unity Chiropractic & Wellness Center for an appointment by calling (503) 747-3388 or filling out our online form. We treat back pain, muscle pain, carpal tunnel, neck pain, whiplash, sciatica, sports injuries, arthritis, migraines, and other conditions.