With spring around the corner, you may be starting to plan to head outdoors and breathe life back into your garden. Before you dust off your gardening gloves, however, check out these chiropractic tips for gardening from Midtown West chiropractor, Dr. Barry Goldstein. Happy planting!
1. When lifting or setting down items, always bend from your knees to avoid back strain. Moving clay pots and bags of potting soil can become strenuous, so always maintain proper form when moving these items from one area of your garden to another.
2. Take frequent breaks. Your body can only handle so much strain before it starts becoming tired and more apt to injury. Take frequent breaks from gardening to allow your body to rest; and remember to stay hydrated and protected from the elements.
3. Warm up. Before diving into your gardening duties, always take a few minutes to warm up your muscles and joints with proper stretching exercises. Our local Times Square chiropractor, Dr. Barry, also suggests completing cool down exercises after gardening to minimize the soreness of muscles in the days following.
4. Operate gardening equipment with both sides of your body. As you work in your garden, switch the side of your body you are using to power equipment to equal out your body’s muscle strain.
5. Seek the help of a chiropractor if you believe you have strained a muscle while gardening. Chiropractors, such as our local New York City chiropractor, Dr. Barry, are certified and trained to help alleviate the body of muscle pain. Making an appointment with a reputable chiropractic office is also highly advised.
