{"id":7788,"date":"2017-05-15T10:41:34","date_gmt":"2017-05-15T14:41:34","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/physiotherapieuniverselle.com\/en\/blogue\/les-regles-dor-pour-jardiner-sans-se-blesser\/"},"modified":"2018-01-17T10:34:59","modified_gmt":"2018-01-17T15:34:59","slug":"best-practices-for-safe-gardening","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/physiotherapieuniverselle.com\/en\/blogue\/best-practices-for-safe-gardening","title":{"rendered":"Best practices for safe gardening"},"content":{"rendered":"

Spring is on the way!\u00a0No doubt, many of you are eagerly waiting the first few sunny days to prepare your\u00a0flowerbeds and gardens. However, gardening is not a risk-free activity. Here are eight\u00a0tips to help you garden without injury.<\/strong><\/p>\n

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1. Tidy up your tools<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

A tidy shed is ideal. Place the tools within arm’s reach and ensure heavy loads are easily accessible. This way, you won’t have to contort yourself to reach the pruning shears hanging behind the winter tires or the \u00a0bags of fertilizer lodged under the workbench.<\/p>\n

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2.\u00a0Warm up to prepare your body<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Before starting, take at least five\u00a0minutes to warm up\u00a0your\u00a0muscles for physical effort and thus reduce the risk of injury. Walk in place, perform a few half-squats, and rotate your shoulders, wrists, head and back for a few minutes.<\/p>\n

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3. Adopt good postures<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

When planting or weeding, avoid rounding your back. Kneel as much as possible to keep your back straight and use pads or a cushion to reduce pressure on your knees. Also, avoid twisting your back when shoveling or spreading fertilizer.<\/p>\n

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4. Avoid\u00a0over reaching<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Rather than weeding at arm’s length, create paths for easy access to every corner of the garden. And why not be trendy and opt for flowerpots on a table or raised garden boxes?<\/p>\n

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5. Properly handle loads<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

When lifting planters or bags of soil, bend your knees rather than your back and keep the load close to your body. It is also advisable to balance loads when moving, as you would when carrying two buckets of water. To expend less effort when carrying heavy loads, use equipment such as a trolley or wheelbarrow and bear in mind that it is always preferable to push rather than pull. Finally, if the load seems too heavy, always ask for help!<\/p>\n

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6. Use the right tools<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Choose\u00a0lightweight ergonomic tools (shovels, spades, trowels, garden hoses, etc.) to protect your joints and tools with a telescopic handle (hedge shears, weeder, etc.) to avoid stretching or bending.<\/p>\n

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7. Take your time<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

As with any physical activity, you should take frequent breaks. You can accomplish this by changing positions, stretching or alternating between easy and difficult tasks. It is also preferable to split tasks across\u00a0several days rather than working for many consecutive hours. In all cases, taking the time to stretch especially your back, neck, shoulders and thighs is highly recommended.<\/p>\n

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8. Have fun!<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n

Gardening should be a pleasure, not a chore. Enjoying the sun will be equally good for your body as well as your spirit!<\/p>\n

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You are now ready to start your gardening season safely. However, if pain appears and persists, or if you have additional\u00a0questions, feel free\u00a0to contact\u00a0an occupational therapists at\u00a0our clinics!<\/p>\n

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Happy gardening!<\/p>\n

Written by\u00a0Vanessa Daoust,\u00a0occupational therapist.<\/p>\n

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References :<\/strong><\/h5>\n