How to Conquer Gardening Pain

The long, sunny days of summer are returning, and that means it’s time to dust off those gardening tools. But if you experience long-lasting body pain, yard work might be easier said than done.

Gardening and weeding involve a wide range of motions, including kneeling, squatting, twisting and lifting, engaging many muscles and joints. These movements can exacerbate existing pain, including arthritis pain, if not done right.

Try these tips to minimize pain when gardening:

Limber Up:

Tend to yourself before tending to those precious flowers. Stretch your arms, back, wrists and hamstrings prior to planting — your joints and muscles will thank you.

The Right Gear:

Choose tools that help ease the burden on your body. Use a wheelbarrow to carry bags of soil and other heavy materials across the yard and wear knee pads to reduce the strain on those joints.

Relieve Your Pain:

A non-prescription pain reliever can help you focus on your gardening tasks without your pain holding you back, and also relieve pain after a grueling day in the soil. For those tired of taking multiple doses of pain relievers in a day, just one Advil 12 Hour pill provides effective pain relief and keeps working for up to 12 hours – visit Advil.ca for more information.

→ A Few Tips to Make Your Gardening Time Better

Proper Technique:

Proper technique and positioning reduces strain on muscles and joints. Bend your knees when lifting heavy objects and alternate between heavy and light activities to avoid repetitive-motion injuries.

These tips are suggestions. As always, consult your health care provider with any health concerns.