How to Avoid Gardening-Related Injuries This Spring

We’re now into March and the gardening season has officially started. But before you start mowing, raking, and digging, did you know that around 87,000 people suffer injuries while gardening or carrying out DIY jobs in the garden every year in the UK? While some of those injuries are power tool-related, others could have been avoided by taking simple precautions. So, how can you make sure that you don’t add yourself to the statistics for this gardening year?

Seven Tips for Avoiding Gardening-Related Injuries This Spring

Warm up and stretch

Gardening is just like any other physical activity. So, before you start, it’s important to warm up your muscles. This can include stretching your arms, legs, and back, as well as warming up your wrists and hands. This can help you to avoid strains, particularly when you’re dealing with repetitive tasks, such as pruning.

Focus on your lifting technique

In spring in particular, you’re likely to find yourself lugging heavy bags of compost or bark chip around. This is a sure-fire way to injure your back if you don’t practice proper lifting techniques. So, whatever it is that you’re lifting, always take the strain with your legs instead of your back. And if something is too heavy to lift comfortably alone, find someone else to help.

Pay attention to your posture

It’s really easy to slip into bad habits when you’re concentrating on gardening work. But if you neglect your posture—bending instead of squatting, over-stretching, over-reaching, lifting with outstretched arms—you'll suffer for it later.

Use the right tools

Choosing the right gardening tools doesn’t just impact your ability to get the job done—it can reduce strain on your hands, wrists, and back. So, consider ergonomically designed tools. Choose loppers that are long-handled, so you don’t have to overstretch. But also think about weight—the heavier the tools, the more strain they will put on your arms and back. Equally, if you keep your tools in good condition, it can make them easier to use. By keeping clipped blades sharp, for example, you can reduce the force needed to cut.

Think about your feet

Having the right footwear when gardening is a must. It protects your feet against blades—whether mower or shovel—and other sharp objects. It can provide ankle and arch support when digging. And it can help to reduce the risk of slips, trips, and falls.

Don’t overdo it

Like any other form of exercise, pushing yourself too hard when gardening is never a good idea. It’s far more sensible to do a little and often, particularly at the start of the season. That way, you can increase your strength and endurance without straining your muscles. Taking regular breaks can also help with this, especially when carrying out repetitive tasks.

Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated is always sensible. But when you’re doing physical activities, dehydration can cause muscle cramps. And if you get too dehydrated, you may even suffer from dizziness, which can lead to other injuries.

Gardening is incredibly good for you. It helps with both physical and mental health. But, like most things in life, it carries some risks, so you need to approach it sensibly. Don’t handle plants you’re not familiar with, in case they carry toxins or allergens—the sap from Euphorbias, for example, can cause severe skin irritation and even blindness. Wear sensible clothing and protect yourself from the sun. But more than anything else, be kind to your body, take things slowly, and don’t forget to warm up. If you are still struggling with the aches and pains, look to get yourself a physiotherapy appointment for professional help and guidance.

Overdone it in the garden and looking for physiotherapy London? Book online with Ultra Sports Clinic.