Gardening is a wonderful hobby that can bring you joy, relaxation, and beauty. But it can also be rough on your body, especially your back, knees, and hands. Did you know that gardening is one of the most common causes of back pain in Canada? According to a recent survey, 65% of Canadians who garden regularly experience some form of back pain. If you are one of them, you might be wondering how you can enjoy your hobby without hurting yourself. In this article, we will show you how physiotherapy can help you prevent and treat common gardening injuries such as back pain, knee pain, and hand and wrist pain.
Back Pain
Back pain is probably the most common injury we treat at our White Rock clinic. Bending, twisting, or lifting heavy objects without proper posture or technique can lead to trouble. Back pain can range from mild to severe and can affect your mobility and quality of life. To prevent back pain, you should always warm up before gardening, utilize ergonomic tools, and avoid lifting heavier loads than you can handle. You should also take frequent breaks and change positions often. If you do experience back pain, physiotherapy can help you reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and strengthen your core muscles. We will also guide you on proper lifting techniques.
Knee Pain
Knee pain and discomfort is another common gardening injury. This can happen when you kneel for long periods of time or put too much pressure on your knees. Knee pain can affect your ability to walk, climb stairs, or squat. To prevent knee pain, you should wear knee pads or rest on a cushion when kneeling, and avoid twisting your knees. You should also stretch your legs before and after gardening. If you do experience knee pain, our skilled physiotherapists can help you restore range of motion, decrease swelling, and improve stability.
Hand and Wrist Pain
A third common gardening injury is hand and wrist pain. Unfortunately, this can occur when you grip tools tightly, prune plants, or dig in the soil. Hand and wrist pain can affect your fine motor skills, grip strength, and sensation. To prevent hand and wrist pain, you should wear gloves, use tools with soft handles, and vary your tasks frequently. You should also avoid repetitive motions and overuse of your fingers and thumbs. If you do experience hand and wrist pain, we can help you relieve stiffness, increase circulation, and enhance function.
Our mission is to support your active living goals by helping you enjoy gardening without pain or injury. Fortunately, physiotherapy can also help you recover faster if you do suffer an injury. At Advanced Physiotherapy, we have experienced physiotherapists who can assess your condition, design a personalized treatment plan, and guide you through exercises and modalities. So don't let gardening injuries stop you from enjoying your hobby. Contact us today and let us help you return to gardening with confidence and ease.