Looking after a garden can be quite rewarding. Veggies, fruit, flowers; all tangible flora growing before your eyes because of your hard work.
What is less obvious but still equally rewarding, are the physical benefits of spending time working in the garden. It is an easy way to accumulate 20-30 minutes of daily exercise to help improve your blood pressure and physical strength, reduce your risk of chronic disease, and even reduce the severity of persistent pain.

Some studies have even shown gardening can increase an individual’s life satisfaction, vigor, mental health, cognitive function and when performed in a social setting, help improve a sense of community belonging as well. So, whether you are looking to help improve your persistent pain, or simply looking to stay active, gardening is a fantastic way to improve your overall health. However some of us can find getting out in the garden difficult if you are suffering with pain or functional restrictions due to an injury or arthritis. Here are some great tips from Osteopath Dr Harrison Weston for making gardening more ergonomically friendly if you are dealing with pain or arthritis.
here are some great tips from Osteopath Dr Harrison Weston for making gardening more ergonomically friendly if you are dealing with pain or arthritis.

1. Elevate your workspace: if you’re looking to expand your garden or are able to afford a change; I would highly recommend installing garden beds that come up above your knees. This will greatly decrease the load your back would otherwise carry if you were kneeling.
2. Knee protection: the next best thing to elevating your garden beds is to protect your knees when you’re on the ground, or;
3. Use a stool when possible: give your backs and knees a break; buy a gardening stool. Do your own looking around but if you get stuck, Bunnings have a great option as per picture that doubles as a kneeling mat (bunnings link: https://www.bunnings.com.au/cyclone-foldable-seat-kneeler-with-nylon-holster_p0149063?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5-OauvHN8QIViwVyCh3tbwOaEAQYAiABEgImr_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds)
4. Use lightweight tools: a great hand and back saver, especially for weeding (we see plenty of sore backs from weed-pulling incidents).
5. Change positions regularly: set a timer every 10-30 minutes depending on your capabilities. Have a rest, stretch, glass of water, or simply change tasks. E.g. kneeling down pulling weeds to standing and watering the garden. (Bonus tip! This can be applied to any type of daily work or activity).
6. Invite a friend! Lessen the workload and have fun whilst doing so. This can be a great way to either get the work done quicker or take more regular breaks.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask for some help: as Osteopaths we often see people for injuries or flare-ups that could have been avoided by simply asking someone to help. It’s important to understand your body’s limits and put your health first.
8. Recover! After a big day in the garden, it’s vital to recuperate. Stretch out any muscles that feel tight, go for a short walk or have a nice hot shower or bath.

If you need help with any gardening injuries or are seeking advice on how to get you back into the garden, call the clinic on 5977-0466 or book an appointment online to see how we can help.