The gardening season is here. Here are some tips to avoid serious injury:

 

• Pace yourself. Avoid prolonged bending when weeding etc.

• Change activities e.g. prune for a while and then weed etc.

• Try to keep your back straight when digging

• Before you start, do some very gentle stretches to warm up

• Avoid getting over tired as that is often when injuries occur. Take breaks. Drink water to avoid dehydration

• If you have to lift, keep things as close to your body as possible as they get heavier the further away you hold them. Better to have a dirty jumper than back pain!

• Afterwards avoid sitting on a low sofa as this may aggravate back pain

• Keep gently mobile afterwards

 

 

Remember your garden will still be there tomorrow