Now that spring is here many of us will be itching to get back in to the garden. Here at Kettering Osteopaths we get a flurry of phone calls from gardeners who have overdone things in their enthusiasm to see order restored and get everything ready for another bountiful year outside. Making sure that you have the right equipment for the job, and that you do not try to achieve too much in one go is the key to surviving to garden again another day!

The most common injuries we see from gardening this time of year are as follows:

Shoulder and Rotator Cuff Strains
If this is the first time you are starting your petrol mower, remember it may be a little stiff, and may not start first pull. Carrying heavy watering cans and plants from the garden centre can also be responsible.

Elbow and Wrist Pain
Pain around the elbow tennis and forearm is extremely common and is often caused by over-enthusiastic use of a hand trowel or too much pruning with blunt secateurs. This is often a ‘tennis elbow’ type pain, and is really a type of repetitive strain injury. The correct tools, advice, and splints or supports can be helpful in a speedy resolution of such problems.

Low Back Pain and Sciatica
This is often as a result of swinging a hover mower down an embankment and twisting from left to right, or the first pull on a petrol mower that hasn’t been serviced or started for several months. Moving heavy pots and planters is another way to injure your back. They are much lighter if they are empty! Set yourself a realistic target when digging beds and borders. Do not try to achieve too much in one go, and do not go inside and sit in a soft chair and fall asleep after all that fresh air!

Painful Knees
Kneeling for a prolonged period can cause knee pain, particularly if they are already a little arthritic. Consider using a kneeling mat or a little stool.

Neck Problems
These can be made worse with hanging baskets that are above your head, or overhead pruning. Consider using a pulley system or a step ladder when hanging them up or watering them. We have been in practice for over 25 years, and are happy to treat all sorts of aches and pains, not just back pain. You do not need to be referred by your doctor.

We can usually offer an appointment within 2-3 working days and treatment is covered by most health insurance companies.

www.ketteringosteopaths.co.uk
Kettering Osteopaths
32 Headlands
Kettering NN15 7HP
01536 512927

Kettering Osteopaths