Despite gardening’s peaceful and relaxing nature, it is often challenging on your body and can lead to all kinds of injuries and pain — such as back pain, knee pain, and pulled muscles. No matter how strong and fit you may be, frequent gardening will take a toll on your muscles and joints sooner or later.
Common Pains Associated with Gardening
Gardener’s Knee
Since your knee supports nearly the entire weight of your body, it is involved in most of your day-to-day mobility. The pressure placed on your kneecap during repeated or prolonged kneeling causes Gardener’s Knee, a common form of bursitis, which is typical when gardening.
Back Pain
In addition to knee injuries, gardening can also cause back cramps due to the significant amount of bending and shoveling. According to a recent Gallup poll of more than 2,000 adults, working in the garden is the leading cause for adults experiencing back pain.
Reduce Gardening’s Negative Impact
Despite the physical impact gardening takes on your body, you don’t have to stop enjoying the outdoors and tending to your plants! Here are some simple ways you can avoid the aches and pains that are associated with gardening:
1. Knee Pads
Kneel on a cushioned knee pad while working in the garden to absorb some of the pressure placed on your knee cap while kneeling. We recommend investing in a gardener kneeler like this one because its handles act as supports when you move from kneeling to standing.
2. Change Positions
Much of the pain caused by gardening is due to prolonged or repeated action, such as bending over and kneeling. Try switching positions frequently to avoid overextending particular muscles for long periods of time.
3. Warm-Up
Just as you would with any exercise or physical activity, it is important to warm up and prepare your muscles for the work they’re about to do. Take a brisk walk around your yard and gently stretch before you tend to your garden.
4. Use tools
Gardening tools, such as wheelbarrows, can prevent you from doing more than you’re physically capable of, like carrying too many bags of heavy soil.
5. Physical Therapy & Chiropractic
Address any pain you experience with your doctor of chiropractic. Physical Therapists can help provide highly effective and drug-free pain treatment to address any challenges keeping you from tending to your garden.