Good Posture. Happy Gardening.

With fall planting and pruning on the horizon, many of us are eager to turn our gardens and spruce up the yard. Minding your posture as you work will help prevent injuries and ensure that you're able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Here are a few tips I always remind my patients to keep in mind: 
​

• Dress smart. Avoid clothes that are tight or could constrict your movement.
• Warm up. Gardening is like any other exercise; you need to warm up first. Don’t go straight into heavy garden work; start off with lighter jobs as this will lessen the chance of muscle strain.
• Mind your posture. Stay upright and close to your work as your prune, trim or weed. Avoid stretching or over-reaching as this can stress joints and lead to injury.
• Take breaks. Vary your activity, take regular breaks and stay hydrated.
• Plan ahead. Planning a trip for garden supplies? Get help with heavy bags and have a plan to safely lift them from your vehicle and transport them across your lawn or garden. Always use a wheel-barrow, wagon or dolly.
• Lift smart. Minimize the stress on your back by bending at the knees, keeping your elbows close and avoiding repetitive or heavy lifting. lift with your arms straight out, keep the elbows bent and to your side to minimize the stress on your back.

If you find that you've over-done-it in the garden, we're here for you. Seek help from Dr. Dukes and her experienced team of professionals. She'll help you determine the severity of your issue and work to ensure quick recovery.  
Call today (814) 752-2524. 

---