16 Apr How to help a gardener suffering from back pain

Gardening and massage

Spring is here and most people are starting to get busy in the garden. This is the time of year when people come to see me in my therapy room near Long Stratton, Norfolk for a massage because their muscles and joints hurt from gardening.

Tight and sore muscles.

The lower back is most affected by gardening. This is due to lots of bending and overstretching. When we have sat for most of winter these kinds of actions puts the back under strain which it has not felt for a while.

Around the shoulder blades can also become painful and shoulder stiffness can sometimes be felt especially if you are digging wet heavy soil. Digging can also make biceps and triceps, muscles at the tops of the arms, ache.

A massage may help tight, sore muscles to release off back to their relaxed state.

Joints

Joints are also affected by gardening, especially the knee joints. Pain and inflammation of the joints can mean reduced mobility and functioning. Massage may help to restore the functioning of the joint. It is particularly beneficial if you have conditions such as arthritis in your joints.

 

Pain relief for muscles and joints.

Massage helps the body to release its own pain chemicals, endorphins and opiates to help reduce your pain. Research has shown that these chemicals can work just as well as painkillers such as paracetamol and its all natural.

The massage also restores the body and relaxes you giving you an overall feeling of good health.

 

Tips for pain free gardening

Warm up

Gardening is a form of exercise, make sure you warm up before starting. Go for a walk around the garden. Do some movements with your joints such as shoulder rolls, rotating wrists and ankles, gentle bending of knees.

 

Think about your movements

Are you bending or squatting?  Are you using muscles in your lower back instead of using your leg muscles? Are you twisting when you could move your feet? There are many small changes that could be made that could reduce muscle and joint pain.

 

The right tool

Have you got the right tool for the job? Using the correct equipment can make a big difference.  Tools that have adjustable handles can be very useful.

 

If you are struggling with muscle or joint pain from gardening then get in touch to see what massage could do for you.