There is nothing more relaxing than gardening on a warm spring or summer day in Everett, but all that stretching, reaching and grabbing can leave you sore and achy afterward. The good news is there are a few simple stretches and precautions you can take to avoid the muscle pain. To help make your yard work and gardening more enjoyable, here are a few stretches you can do beforehand.

Tips to Reduce Aches and Pains

Before getting started on your outdoor projects, here are a few tips to help prevent strains and pains:

• Always wear shoes with good arch and foot support to prevent straining your back
• Stand as straight as possible, especially while mowing and raking
• Try to do gardening and yard work early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid getting too hot
• Always bend at the knees, not your waist
• Stay hydrated

Simple Pre-Gardening Stretches

Not only is it important to practice certain safety techniques while working outside, but it’s also important to prepare your body before you head out to do any type of yard work. The following stretches will help to loosen your muscles and reduce the risk of overworking your body.

• While standing straight, with your right hand against a wall, bend your left knee and grab your right ankle with your left hand. Pull your right heel towards your buttocks and hold the position for about 15 seconds, relax and repeat again. Do the same process with your other leg.
• Lace your fingers together on the top of your head, keep your legs straight and bend at the waist to one side, hold for about 10 seconds, then reverse. Repeat this stretching exercise two times on each side.
• Wrap your arms around yourself, let out a breath and then rotate to one side as far as you can. Hold this position for about 10 seconds, and then reverse to the other side. Repeat both sides two or three times.

If you experience muscle pains after working in the yard or garden, try alternating hot and cold compresses on the affected area for about 24 hours. If the pain and discomfort continue, it will be beneficial to seek chiropractic care. A chiropractor in Everett can help relieve the pain and discomfort with various techniques, such as massage therapy and/or alignments.

Contact Us Today

Contact Cornerstone Chiropractic to schedule your consultation for relieving muscle aches and pains.