AVOID ACHES & PAINS IN THE GARDEN THIS SPRING
Common gardening activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints. Different body areas such as the shoulders, neck, back, and knees can be vulnerable to injury during gardening. These tips can help prevent injuries: • Warm up before you garden. A 10 minute brisk walk and stretches for the spine and limbs are good ways to warm up. • Change positions frequently to avoid stiffness or cramping. • Make use of a garden cart or wheelbarrow to move heavy planting materials or tools. Be sure to keep your back straight while using a wheelbarrow. • If kneeling on both knees causes discomfort in your back, try kneeling on one and keep the other foot on the ground. Use knee pads or a gardening pad when kneeling. • If kneeling or leaning down to the ground causes significant pain in your back or knees, consider using elevated planters to do your gardening
• Avoid bending your wrist upwards when pulling things or using gardening tools. Instead, keep your wrist straight and use your shoulder muscles to pull and lift. If you are experiencing arthritic aches and pains which are preventing you from gardening, Call us today at 925-417- 8005 to get the help you need!
Poor Ergonomics Can Cause You Pain A new problem has emerged — the ergonomic impacts of the pandemic. Hunched over kitchen tables, sprawled out on floors, and propped up on beds – working from home can be, quite literally, a pain in the neck.
Talk to the experts! • Caitlin Cooper, PT • Jennifer Freitas, PT • Stephen George, PT • Ida Hirst, PT • Michael Petrak, PT • Shahrin Ahmad, PT • Shabeeba Shafi, PT • Dina Stepanek, PT • Ankita Shah, PT • Catherine Noel, PTA Email us: Ida@pt-specialties.com CALL TODAY! 925.417.8005
Doctors in orthopedics and physical therapy have noticed an anomaly. There has been a rise in patients coming in complaining of sore necks and backs and don’t know what could have caused this pain. These people are working from home and most do not have ergonomic desks they can use. They may be cramped in less-than- ideal workspaces, so are needing help to improve their posture and ergonomics. Thepandemic has delayed surgeries, stopped athletic games, and closed the gyms. Physical therapists have been seeing less athletic injuries but have noticed this new trend in children and adults suffering with trouble in their back and necks caused by poor ergonomics at home.
One of our patients said, “If I sit too long, I get numbness in my feet”. His physical therapist recommended a stand-up desk and a few exercises and stretches. He is now on his way to feeling back to normal. We typically don’t see many kids for neck or back pain, but it’s starting to manifest. The pains fromworking from home or schooling from home could be alleviatedwithmore activity and the proper exercise. So, don’t let the COVID restriction’s stop you from receiving the help you need. We continue to work with patients on a one-to-one basis. Virtual physical therapy is available too!
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