GarberPT_Sciatica & Back Pain

Avoid Aches & Pains In The Garden

Patient Review

Common gardening activities, such as digging, planting, weeding, mulching, and raking can cause stress and strain on muscles and joints. This is especially true for senior citizens and people who are normally sedentary. 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

The entire staff was extremely knowledgeable, caring, and friendly. “My treatment at Garber Physical Therapy was exceptional. The entire staff was extremely knowledgeable, caring, and friendly. Throughout my physical therapy, I received my treatment plan in detail, monitored my pain levels, and worked to make sure my treatment goals were being met for my best recovery. I will forever be thankful for the treatment they provided me over the last 10 months.” - S.C.

pulling things or using gardening tools. Instead, keep your wrist straight and use your shoulder muscles to pull and lift. • End your gardening session with some gentle backward bending of your low back, a short walk and light stretching, similar to stretches done before starting. Author: Andrea Avruskin PT, DPT

Did You Know?

We Can Also Treat:

• Arthritis • Auto Accidents • Back Pain • Chronic Pain

• Personnel Injuries • Post-Surgical Rehab • Sports Injuries • Vestibular Pain • Work Injuries

• Hand Pain • Headaches • Neck Pain

Garber Physical Therapy Is Still Serving You

To do your part to prevent the spread of this contagious disease, we ask patients that if you or your family are demonstrating symptoms of coronavirus— coughing, sneezing or fever—please stay home. Additionally, if you or your family has been exposed to someone who has a confirmed case of the virus, please notify us immediately, so we can take necessary steps. Your cooperation in this tough time is what makes us able to continue to provide valuable services to you and your family. We appreciate your ongoing support.

physical therapists as “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers” during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of this, Garber Physical Therapy will remain open and seeing patients during this time, while taking the necessary precautions to make sure everything is sanitary, and everyone is safe. Before and after every session, we are asking our clients and staff to wash or sanitize their hands. Additionally, we have increased the number of times per day that we sanitize our equipment and facility.

In light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has been causing numerous health care facilities to shut down, we as medical professionals are diligently trying to serve our patients in the best ways possible without risking the spread of this disease. The sedentary lifestyle that I’m sure many people have experienced since being quarantined to their homes can actually lead to more aches, pains, and discomfort than one may think. Fortunately, we have you covered. As some may know, the Department of Homeland Security has deemed

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