Cultivating Positive Joint Health Habits During National Gardening Week: Tips and Advice from a Specialist Physiotherapist
Title: Cultivating Positive Joint Health Habits During National Gardening Week
As National Gardening Week approaches, many people are gearing up to spend time outdoors in nature while tending to their gardens. While gardening is a beloved pastime for many, it can also put a strain on joints, particularly the knees. To ensure that gardening remains a pleasurable and beneficial activity, it is important to cultivate positive joint health habits.
According to Charlie Goodchild, a specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapist, there are several key tips to keep in mind when preparing for a stint in the garden. One important tip is to get fit first by engaging in regular exercise to build muscle and increase strength, mobility, and endurance. This can help support and restore joints, making gardening tasks easier on the body.
Additionally, it is essential to equip yourself with the right tools and gear to support your joints while gardening. This includes using products that provide support for knee pain or lower back issues, investing in ergonomic tools with long handles and good grip, and considering power-operated gadgets for more strenuous tasks.
Goodchild also emphasizes the importance of building up gradually when engaging in physically strenuous gardening activities. It is easy to overexert oneself, especially if you have not been active in the garden over the winter. Simple warm-up exercises before and after gardening, such as lying knee bends and sit-to-stand movements, can help prevent injuries and reduce joint stress.
Staying active outside is crucial for maintaining healthy joints, and activities like walking can be a great way to exercise while enjoying the outdoors. It is important to listen to your body and not ignore warning signs of continuous pain or discomfort, as this could indicate underlying joint issues that require professional help.
For individuals living with knee osteoarthritis, there is a new treatment option called Arthrosamid® that offers relief from pain and improves mobility without the need for surgery. This hydrogel injection has been shown to provide long-lasting pain reduction and support tissue healing, muscle strength, and mobility.
By following these tips and taking proactive steps to support joint health, individuals can enjoy the benefits of gardening while minimizing the risk of joint strain and injury. As National Gardening Week approaches, it is the perfect time to focus on cultivating positive habits for overall joint health and wellbeing.