11 Jun Avoiding Injuries When Doing Yard Work

Physical Therapy in Canandaigua

Now that the weather has started to improve, many of us will begin to spend more time outside by tending to our yards. From chores like mowing the lawn, to the more relaxing activities such as gardening, yard work is a common outdoor activity for many of us. Although yard work can be a low-risk activity, it is still possible to hurt and injure yourself. Some of these injuries are quite severe and can cause chronic pain. For those suffering from a yard work injury, physical therapy in Canandaigua at Lake Country Physical Therapy & Sportscare can provide treatment options for relieving and managing chronic pain.

Here are some tips on how to prevent injuries while doing yard work.

• Warm up: as with any physical activity, you should stretch and warm up before starting any yard work. Stretching for 10-15 minutes and going for a short walk will help get your blood flowing. This help prepare your muscles for any upcoming manual labor. Warming up will also help with reducing pain and soreness in the following days.

• Take breaks: while doing yard work, make sure that you take a break if you experience any pain or discomfort. Ignoring your pain can lead to serious injuries. Frequent breaks will also give you a chance to drink water and prevent dehydration. Dehydration can lead to severe cramps and muscle weakness.

• Change up the activity: most yard work will involve doing a repetitive action over an extended period of time. This repetitive action can place constant stress on specific muscles in your body, eventually causing overexertion. Overusing muscles without rest can lead to serious injuries, such as muscle strains or tears. By switching to an activity that utilizes different muscles, you can reduce the risk of getting seriously injured.

• Lift with your Legs and not your back: when lifting heavy objects in your yard, make sure that you use the proper lifting technique. This includes lifting an object with your legs and knees instead of using your back. Using your legs and knees to lift a heavy object will relieve your back from extra pressure and prevent back injuries from developing.

If you have suffered a yard work injury, Lake County Physical Therapy & Sportscare will be able to help. Here at Lake County Physical Therapy, we have spent the last two decades providing many different treatment options for our patients. Our physical therapy in Canandaigua can give you a quick and effective recovery for a wide range of different injuries.


If you are looking for physical therapy in Canandaigua, click here to set up an appointment.