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Gardening Injuries

Gardening Injuries

By Hayley Matthews MCSP, HCPC at Saltash Physiotherapy Clinic

It’s that time of year with the weather changing and the daffodils flourishing that we all start thinking about our gardens. The first cut of the grass, trimming those hedges and planting the flower beds…. well it also coincides with a busy time for us Physiotherapists with a rise in injuries caused by gardening.

How can you protect yourself ?

Well, Rome wasn’t built in a day and all your gardening doesn’t need doing in one day – pace yourself !

  • Divide jobs into light, moderate and hard – don’t do all hard jobs in one session.
  • Regular breaks – holding that hedge trimmer at arms length and shoulder height is hard work and a frequent cause of shoulder pain.
  • Repetitive clipping with secateurs can lead to elbow pain so have regular breaks.
  • Don’t over fill the wheelbarrow – make smaller journeys.
  • Always use a kneeling pad to protect your knees.
  • If bending over, bend your knees, change position regularly – stand up and lean backwards (with your hands in the small of your back for support) to stretch your spine.

If you are struggling with any problems due to gardening or preventing you from gardening then call us to see if we can help.

Saltash Physiotherapy Clinic has been established for over 30 years and now has a second clinic in Liskeard. Our clinic is Open with strict COVID protocols. We can offer face-to-face appointments or remote sessions. Availability is usually within 48 hours.

When seeking private medical treatments check their registration/qualifications – All Physiotherapists will be HCPC registered.

Specialist Podiatrist at Saltash Physio

New Podiatry Service now available at Saltash Physio Clinic!

We are very lucky to be able to offer appointments with Emma Cowley who is an experienced and highly qualified podiatrist. Emma is currently completing her PhD in the biomechanics of the foot and ankle in running and has several roles in musculoskeletal medicine at national level with a national charity and the professional body of podiatry along side her role as lecturer at the University of Plymouth. Emma is a Fellow of both the College of Podiatry and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (in podiatric medicine), and a Chartered Scientist but, above all is a podiatrist who loves working with and helping people suffering with foot and lower limb pain.

Emma specialises in managing musculoskeletal conditions of the foot and lower limb using a broad range of therapeutic approaches including orthotic prescription. Please see our website for more details of what she has to offer.