Written by Jenny Catton
Providing a good dose of fresh air and exercise; there’s little wonder that gardening is often said to promote good health. It’s also been shown to help alleviate depression and boost mental wellbeing. But if you suffer from aches and pains or have a condition that makes movement difficult, you might think that gardening isn’t for you. The good news is that with a few changes, you can still enjoy gardening without the pain. Here are some suggestions:
Mix it Up
One main cause of pain when gardening is repeating the same action over and over – such as when weeding, digging or bending as these actions can cause inflammation. If you find this happens, try to swap jobs regularly. So rather than weeding for an hour, just spend ten minutes on the task before switching to something that uses different joints and muscles. Time can pass more quickly than you expect when engrossed gardening jobs, so you may find it useful to set a timer to remind you when to switch tasks.
Save Your Knees
Sore knees are common if you spend a lot of time kneeling in the garden. And crouching or bending can put strain on your back and lower limbs. Protect yourself by using knee protectors or a kneeling pad, or alternatively invest in a short stool that you can sit on rather than crouching or kneeling.
Careful Lifting
When lifting heavy items it is all too easy to cause a back injury. Remember to always bend at the knees when lifting bulky or heavy objects and use a wheelbarrow to transport things like compost around the garden. When planting in pots, it’s much easier to put the pot in position before filling with compost, rather than attempting to move it once full. And instead of carrying heavy watering cans from the house to the garden, you may want to invest in an outdoor tap, or place several water butts around the garden.
Joint Care
If you suffer from arthritis, you may find using traditional garden tools difficult. However, there are lots of garden tools available that are designed especially for arthritis sufferers. Ask in your local garden centre or take a look online to find a selection.
Plan Ahead
Before starting a new job in the garden, take a few minutes to plan what you are going to do and what tools you will need. This will save unnecessary trips backwards and forwards for equipment and will enable you to plan how long you will need and whether you might want to ask a friend or relative to help with any larger jobs.
Safe Access
If you have a long-term disability or illness, you might want to think about redesigning your garden to make it easier to care for. For example, if you have a wheelchair, you could replace steps with a ramp, or introduce raised beds that are easier to reach.
Talk to Your GP
If you find gardening painful or are worried about whether you can carry on gardening after an illness, talk to your doctor. They know that gardening provides many health benefits and will be able to provide advice on how to garden safely and comfortably.
For more information about gardening with a disability, visit: www.carryongardening.org.uk
