Posted on by sandy_wlp

The weather is improving, the sun is finally starting to shine, and we are all eager to get outside and get the garden spruced up and looking good. Unfortunately, this can be a shock for some parts of our body and can result in injury or soreness.  We have all been hibernating during the cold winter months and enjoying watching the footy on TV.  The lower back and shoulders commonly take the brunt of the action.  Bending over and pulling out weeds, hedging shrubs and bushes, and generally doing more than we are used to through winter are some of the common causes.

So what is the solution?

The best way to minimise flare-ups or issues is to ease into it and not do too much in one hit.  Our bodies, like a gradual increase in activity and a full day in the garden, can be a big shock.  Regular breaks to stretch and rest when doing a repetitive task can be useful.  Warming up and getting our bodies ready for the day ahead are also recommended.  An important point to remember is our age.  As much as we all think we are 21 and bulletproof, most of us aren’t.  Things we could easily do previously are sometimes no longer in our capabilities or are safe.  Cleaning gutters, trimming high bushes, and reaching above our abilities on ladders can result in falls and painful injuries.

The injuries that occur from falling off a ladder can be serious and are known to be life-changing for seniors.  In 2017-2018 more than 5,600 Australians were hospitalised following falls off domestic ladders.  In 2020, 36 people died from falls off ladders in Australia, the most at-risk group being males between 75 and 80.   Broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head injuries, and open wounds are the most common reasons for hospital admission.

Sometimes the smart thing is to pay someone to do some of the harder tasks rather than injure yourself doing things that are beyond us.  That way, you may be able to stay away from injury, the hospital and the Physio!

For more information on the safe use of ladders see: Ladder Safety Matters