Protect your Body as you Care for your Garden!

We are fortunate to live in the Flathead Valley, an area that is conducive for gardening. Whether you are growing your own food, tending to a large flower garden, or are landscaping as a profession, the tasks and demands on the body may predispose you to or exacerbate existing conditions.  As a gardener myself, I am very familiar with this.

The anatomy of the spine makes posture and positioning important for everyone:

• In general, the cervical spine (neck) is prone to excessive movement with many yard and gardening activities. This, in combination with a forward head posture, can result in increased pressure on the cervical spine which can lead to pain and loss of motion. 

•  Shoulders and shoulder blades should be vertical to the body when at rest. With outdoor work there are frequent times bending and lifting movements are required.  It is common for frequently used muscles to stiffen as they strengthen. Stiffness can be mitigated with proper stretching and improved mechanics. 

• The lumbar spine, like the neck, is predisposed to movement and positioning injuries.  To safely do lifting or bending activities, maintaining a neutral spine is critical as it is most protective position for your spine.

 It can be challenging to provide universal stretches and exercises for everyone, as each person’s body has specific limitations that need to be taken into consideration.  When working with patients, I strive to blend the treatment of specific conditions with the lifestyle and activities that are most important to the individual.  

Please contact us if you are interested in a customized program to help you to garden without pain.