Autumn is officially here, and while the season turns much of the trees and foliage an array of vibrant colors, it also ushers in some extra yard upkeep as you prepare for colder weather. Raking, mowing, gardening and cleaning out those gutters are all physical tasks that put a lot of stress on your shoulders, and if you’re dealing with arthritis or already have an artificial shoulder joint, you need to be extra mindful about how you go about these activities so that you can avoid injury. Below, we share some tips for preventing shoulder injuries while you’re doing yard work.
Stretch and Warm Up Prior To Activity
You wouldn’t try to go for a run or play basketball without first warming up and easing into activity, so don’t ignore the importance of getting your muscles loose prior to yard work. Take a couple minutes and stretch your upper and lower body, with extra emphasis on areas that need a little more attention, like your shoulders. Do some shoulder circles, some trunk twists, and ease into yard work with some of the least stressful activities and work your way up from there. Let your body warm up and prepare for the activity ahead.
Take Breaks
Along a similar line of thinking, make sure you take some breaks along the way. Don’t try to get everything done before lunch or in one day. Break up activities and give your body some time to rest and recover. There will be plenty of time to get everything done, so break it up in chunks and don’t overload your shoulder with activity. Repetitive overuse is one of the most common causes of shoulder problems, so be smart about your activity levels if you have a pre-existing shoulder condition.
