If you are dealing with a shoulder condition or already have an artificial joint inserted, you need to take some extra precautions before raking leaves. However, it’s not all that hard to reduce your risk of an injury if you keep a couple simple tips in mind.
Use Proper Form
Whether you’re cleaning leaves out of the gutter or raking them off the ground, make sure you are using proper form that limits the amount of stress on your shoulder. Get up higher on the ladder so that you don’t have to lift your arms above your head to reach the gutter, and use more smaller pulls to rake the leaves instead of larger and more stressful raking actions. Don’t try to lift or carry too heavy of objects either, because your shoulders bear the brunt of this weight. Make extra trips or tandem carry heavy objects to avoid extra strain on your shoulders.
Stay Warm And Hydrated
Your body performs optimally when it’s warm and appropriately hydrated, and these are two things you can absolutely control before you head out to do some yard work. Dress for the weather, and you can always take off layers if you end up being too warm. Drink plenty of water in the hours leading up to activity, as this will help muscles move smoothly and function as they should. If you’re having a tough time staying warm or hydrated, take plenty of breaks to warm up inside and refuel your body.
Knoxville Shoulder Surgeon
If you’re dealing with a new or recurrent shoulder issue, don’t let it slow you down from doing all the activities you love. Reach out to Dr. Holloway and let him get to the bottom of your pain. He’ll provide you with an accurate diagnosis and an individualized care plan to rid you of your shoulder discomfort. For more information, give his team a call today at (865) 410-7887.
