Tidewater Physical Therapy promotes gardening safety

Tidewater Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Associates PA announced that June 5-11 is Hand Therapy Week, and the certified hand therapists of Tidewater Physical Therapy are sharing some tips to prevent hand injury during this gardening season. Hand injuries such as repetitive stress injuries, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome can all occur from gardening. Simple scrapes, blisters and bites can turn into serious problems if not treated appropriately. While gardening is an enjoyable and relaxing activity for most, it can become dangerous in certain conditions.

Clinical Director of Tidewater Physical Therapy's Salisbury, Md. clinic Jennifer S. Hamilton, DPT, CHT, said, "As the weather warms up, it is exciting to get outside and work in the yard or garden. Remember the importance of listening to your body as you go about those tasks. If you start to feel any pain or soreness in your hands and arms, take a break. It may be beneficial to perform some stretching exercises that your therapist has given you. Make your daily gardening goals realistic; don't expect to be able to complete your entire yard in a day. Instead, plan to spread the work out over several days in order to prevent pain and overuse."

Clinical Director of Tidewater Physical Therapy's Seaford clinic Craig L. Joachimowski, PT, OCS, CHT, said, "When performing yard work, garden tools may make certain tasks easier. Tools should be light enough to handle with ease, and the handles should fit in your hand comfortably. Remember to use the bigger muscles in your shoulders and arms rather than putting stress on the smaller joints of the hands. Make sure to wear gloves that fit well, particularly when working in brush or with plants that are sharp or have thorns. Preventing cuts and scratches is very important to all, but especially to those with diabetes.”

Certified Hand Therapist and Clinical Director of Tidewater Physical Therapy's Ocean Pines, Md. clinic, William Hamilton Jr., DPT, CHT, advises, "A helpful tip that I like to share with my patients who enjoy gardening is to stretch before you start. A stretch called 'the prayer stretch' is a great one to do beforehand. More importantly, you should ensure that you are using both hands equally to prevent overuse of the dominant hand. Also, taking breaks every 30 minutes to shake your hands out and restore normal blood flow will help prevent injury."

Tidewater Physical Therapy would like to ensure the safety of everyone this gardening season. When picking up trowels or rakes, people should keep these tips in mind. The American Society of Hand Therapists established Hand Therapy Week in order to raise awareness of the hand therapy specialty among various audiences, including primary care providers, surgeons, referral sources and the public.

For more information, go to www.tidewaterpt.com.