For Immediate Release

Contact: John M. Martino
Phone Number:  (215) 895-1186
Date: 04/12/03

Weekend Warriors Can Be Found In Gardens
As Well As Athletic Fields

- A University of the Sciences in Philadelphia Health Tip - 

Now that the bombardment of snow Ol’ Man Winter unleashed on various regions of the country is becoming a distant memory, many cooped-up individuals are venturing into their yards to soak up the sun and beautify their gardens. But in their haste to prune and plant, some overly motivated gardeners may develop bigger problems than annoying weeds and pests can pose.

Just as “weekend warriors” are prone to suffer from aches and pains after playing their first sports activity, gardening enthusiasts can experience those same strains and sore muscles after laboring in the yard for the first time of the season. Dr. Paula Kramer, chair of the Department of Occupational Therapy at University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, says many individuals can injure themselves doing gardening work if they don’t pace themselves properly.

“There are a lot of people that want to finish a project as soon as possible once they start,” says Dr. Kramer. “People want to prune their rose bushes and pull out weeds, and they want to do it all at once. But this is where they encounter problems. They are using muscles they are not accustomed to using on a daily basis. The bending over and kneeling can take a toll on their body if they try to do too much too quickly.”

Dr. Kramer suggests individuals should treat gardening as a sport. She offers some helpful tips that will keep amateur gardeners happily in their rose beds instead of laying in bed with aching muscles:

• Stretch before gardening to limber muscles
• Start at a slow pace
• Take frequent breaks, especially if you feel tired or achy
• Change positions as frequently as possible
• Purchase ergonomic gardening tools that have stiff handles and cushioned grips
• If you experience any severe pains, consult a doctor

“Gardening looks simple, but it can be quite strenuous,” says Dr. Kramer. “It’s a very physical activity. Many people suffer from repetitive motion injuries to their hands and wrists and nagging backaches because of all the bending up and down.

“Many people have had cabin fever after such a brutal winter,” she adds, “but gardeners have to remember that they will be have to go back indoors if they don’t take these precautions. Nobody wants to be resting in bed with sore muscles, especially during the spring."

To arrange an interview with Dr. Kramer, contact John M. Martino at (215) 895-1186 or e-mail at j.martin@usip.edu.

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