Prevent Injuries While Spring Cleaning
Springtime is here! Out with the old and in with the new.
Many of us start focusing on organizing our homes and yards as the months get warmer. Here are a few tips to keep you injury-free while doing all your spring cleaning.
- Slow Down. Going from zero to sixty causes many overuse injuries. A full day of constant work can be hard on the body and cause muscle strains and inflammation. Space out your tasks over several days to sufficiently rest your body in between chores.
- Proper Body Mechanics. Always use your legs and core when lifting in order to relieve strain on your low back. The best way to prevent low back pain is to ensure proper flexibility and core strength. Carry items close to your body to keep a strong center of balance and decrease twisting motions, which put more shearing force on the low back.
- Know Your Work Space. Avoid spraining your ankle by wearing proper footwear on uneven surfaces or removing unnecessary obstacles laying around that could be hazardous. Be careful when walking on wet or slippery surfaces and clean up any spills as soon as they occur. Most slips and falls happen in the home, so it is especially important to be more cautious while doing household chores.
Remember to stretch before and after any long, tedious activities. Take breaks when necessary, it’s a good idea to set a timer for 30 minutes to remind yourself to take a quick break. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you are outside in the sun. Use these tips and have a happy spring!
Guest post by Dr. Dawn Yoshioka, DC, of Embrace Healing & Wellness. Dawn created her practice to provide the most comprehensive care to her patients. She always had the dream that she could help people as a whole, rather than treating just the symptoms of disease. Contact her at [email protected]
