With gardening season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to start preparing for all the outdoor tasks that come with it. For many keen gardeners, staying ahead of the spring growth is key – especially when the weather’s been this good and weeds are already making an early appearance. Let’s get you gardening without joint pain!
One of the most important things for any gardener is mobility. The more mobile you are, the quicker and easier it is to get out into the garden and tackle the jobs that need doing – from planting and weeding to heavier work like mulching or digging new borders.
As we age, natural changes in the body can begin to affect mobility, making gardening feel more physically demanding. But the good news is that gardening itself is a fantastic way to stay active and maintain physical strength. It not only supports physical health but brings significant benefits to mental wellbeing too. There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching a garden flourish and knowing it’s the result of your own hands-on care.
However, stiff or painful joints, especially in the knees and hips, can make it harder to enjoy the process. Tasks like bending, kneeling, lifting, or pushing a wheelbarrow become more difficult when joints aren’t moving as well as they used to.
Here’s what can help gardeners stay active and comfortable throughout the season:
Simple rehab exercises. These don’t have to be complicated – something like 10 sit-to-stand’s twice a day can be really effective. Or, if you’re more confident, gym-based exercises like squats or knee extensions with bands or machines can be really useful. Having a regular routine makes all the difference. Not only does it keep your mobility up, but it also makes you more efficient in the garden. Lugging around heavy bags of compost or turning over a compost pile is far easier when you’ve built up a bit of strength.
Of course, working closely with a Physiotherapist or Osteopath can also be key. They can guide you through the right rehab approach for your body and your goals – whether that’s better hip mobility, reduced knee pain, or just keeping up with your gardening.
For those who continue to experience joint pain even with a solid exercise routine, additional support like joint injections may be beneficial. A corticosteroid injection directly into the affected joint can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain – often with quick results, getting you back out in the garden as soon as possible.
So if knee or hip pain is getting in the way of enjoying the garden this spring, it’s worth addressing early. Whether it’s a tailored rehab plan, strength training, or joint injections, we’re here to help you stay active, strong, and doing what you love.
Book an appointment today – and stay gardening without joint pain.
