Colors are Peaking...Leaves are Falling...

After a long day in the yard raking and bagging leaves, does your back feel more like you've spent the day digging ditches? While it may seem like raking shouldn't put much stress on your body, it can actually cause a good deal of pain - particularly if you're not in proper alignment. Muscle aches and back pain are common occurrences when we over use our unprepared bodies. 
 
Walking Tall

To avoid the yardwork induced pain in the first place, the key is to concentrate on your posture. Poor posture contributes to tight, fatigued muscles, which is what can lead to chronic pain. Getting in shape before doing yard work also helps to alleviate some of the stress and strain. Heart attacks and strokes often result from cold weather exertions such as raking leaves and shoveling snow. When your body sends out these pain signals, pay attention. Stretching exercises will loosen tight muscles and help prevent injury.

• Angles matter. Don't bend at the waist to lift  heavy bags. Bend the knees and keep the back in it's natural curve using the leg muscles to lift. 
• Keep it light. Don't overload the bags with leaves, especially wet ones.
• On the move. After a day in the yard, remember to stretch and make your "Massage Therapy" appointment.

Massage therapy targets the aches and pains, increases joint flexibility and relieves pressure points, so that your body can comfortably achieve a healthy, natural posture. The more you focus on your posture and work with your massage therapist to keep those muscles loose and pain-free, the easier it will become for you. Whether you're sitting at work, raking, walking, standing or driving, you'll be more conscious of your body's position and over time, good posture will become a habit.

Have a Happy and Healthy autumn!

Patricia and Magdalene Givogre
Positive Body Dynamics
St. Louis Park (952) 920-9514
St. Paul (651) 698-2052
www.pbdmassage.com