DIYS – Do It Yourself Safely!

Bank holiday weekends are a time to relax, unwind, catch up with friends and family or finally get around to tackling those DIY projects around the house and garden. Whatever you're up to, just be careful! Avoid neck and back pain, or those general aches and pains by following just a few simple tips...

Twisting

When using a ladder or steps, make sure you are always facing it, keeping your shoulders, hips and knees pointing in the same direction. You should always turn by only moving your feet, rather than twisting at the waist or hips.

Reaching

Rather than leaning or reaching, use some steps and be sure to move them regularly to keep up with where you are. Make sure your ladder is firmly planted in position at all times, and if possible, have someone else around to keep an eye on things and help pass you the tools you need.

Stretching

If you are painting a ceiling, try getting the largest amount of paint on in the shortest space of time, so that you’re not in an unnatural position for an extended period of time. Use a paint pad or roller with an extended handle and be sure to hold it at chest height. Keep your head as neutral as possible and keep facing forward so you don’t overexert your neck – remember, always get to the level you're working at, rather than overstretch.

Lifting

Buy heavy items like cement and gravel in smaller bags rather than one big one as it is easier and safer to carry. Make use of trolleys and wheelbarrows to avoid heavy lifting, and always bend at the knees when you are.

At the end of the day, DIY projects typically involve you using muscles that aren’t used to being exercised in such a way. Not warming up properly, fatigue, lack of flexibility, and weakness can cause even the healthiest person to suffer injury.

Osteopathy is the ideal therapy to get a stiff, tight or jammed body part moving pain-free again, but perhaps more importantly, we can show our patients tailored ways to prevent this problem from happening before it actually does.

If you’re suffering after a weekend of DIY, it would be well worth a visit to see how we can help! If you would like to see what we can do for you, bookings can be made on 01722 512 043 or online here.