A lot of people think that gardening is a pain in the neck...literally. But for those of us who suffer from chronic pain, gardening can actually be a great way to find relief.
In this blog post, we will dive into each suggestion deeper and by following these simple tips, you can enjoy all the benefits of gardening without letting chronic pain get in the way!
Here's an ultimate guide to gardening with chronic pain:
What is Gardening and Why is It Good for Chronic Pain Patients?
Simply put, gardening is the act of growing plants. But of course, there’s more to it than that. Gardening can be a hobby, a form of exercise, a way to relax, or a way to connect with nature. It can be done indoors or outdoors, in a pot or in a plot of land. And it can be done solo or with a group of friends.
Whether you’re growing tomatoes or tulips, succulents, or roses, there’s no wrong way to garden. A lot of people think that gardening is simply playing in the dirt, but it's so much more than that! Gardening is a low-impact activity that is perfect for people with chronic pain.
Furthermore, there are ever-evolving studies that show exposure to plants and green space, and particularly to gardening, is beneficial to mental and physical health. Because of this, health professionals should encourage their patients to benefit from green spaces and to work in gardens. It’s important that the local authorities increase open spaces and the number of trees, which will also help to counteract air pollution.
Gardening and nature, which are alternative eco therapies, generously offer proven, affordable, and nearly universally available ways to improve one’s health. Gardening for 30 minutes a week can help you have less pain and stiffness than not gardening at all! The secret to success in gardening is to start small and build up gradually.
How To Garden with Chronic Pain?
For gardeners with chronic pain, some days it may seem like the only thing growing is the list of things you can't do. But just because weeding, mulching, and hauling wheelbarrows full of dirt from one side of the yard to the other are activities that cause pain doesn't mean they're off-limits.
With a little creativity and some assistance from technology, it is possible to maintain a beautiful garden despite chronic pain. For example, using an electric leaf blower instead of a rake can save your arms and shoulders from needless agony. And raised garden beds can make it easier to tend to your plants without having to stoop or kneel for long periods of time. So don't give up on your green thumb just yet - with a little effort, you can still enjoy all the benefits of gardening, even with chronic pain.
Tips for Gardening with Chronic Pain
Gardening is a great way to connect with nature while breathing in the fresh air and we want to make sure that you feel prepared for your gardening self-care rituals. Here are a few tips to help make your gardening experience more enjoyable:
Choose The Right Tools
Invest in comfortable, ergonomic tools that won't put too much strain on your body. Take an inventory of the tools you already have and see if any of them need to be replaced. Worn-out tools can be especially painful to use, so it's worth investing in some new ones.
Take Your Time
Achieving perfection is not only impossible, but it's also unnecessary. A few imperfections here and there actually add character to your garden. Don't try to do too much at once. Learn to pace yourself.
In gardening, as in life, it's important to take things one step at a time. If you try to do too much at once, you'll just end up feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. Break up your gardening tasks into small, manageable chunks so you don't overdo them.
Find a Comfortable Position
If something hurts, stop doing it. There's no shame in taking a break or asking for help. Make sure to find a comfortable position, which may mean sitting on a stool or using a raised bed.
Gardening can be tough on the body. Bending, stooping, and kneeling can put a lot of strain on your muscles and joints. And if you're living with chronic pain, even the simple act of getting down on your hands and knees can feel like a Herculean task.
But just because you're in pain doesn't mean you have to give up your dream garden. With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy all the benefits of gardening without exacerbating your symptoms.
Take Breaks Often
It's important to take breaks often when gardening. When your body starts to ache, take a seat and rest for a few minutes. Then, get up and stretch your muscles. A little physical activity will help to increase blood flow and reduce stiffness. And, of course, don't forget to drink plenty of water.
Taking breaks will also invite you to contemplate, get creative, and give your mind a rest as well. So go ahead and take a break- your garden will still be there when you're ready to continue!
Find a Pain-relief Strategy
Find a pain-relief strategy that works for you. Whether it's using heat or cold therapy, taking pain medication, or something else entirely, find a way to manage your pain so you can enjoy your garden. There are many products on the market that can help alleviate pain while gardening.
Look for creams or gels that contain menthol or capsaicin. These ingredients help to numb nerve endings and provide temporary relief from pain. You can also find gloves that are designed to cushion and support the hands.
A knee brace can also be a helpful tool for managing chronic pain. A knee brace can help to stabilize the joint and take pressure off of the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Additionally, a knee brace can provide warmth and support, which can help to reduce inflammation and pain. If you have chronic pain and are interested in trying a knee brace, consult with your healthcare provider to find the best option for you.
Additionally, evaluate your pain level before involving in any physical activity that you are intending to do for gardening. Before you even think about picking up a trowel, it's important to take a step back and assess your pain level. If you're in a lot of pain, gardening may not be the best activity for you. However, if your pain is manageable, gardening can actually be a great way to find relief.
Reward Yourself
A lot of people with chronic pain forget to reward themselves for their accomplishments. A small victory, like watering your plants for the first time in weeks, deserves to be celebrated.
Give yourself a hug – or, if that's too painful, a high-five. You did it! Make yourself a cup of tea and sit down to enjoy it in your garden. Bonus points if you can drink it while basking in the warm glow of the setting sun.
Get yourself a plant to mark the occasion. A succulent is a great choice because they're easy to care for – and they'll look great on your windowsill as a reminder of your accomplishment with the gardening project.
With a little planning and effort, gardening with chronic pain is possible. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time in the garden and hopefully reduce your pain levels in the process.
The Benefits of Gardening for Chronic Pain Patients
Gardening gives us the opportunity to get some much-needed exercise while spending time in nature. And the best part is that we can do it at our own pace and customize our experience to our individual needs. So whether you're looking to increase your activity level or just want to enjoy some time outdoors, gardening may be the perfect solution for you.
There are many benefits to getting outside and getting your hands dirty, including relieving stress, improving sleep quality, and boosting mood. So if you ever feel like you don’t want to get out of bed, remember how much your body will thank you later!
Additional Resources On Gardening with Chronic Pain
There are a few resources that can help make gardening easier for those with chronic pain. One is the National Gardening Association's website, which has information on adaptive gardening tools and techniques.
Another helpful resource is the book "Growing An Internal Garden to Cope With Chronic Pain, Illness, and Depression" by Renee Alter. This book is a great metaphor for life that will invite you on an exploration to see your body as a beloved garden. How can you provide nourishing soil for your life? How can you attend to your inner garden as you patiently wait for your outer garden to bloom flowers?
With a little bit of planning and some helpful resources, those with chronic pain can enjoy the many benefits of gardening.
Final Thoughts: A Step-By-Step Guide to Gardening With Chronic Pain
If you're dealing with chronic pain, those idyllic visions of potting plants and gently watering flowers can quickly turn into a nightmare. The good news is that there are ways to make gardening more manageable, even if you're dealing with pain on a daily basis. Here's the summary of our step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Gardening is a great way to get some exercise while spending time outdoors in the fresh air. It can also help to improve your mental, physical, and emotional health. And best of all, gardening is a low-impact activity that is perfect for people with chronic pain. You will be reminded of the wonders of nature!
Always remember to listen to your body and do what feels right for you. With a little care, you can stay healthy and pain-free while gardening. So get your hands dirty and give it a try – you might just fall in love with nature. Thanks for reading!
