Raking Safety

It’s the time of year to enjoy fall foliage, which means it’s also time for raking. At the Carolina Chiropractic Center in Florence, we highly value patient safety. People who are at risk for herniated discs or muscle spasms could injure themselves if they don’t rake properly, so we thought we’d pass along a few tips.

People commonly wear sweats or denim while doing yard work, and for good reason. The safest clothing is that which is form-fitting, yet breathable. You don’t want to be wearing anything that dangles or could get caught, such as large loops on the pant legs, and if you have long hair, you’ll need to tie it back. Pick shoes that have slip-resistant soles and that give you good arch support. They’ll need to be close-toed. Select a rake that has a long enough handle to be used without you needing to bend down.

Pick a time to rake when you anticipate the leaves will be dry; they’ll be too heavy to pick up otherwise. Prior to raking, do a five-minute warm-up that incorporates dynamic stretches to get blood flowing faster through your arms. Stand with your knees unlocked and your legs in a scissor position next to the leaf pile. Alternate which hand is higher on the rake about every five minutes, and if you have to turn, move your entire body instead of twisting your torso. While filling the leaf bag, test to see if you can lift it before it’s full. You’ll also need to do a cool-down after you’ve finished.

Dr. James Huggins operates the Carolina Chiropractic Center at 1627 Suite C, South Irby, Florence, South Carolina, 29505. To set up an appointment, call 843-665-9192 or visit Carolina Chiro Center and fill out a contact form.