With the coming of winter, comes numerous outside chores.  When you go outside, it may be for vigorous activities like harvesting your garden, raking leaves, pruning or soon to come, shoveling snow.

To help prevent soreness and injury, make sure your muscles are warm. Wear layers and start your activities slowly, gradually stepping up the pace but being careful not to overdo it.  If you aren’t used to these kinds of activities it is easy to overuse a muscle.

If you do develop overuse pain, icing is very helpful.  Best practice is 20 minutes on followed by 20 minutes off.

Sore No More, a natural product we carry in the store, can often relieve joint and muscle pain.  It is great to have around the house.  Stretching is also recommended but be careful as some muscle pain is due to overstretched muscles and not tight muscles. This is seen quite often in the hamstrings, calves and lower back when a person does a lot of bending pulling weeds or picking up leaves.

Of course, Massage Therapy is always helpful.  Massage can not only work out the kinks but can help prevent aches, pains and injuries by keeping your muscles more limber and your joints more flexible. Massage Therapy also stretches tight muscles and enhances circulation around the joints helping your body be more prepared and less prone to injury when you go outside to bend, reach, twist and lift.

Be sure to stay healthy so you can enjoy and crisp fall air and colors.