Top Tips to Avoid Spring Cleaning Injuries by Leading Physiotherapists

Spring cleaning can be strenuous work and it is not surprising that many people get injured as they prepare their homes and gardens for the summer.

At this time of year there is always an influx of patients atBoost Physio, one of north London's leading physiotherapy clinics, who have injured themselves cleaning or gardening. The biggest complaints the team at Boost see are include shoulder, neck and back problems and a general feeling of physical exhaustion and aches and pains from overdoing it.

Steven Berkman, who runs Boost Physio's four London clinics, says there are a number of precautions that you can take to minimise injury to keep you pain free if you're tackling a deep clean.

"Before you get the mop and dusters out, make sure your body is ready to tackle this very physical task - just like with any physical activity it's always good to warm up. A brisk walk around the block will get your muscles ready or if not a quick stretch can prepare your muscles for the demands of heavy cleaning and lifting. On the plus side, while physically challenging, spring cleaning can be as good as doing a workout, if you do it properly, but you need to be careful", says Steven.

One of the best ways to avoid injuries from repeatedly straining is to break tasks down into manageable bite-sized chunk That means you are breaking up the heavy physical work with less strenuous activities to give your muscles time to rest. The blog atwww.boostphysio.comhas some great exercise dos and don'ts to keep you injury free.

Do little and often, take lots of breaks, drink lots of water and don't push through the pain barrier if something hurts, stop, rest and ask yourself if this is a temporary ache or something more serious.

Know your vulnerable areas, if you already have problems with your back don't put any unnecessary strain on it, you'll only pay the price for it by possibly causing a worse injury.

Everyone likes a clean home but you don't have to do it all by yourself. Can you delegate some of the tasks? People like to help and now would be a good time to enlist some willing helpers.

Get help with heavy lifting, and try not to lift over your head, two people are better than one when there is a lot of lifting to do. Repeatedly lifting your arms over your head can cause trouble to the shoulder area, you can strain muscles or worse.

Remember, always bend your knees when you lift. Lift through your legs not from your back. If you are straining to lift a box use two boxes instead of one, instead of lifting one heavy, tightly packed box.

If you have problems with your knees, or even if you don't, use a cushion or knee pad if you are scrubbing floors or weeding in the garden, and don't reach too far. While it's good to stretch it's not good to put strain on your neck or back by stretching too far. Same goes for cleaning windows, stand on a ladder at the level with the window.

Don't walk on wet floors, many accidents are caused from slipping on spillages and wet floors. Accidents from slipping can be extremely painful and can lead to torn ligaments and even breaks. Before you wash the floor, make yourself a cup of tea, put it in another room. Wash the floor. Leave the wet floor and go and sit down, have a rest, enjoy the tea while the floor dries.

If you find your muscles tensing up now might be the time to ask for a back rub or again do some simple stretches to loosen up your aching muscles.

Steven cautions that; "mild discomfort can quickly lead to serious pain if you ignore it, if you are in a lot of pain do not hesitate to get professional help. There is a lot to do at this time of year, but you won't be able to do anything if you have injured yourself".

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www.boostphysio.com

For further information please contact: Caroline Ratnercaroline@carolinecomms.com020 8209 0120

About Boost Physio

Boost Physio is one of London's leading physiotherapy practices. With four clinics in North London, at East Finchley, Hendon, Hampstead and one atthe Virgin Active Gym in Cricklewood, Boost Physio physiotherapists helps clients with a wide range of physical issues.

The Boost Physio team are all Chartered Physiotherapists who are also trained in our unique Boost Physio method of physiotherapy.

Boost Physio works with many of London's leading surgeons and doctors and the practice is recognised by all major health insurers.