[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/7-leaf-raking-safety-tips\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/7-leaf-raking-safety-tips\/","headline":"‘Leave’ Raking Back Pain Behind with These Tips","name":"‘Leave’ Raking Back Pain Behind with These Tips","description":"Leaf raking can lead to strained back muscles, twisted knees, and other aches and pains. Learn how to stay safe with these tips. ","datePublished":"2017-10-12","dateModified":"2022-12-05","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/rehab","name":"UPMC Rehabilitation Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/rehab","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-rehabilitation-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/raking-leaves.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/10\/raking-leaves.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/7-leaf-raking-safety-tips\/","about":["Rehabilitation","Safety"],"wordCount":867,"keywords":["autumn","functional safety","good posture","outdoor work","posture","UPMC Centers for Rehab Services - White Oak"],"articleBody":"Autumn brings colder weather, fall sports, and colorful foliage on the trees. The changing season also brings new chores and outdoor work, along with the potential for injuries while accomplishing these tasks. Leaf raking is one such task, with injuries ranging from strained back muscles to twisted knees. The following tips can help make leaf raking a breeze this autumn.Tips for Safe Leaf RakingStretch it outStretching or warming up before you begin is an important step to help prevent back pain while raking leaves.\u201cIt is important to stretch or warm up the muscles involved in raking leaves beforehand to avoid injury,\u201d says Michael Balandiat, occupational therapy team leader, UPMC. \u201cConsider taking a short walk to stimulate circulation prior to leaf raking.\u201dTake 10 minutes to stretch properly and warm up your muscles. Areas of the body to focus on when stretching include the neck, back, hips, torso, wrists, and shoulders. Getting your heart rate elevated slightly will also help as you prepare to rake.Keep proper formUsing proper form when raking leaves can significantly reduce the chance of injuries.\u201cHold the rake handle close to your body and keep one hand near the top of the rake for better leverage,\u201d Michael says.Stand with your legs slightly bent and your weight distributed evenly. Be sure to place your forward foot in position first. Then follow with your hips and the rest of your body to ensure proper posture. Try to maintain an upright posture and avoid twisting. Switch hands every few minutes to prevent overuse on one side of your body.Lift properlyImproperly lifting heavy bags of wet leaves is one of the most common ways to sustain an injury while raking. Using proper lifting techniques lessens your chance of getting hurt.\u201cWhen lifting bags of leaves, keep the back straight and bend with the knees and hips,” Michael says. “Lift manageable loads and allow the legs to do most of the lifting. Try to avoid twisting and straining\u2014 especially if lifting heavy bags alone.\u201dDon\u2019t pile too many leaves into one bag \u2013 especially if they are wet.If possible, rake leaves onto a tarp and have another person help move the tarp. If you must stoop to pick up leaves, face the pile and do not twist as you lift. Just make sure to keep the load light and be careful to use good body mechanics when lifting the tarp.Use correctly sized rakesMany people do not realize it, but it is possible to injure yourself by using a rake that is the wrong size. A rake that is too long or too short will place unnecessary strain on the back, arms, and torso.Using a rake that is larger than normal may seem like an easy way to gather more leaves. But it can cause unnecessary straining and reaching. The rake should be a comfortable length when moving up and down.Using a lightweight, ergonomic rake can ensure that your elbows are slightly bent and help you maintain good posture while raking.\u201cRakes that have padded or adjustable handles can reduce stress on your hands and back,\u201d Michael says.Wear the right stuffThe clothing worn for leaf raking might not seem like it matters. But it plays a large role in preventing injuries.\u201cComfortable shoes with adequate arch support and non-skid soles provide the support needed for the length of time most people are on their feet while raking,\u201d Michael says. \u201cThey can also help to reduce strain on the back and can prevent you from slipping on wet leaves.\u201dGardening gloves with nonstick palms can help prevent blisters and save hands from jagged twigs and thorns. Wearing loose, breathable layers helps maintain body temperature. And remember to use sunscreen.Take a breakSome people want to power through and get the raking done as quickly as possible. Taking short breaks to catch your breath, drink some water, stretch your muscles again, and admire your progress is more beneficial.\u201cA good rule of thumb is to take a 10- to 15-minute break for each hour of strenuous activity,\u201d Michael says. \u201cYour body will thank you.\u201dDon\u2019t overdo itTackling the entire yard at one time can seem like an overwhelming and daunting task. Dividing up the yard into sections and committing to a section or two at a time can make things more manageable.Safe Yard Work: Don\u2019t Ignore Warning SignsSudden, sharp pain, or dull, incessant aching pain while raking leaves should never be ignored. Stop working if pain persists.Listening to the signals your body is sending helps you understand when to stop before injuries occur. Reward a hard day\u2019s work with a warm bath or shower to soothe achy muscles. Do some gentle stretching to cool down. If pain persists, especially after proper precautions and healing methods have been exhausted, talk to your doctor.If you experience back pain during any season of the year, the trained physical and occupational therapists at UPMC can help.To learn more, call 1-888-723-4277 or visit our website.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on October 12, 2017, and was last reviewed on December 5, 2022."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2017","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"10","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/\/10\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"‘Leave’ Raking Back Pain Behind with These Tips","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2017\/10\/7-leaf-raking-safety-tips\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]