Prevent Raking Injuries

Raking leaves can often leave you with an aching back. Each year, over 76,000 Americans injure themselves while raking leaves or using other manual garden tools. University of Pennsylvania researchers advise the following to help prevent injury: warm up and cool down before doing yardwork by performing trunk rotations and shoulder and wrist stretches; clear away debris to avoid falling; use a rake of appropriate size for your height and strength; wear gloves to avoid blisters; be sure to wear shoes that are skid-resistant so you don’t slip and fall; avoid twisting motions, and don’t throw leaves over your shoulder; ease strain on your back muscles by raking towards you; bend at the knees with your back straight to pick up leaves or bags; and take breaks as raking is an aerobic activity. Penn Medicine, October 2016