SOMA Living April 2026

FROM THE DOCTOR DON’T LET YOUR GARDEN GROW PAINS: HOW TO PREP YOUR BODY FOR SPRING PLANTING As the weather warms and flowers begin to bloom, April marks National Garden Month, a perfect time to get outdoors, refresh your space, and reconnect with nature. But before you grab your shovel and start digging, it’s important to make sure your body is just as ready as your garden. Gardening may seem like a relaxing hobby, but it places real physical demands on your body. Activities such as bending, lifting, kneeling, and repetitive motions can lead to strains, especially in the lower back, knees, shoulders, and wrists. That’s where physical therapy can play a key role in keeping you healthy and pain‑free throughout the season. A physical therapist can help improve mobility, strength, and flexibility before the season begins. Simple warm‑ups, like light stretching, core activation, and shoulder‑mobility exercises, can reduce injury risk and improve endurance while working in the yard. Maintaining good body mechanics is essential: • ​L ift smart: Bend at your hips and knees, not your back, and keep items close to your body. • L​ imit prolonged bending: Use a stool, kneeling pad, or raised garden beds to reduce strain. • C​ hange positions often: Alternate between standing, kneeling, and sitting to avoid overloading one area. Know What to Avoid: repetitive twisting, working without breaks, overreaching, using improper tools, and ignoring early signs of discomfort or fatigue. Strengthening your core, hips, and shoulders can make a major difference in how you move and feel while gardening. With the right techniques, and a little guidance from physical therapy, you can enjoy a full season of planting, pruning, and growing without the setback of pain.

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

Dr. Michael Mozia PT, DPT, OCS, Cert.MDT, CSCS 2011-Bachelor of Science in Biology-Seton Hall University. 2014-Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy-S Seton Hall University 2014-Recipient of the American Physical Therapy Associate Minority Initiative Award.

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