11/18/2025
Yesterday In Physio 101: Raking Leaves 🍁, we reviewed the need for warming up, the right rake for the job, good postural habits and the need to take a break and stay hydrated. For those that bag their leaves, the work is not yet done. Bagging leaves typically require significant bending and stooping, not to mention transporting potentially heavy bags of leaves from one point to another.
Especially for those with any kind of back concerns, it is essential to be smart about getting the job done rather than focusing on completing the task in the shortest amount of time.
🍂 Consider using a wheelbarrow or cart to transport leaves from one point to another.
🍂 Don’t overfill leaf bags with the hope it might shorten the length of the overall task.
🍂 If a bag still seems heavy, try dragging it rather than lifting and carrying it to get it to its final destination.
🍂 If you do have to lift anything, practice good lifting techniques. That means squatting down and lifting with the power coming from your legs rather than bending over and lifting by using your lower back muscles. Don’t twist. Moving the legs and pivoting the body is better to shift your weight.
🍂 Don't be a weekend warrior and try to bag all the leaves at once. Pace yourself and tackle leaves in several sections.
🍂 Pace yourself and take breaks.
🍂 Remember to stretch after you finish.
🍂 Too many leaves to bag? As an alternative to bagging, consider composting your leaves or using them as mulch to cover your garden for the winter.
Most importantly, listen to what your body is telling you. If you feel intense pain or tingling in your arms, stop immediately and seek medical attention🆘. If you aren’t used to that activity level, expect to be sore for the first 24 hours after raking. Soreness should improve after that point.
If you’d like to be better prepared for your leaf raking/bagging project, or if it doesn’t go well, call ☎️and book an assessment for physiotherapy or athletic therapy in Kingsville with a member of our team.
