Valley Stream residents love their gardens. Whether you’re planting seasonal flowers, trimming hedges, pulling weeds, or maintaining a backyard vegetable patch, gardening offers a peaceful escape—and physical activity that connects you with nature. But even a simple day outdoors can lead to neck, shoulder, back, or knee pain if your body isn’t properly prepared.
Gardening injuries are among the most common musculoskeletal complaints in suburban communities like Valley Stream. These injuries often develop from awkward postures, repetitive motions, and lifting heavy materials. At Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care, Dr. Joseph E. Weinstein, DO and Dr. Carlos Castro, MD offer expert treatment and long-term solutions for individuals suffering from gardening-related aches and pains.
Why Gardening Can Lead to Orthopedic Problems
Gardening may not seem like a physically demanding task—but it often involves:
- Bending, squatting, and kneeling for long periods
- Repetitive upper body motions (digging, pruning, raking)
- Lifting and carrying bags of soil, mulch, or potted plants
- Twisting and reaching to pull weeds or trim branches
- Using hand tools that strain the wrists and elbows
These movements place continuous pressure on joints and muscles, especially in people over 40 who may already have underlying issues like arthritis, disc degeneration, or tendonitis.
Common Gardening Injuries Seen in Valley Stream
1. Lower Back Strain
Bending over to dig or lift heavy pots without proper form often leads to:
- Muscle strain or spasms
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Facet joint inflammation
- Sciatica (nerve impingement)
Symptoms include sharp or radiating pain, stiffness, or difficulty standing straight after gardening.
2. Knee Pain
Kneeling or squatting for prolonged periods can result in:
- Patellar tendinitis
- Bursitis
- Knee osteoarthritis flare-ups
- Meniscal irritation
You may notice swelling, discomfort while walking, or pain when rising from a kneeling position.
3. Shoulder and Neck Pain
Reaching to prune trees or holding tools overhead can cause:
- Rotator cuff strain or tears
- Neck strain or muscle fatigue
- Cervical disc compression
- Shoulder impingement
These injuries often manifest as dull aches, reduced range of motion, or sharp pain when lifting your arms.
4. Hand and Wrist Injuries
Repetitive gripping and tool use may lead to:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Tendinitis in the wrist or forearm
- De Quervain’s tenosynovitis
If your hands feel numb, weak, or tingly after time in the garden, you could be experiencing overuse-related symptoms.
When to See an Orthopedic Specialist
Don’t write off persistent pain as “just soreness.” Seek care at Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care if:
- Pain lasts more than 3 days after gardening
- You notice joint swelling or limited mobility
- There’s numbness or tingling in your limbs
- You can’t kneel, stand, or lift without discomfort
- Pain interferes with daily tasks or sleep
Early diagnosis and treatment lead to faster recovery—and prevent minor issues from becoming chronic.
Treatment Options at Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care
Located near Valley Stream, Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care offers advanced, personalized treatment for gardening-related injuries. Dr. Carlos Castro and Dr. Joseph Weinstein understand the physical toll of household and outdoor labor—and offer options that prioritize healing and prevention.
On-Site Services Include:
- Digital X-rays and MRI for fast, accurate diagnosis
- In-house physical therapy and rehab programs
- Non-surgical pain management (injections, braces, medications)
- Surgical treatment when needed for advanced conditions
Their approach is always conservative first—focusing on restoring movement and function without invasive procedures unless necessary.
Nonsurgical Treatment for Gardening Injuries
1. Physical Therapy
Rehab specialists create customized exercise plans that improve posture, joint function, flexibility, and core strength to prevent reinjury.
2. Corticosteroid Injections
Effective for persistent inflammation in the shoulders, knees, or wrists.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
A regenerative option that accelerates healing in soft tissue injuries like tendinitis or mild rotator cuff damage.
4. Braces and Supportive Gear
Wrist splints, back braces, and knee supports can stabilize injured joints during healing.
5. Medication and Ice Therapy
Anti-inflammatory medications or topical agents reduce swelling and discomfort, especially after strenuous gardening.
Surgical Treatment Options
When conservative treatments are not enough, Dr. Castro and Dr. Weinstein offer minimally invasive orthopedic surgeries, including:
- Arthroscopic knee or shoulder procedures
- Lumbar discectomy or spinal decompression
- Carpal tunnel release
- Joint repair or replacement for advanced arthritis
Surgery is always tailored to your lifestyle and recovery goals—so you can return to gardening with confidence.
Tips to Prevent Gardening Injuries
- Stretch before and after gardening
- Use a kneeling pad or bench to protect your knees
- Switch tasks often to avoid repetitive strain
- Lift with your legs, not your back
- Take breaks every 30–45 minutes
- Use ergonomic gardening tools with cushioned handles
- Stay hydrated and don’t work through fatigue
By building better habits, you can enjoy your garden without pain or downtime.
Why Valley Stream Residents Choose Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care
Patients from across Valley Stream turn to Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care for orthopedic solutions because:
- Appointments are available quickly
- Care is customized for everyday, active lifestyles
- They specialize in non-athletic injuries and real-world pain
- The practice emphasizes long-term recovery—not just symptom relief
Whether you’re a hobby gardener or a dedicated landscaper, the team will help you continue your passion pain-free.
Get Back to Your Garden—Without Pain
If gardening has left you with sore knees, a stiff back, or aching shoulders, don’t wait for the pain to go away on its own. Comprehensive Orthopedic & Spine Care in Valley Stream offers the expert support and advanced treatments you need to feel better—fast.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Joseph E. Weinstein or Dr. Carlos Castro today and return to the outdoors with less pain and more confidence.