Gardening injuries

Reignite Physio combines dedicated musculoskeletal physiotherapy with practical advice for avid green thumbs. Duncan understands the physical demands of gardening and helping you manage aches to get back into your garden.

Common gardening injuries we treat

Whether you have strained your lower back lifting heavy bags of compost; a sore elbow from digging or using watering cans- we've got you covered. We help treat acute strains and repetitive overuse injuries that stop you from enjoying your garden as well as injuries from other pursuits that are stopping you from gardening. 

  • Lower back strain, disc irritation, back surgeries
  • Thoracic, mid-back pain
  • Cervical, neck pain
  • Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow 
  • Sore knees
  • Hip sprains and gluteal tendinopathies
  • Shoulder and rotator cuff sprains 
  • Wrist sprains
  • Osteoarthritis (OA)
  • Knee replacements, Hip replacements, Shoulder replacements

Practical advice for Dunedin gardens

Duncan is an avid gardener. From growing flowers for his own wedding to maintaining a humming vegetable and fruit patch.  He is hoping to create a permaculture style, sustainable garden. This year is the first year with apricots on his tree- which is exciting... If he wasn't a physio that would be his profession (hopefully soon both....)

Duncan also volunteers with several community planting groups, such as Whakahekerau Second Beach Biodiversity Trust. We are always looking for volunteers to come help, 3rd Sunday every month from 10am to 12pm as we improve the biodiversity of the section of coast behind the Salt Pool.

So Duncan understands the demands a gardener and community helper is tasked with. From awkward lifting, rotating, bending and sustained positions. Duncan has either had the injury himself... or treated numerous gardeners with the same injury so you are in safe hands. As well as sharing gardening tips Duncan will explore ways to help you manage your condition so that you can get back to doing what you enjoy. 

Tailored programs for pain-free gardening

Beyond treating immediate pain, we offer targeted strengthening and mobility programs designed to build resilience for the gardening season. 

Duncan provides individualised rehabilitation that focuses on functional gardening fitness that is achievable and realistic.  If you want practical physiotherapy guidance to keep doing what you love outdoors, get in touch.

Browse our blog with helpful tips on making gardening more challenging for your strength.Check out our advice section.