OT Tips for Outdoor Maintenance and Injury Prevention
As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, many of us feel the urge to get our yards and outdoor spaces in order. Storing patio furniture, and prepping the garden for winter can bring a sense of satisfaction and seasonal rhythm. But from an occupational therapy perspective, fall cleanup is also a time when many people push their bodies beyond comfort. At times, this results in pain, fatigue, or injury and can lead you straight into the OT clinic.
Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, recovering from surgery, or simply navigating the wear and tear of daily life, here are a few ways to care for your body while tackling those fall chores:
Pace Yourself: Your To-Do List Doesn’t Have to Be One-Day Only
It’s tempting to try and knock it all out in one big push, especially when the weather cooperates. Trust me, this is how I prefer to operate. But overexertion is one of the most common causes of injury during seasonal tasks.
Break big jobs into smaller segments across several days.
Schedule rest breaks and hydration just like you’d schedule the work itself.
Alternate tasks that require heavy lifting or repetitive movement with lighter ones.
Use Ergonomics to Your Advantage:
The right tools and postures make a big difference:
Choose rakes with padded, long handles to reduce bending and wrist strain.
Use both sides of your body. Alternating leading hands can distribute the work evenly.
Bend your knees (not your back) when lifting or moving items like planters or furniture. Consider your limits and the size of the object before performing a solo lift. Ask for help when needed.
Prioritize Joint Protection and Body Mechanics:
If you’re living with joint stiffness, arthritis, or recovering from surgery or easing back into life following an injury your body may need extra care.
Use garden carts or wheelbarrows to transport heavier items.
Wear supportive footwear with good tread to prevent slips on damp leaves or wet terrain.
Don’t twist while lifting, pivot your whole body to avoid low back strain. I tell my clients to “move like a robot.”
Outdoor Furniture and Garden Storage: Think Low Impact
Putting away patio furniture, hoses, or yard tools may involve awkward lifting and overhead reaching.
Ask for help with heavier items, teamwork reduces injury risk.
Store frequently used items at waist height to minimize unnecessary bending or reaching.
Consider purchasing covers to put over furniture and avoid having to move into a storage shed, garage or basement.
Putting the Garden to Bed for the Fall
Tucking your plants in for a long winter’s rest while setting the stage for a vibrant spring can happen over the course of some weeks’ time. Be sure to pace tasks wisely.
Begin by removing spent annuals, cutting back perennials that benefit from a trim, while leaving seed heads intact not only limits your energy expenditure, but also provides food and shelter for birds and pollinators.
Done well and spread over time, fall garden prep is about quietly preparing for the season ahead.
Listen to Your Body And Respect Its Limits
Pain and fatigue are signals, not tests of willpower.
If a task causes discomfort, modify it or break it into smaller parts.
Use adaptive tools or enlist help as needed.
Recovery time is just as important as productivity.
Fall Is a Great Time to Reconnect With Nature, Mindfully
Outdoor work can be meditative when done with presence and pacing.
Take moments to enjoy the fresh air and seasonal beauty.
A few minutes of stretching before and after work can ease tension and aid recovery.
Consider integrating therapeutic movement into your routine. Your body and mind will benefit.
If you feel pain in your shoulders, elbows, wrists or hands, make an appointment with an occupational therapist. Treating conditions early allows for a faster recovery.
If you’re noticing that your energy or physical abilities have changed and fall chores feel more challenging than they used to be, occupational therapy can help. Whether it’s developing pacing strategies, teaching joint protection, recommending adaptive tools, or supporting your decision to ask loved ones for help, OT supports your ability to keep doing what matters most.
Fall Cleanup Without a Winter Full of Therapy
Flourish Recovery & Wellness 