Shirley Miskimmin was a physiotherapist in Riversdale Road opposite Through Road before she retired. She now keeps busy as a grandmother and with many other activities.
What causes back pain in the garden? Bending down to pick things up – we must bend the knees with a straight back.
Shirley passed around a full-scale model of a spinal column so we could se how it operated and how bending or lifting incorrectly could cause major problems.
Shirley discussed painful problems requiring long-term healing such as pinched nerves and slipped discs. When gardening at the first niggle of an ache, we should stop and stretch, arch our back and do some exercises.
Pelvic tilting exercises were demonstrated and we all stood and did some – these would strengthen our stomach muscles and help our spines when we lift.
Volunteers Elaine Stephens and Ruth Chatwood climbed up on the platform with Shirley and demonstrated various exercises on the floor and on a chair.
