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  Mark February 27, 2010 at 7:52pm

  I second that for the platform...hence I will buy an extension for my long arm hedge cutter rather than me trying to swing the thing ever further into the greenery ! The back pack blower I got recently (after being a skeptic) is proving a good piece of kit too, not only saving me a load of raking but can also clean up a job way better than a broom or rake could, I think when this one dies (ebay BR380 £125.00) I will invest on a BR600 or the like.
  
  A lot of stuff boils down to experience I suppose & I'm still learning..?
  
  Cheers Mark
  
  Pro Gard said:

  I use one occasionally although i have changed my work practices a fair bit and pace myself a lot more, my ethic these days is to expend as little energy as possible by using the best equipment to gain efficiency.
  
  The investment last year in a henchman platform alone made a massive difference with the main back breaker, hedging jobs as it is less fatiguing working at a comfortable height on a wide platform than off steps or extension ladder.
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 27, 2010 at 8:03pm

  I agree with Paul's thinking: 'my ethic these days is to expend as little energy as possible by using the best equipment to gain efficiency'
  
  Another thought. For long term or repeated bouts of back pain and other body issues try this: http://www.craniosacral.co.uk/
  It's worth checking online to see whether there's one near you:http://www.cst1.org/memberlist.htm
  
  Two winters ago I had such severe sciatica that I couldn't get out of bed some mornings; other days I managed to get out but then simply couldn't get up into the van and actually had to just get back in the house and cancel work. I was 24 years old at the time and have always been a very motivated and physically fit person (running marathons, snowboarding, mountain climbing, etc.) but this nearly beat me... until I went to see a guy called Tim Wightman near St Andrews, who completely sorted it - apart from a few massage sessions that I subsequently went to with his recommendation.
  
  Worth trying.
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  Lawncare-4u.co.uk February 28, 2010 at 12:16am

  ive been having physio for my neck due to being in a suzuki jeep that rolled over in 1988.
  
  my neck is a bit knackered in the middle . - digging/work sometimes helps strengthen the muscles , but sometimes strain/twisting ,or lifting can give me severe headaches.
  
  i get back pain (usually pulled muscle on one side twice a year , once at the beginning of the year - probably soon lol /april.).
  
  i do neck exercises to help and am always thinking of massage/chiropractor in summer !! but im too tight.
  
  usually just rest, hot baths, warmth and lots of tea do some good. losing weight always helps too !!!
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  Boxelder Landscapes February 28, 2010 at 7:07am

  I used a chiropractor to sort out a twisted pelvis, very effective (and expensive) . Couple of years ago every morning when I awoke I had a pain in both forearms as if I'd been gripping on tightly to something all night, chiropractor suggested acupuncture, I was very sceptical thinking it was all a load of new age mumbo jumbo but I agreed all the same, half hour (with pins inserted into my forearms) later and the pain was gone! instant pain relief. Doesn't work for everyone but definitely did for me.
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  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt February 28, 2010 at 9:44am

  Paul, I was exactly the same. Nearly took up working for my fathers company in the motor trade because it was so bad. Look up a craniosacral therapist. Does sound like new age stuff, but it gets to the cause, doesn't treat symptoms only.
  
  Paul Williams said:

  I have had a bad back for years (Sciatica). I think it started from long days in a tractor seat & what I do now doesn't help. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to carry out physical work like this as it can get bad & stops me sleeping (my left buttock goes numb!!) I use the best kit I can afford & always look for anti vib stuff. I have had massages that have helped for a short time but generally all I can do is keep my weight down & use ibuprofen gel & tablets when necessary. I also like deep heat although the wife HATES the smell.
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  The Perfumed Garden February 28, 2010 at 10:09am

  I also suffer from sciatica, especially when laying paving. I have restless nights too. I don't think it helps that I still play football and I'm getting old.
  
  I might give craniosacral therapy a go. I have heard of it before but didsn't know it could cure sciatica. It might also get rid of a few mnore aches and pains.
  
  Thanks for the info Neil. How many sessions did you have and do you have any re occurance at all?
  
  Simon @ The Perfumed Garden
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  Nick Donaghey @ Garden Gurus February 28, 2010 at 10:12am

  Everyone is entitled to believe what they want - I'm a great believer in evidence-based medicine, so in the spirit of offering both sides of the coin, check out the following links:
  
  A bit about craniosacral
  
  The latest from a court case regarding chiropractors
  
  In my opinion practitioners of these "treatments" are doing a huge amount of harm whilst there is no evidence to show that they work (quite the opposite in fact).
  
  Please at least check out www.badscience.net - a great site in my opinion, which looks at the actual scientific research behind a huge amount of topics
  
  Neil Petrie BSc Landscape Mgt said:

  Paul, I was exactly the same. Nearly took up working for my fathers company in the motor trade because it was so bad. Look up a craniosacral therapist. Does sound like new age stuff, but it gets to the cause, doesn't treat symptoms only.
  
  Paul Williams said:

  I have had a bad back for years (Sciatica). I think it started from long days in a tractor seat & what I do now doesn't help. I'm not sure how much longer I will be able to carry out physical work like this as it can get bad & stops me sleeping (my left buttock goes numb!!) I use the best kit I can afford & always look for anti vib stuff. I have had massages that have helped for a short time but generally all I can do is keep my weight down & use ibuprofen gel & tablets when necessary. I also like deep heat although the wife HATES the smell.
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  Gareth February 28, 2010 at 10:27am

  If you stop and think how much money we spend on servicing machinery and investing in the best performing equipment, it doesnt make sense that we can be reluctant to spend a fraction of the cost looking after ourselves (I'm pointing the finger at myself here). After sporadic visits to chiropracters and osteopaths I was told to get regular (monthly) massage (who am I to disagree with the specialists) to combat the repetitive strain (of hearing myself whinge). I was also (reluctantly) convinced to take up regular yoga (a gentle stretchy type, nothing contortionist). Regardless of whether you think doing a warrior pose in front of a compost bin is a bit odd it has made alot of difference.
  
  We probably worry more about regular maintenance of our gardens than we do about ourselves.
  
  The money spent on looking after myself has been re-couped through missing fewer days earning.
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  RICHARD BICKLER February 28, 2010 at 10:35am

  The best treatment I have found to date is swimming early morning 5-6 times a week, I am not athelete but its amazing after 6 years what can be acheievd, of course eating the right balanced diet for us mere mortals helps too. Swimming I find prepares the mind for the days tasks, however if its pouring down with rain every day that does'nt help.... Could swim outside there is so much of the bl--dy stuff. I do indulge in a monthly massage both sports & aromatherpy types and that helps too.
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  Richard@www.seasons-garden.co.uk February 28, 2010 at 10:43am

  Acupuncture all the way here.
  I've been using the same old English gent for 15 years or so and has sorted out back & knee issues for me where others have failed.
  If you do try acupuncture though, try and use someone through referral and be extremely cautious with the Chinese shops who will want money up front and try and sell you a bag of rubbish to boil up as a 'tea'.
  Had little success with Physios, never needed Osteopath - touch wood.
  Daily Glucosamine & Fish Oils are great for joints & immune system and always stretch & warm down when I come in from work.