By: Michelle Silvia
Every fall, as the leaves start piling up and the air turns sharp with salt from the ocean, South Shore homeowners head outside with rakes, ladders, and toolboxes in hand. It’s the season of getting things done like clearing gutters before nor’easter rains, trimming back trees so they don’t threaten power lines, hauling in patio furniture, and sealing up windows against the winter winds. These projects bring a sense of order before the storms, but they also bring with them a quiet danger: injuries that can turn a productive weekend into weeks of recovery.
In our physical therapy offices across the South Shore, patients are coming in this time of year with sprained ankles, sore backs, or worse. The common thread is that many of these injuries happen in familiar, everyday tasks. Climbing a ladder to scoop out leaves seems harmless until the base shifts on damp grass. Lifting storm shutters or storage bins feels like a quick job until you twist awkwardly and feel a sharp pull in your back. Even raking, a chore we all grew up doing, can leave shoulders aching for days if done in long, repetitive stretches.
Take gutters, for instance. They fill quickly with oak and maple leaves, and no homeowner wants ice dams when the first snow falls. Yet ladder work is one of the biggest risks. The ground is often uneven or slick with wet leaves, and without someone to steady the base, a small slip can lead to a serious fall. Similarly, cutting branches before a storm may prevent property damage, but the strain of holding a saw overhead for too long can trigger lasting shoulder pain.
Inside the home, the challenges are different but just as real. As daylight wanes, basements and attics become projects of necessity; it’s time for hauling down storm windows, shuffling storage bins, or reorganizing to make room for holiday decorations. These are jobs that ask for bending, twisting, and lifting in tight quarters, all of which test the spine and joints. The danger isn’t always dramatic, but these kinds of activities can easily create repetitive strain injuries.
The truth is, preparation and pacing make all the difference. Before lifting, bend your knees and bring the weight close to your body instead of reaching or twisting. Break heavy jobs into smaller loads, and don’t hesitate to ask a neighbor for help moving furniture or hauling storm gear.
When you’re outside, wear sturdy, non-slip shoes that grip the ground whether you’re on a wet deck or a driveway covered in leaves. And as tempting as it is to “push through” a project in one go, alternating tasks gives your muscles a chance to recover. Rake for a while, then switch to bagging or hauling, rather than forcing your shoulders and wrists to repeat the same motion for hours. You can also work with a physical therapist on energy conservation strategies to avoid unnecessary stress on your body.
Most importantly, listen to your body. Sharp pain, tingling, or persistent soreness are all signals that something is wrong. Resting for a day can prevent a serious injury from occurring later. And if the pain still doesn't ease up, it's worth getting it checked out.
South Shore fall projects are more than routine maintenance; they’re acts of resilience, preparing homes for storms that test both structures and spirits. Done safely, they can be a source of pride and peace of mind. But safety is the real finish line. This season, take the extra moment to steady the ladder, lighten the load, and stretch before you start. Your home will be ready for winter, and you’ll stay strong enough to enjoy it.
And of course if you need us, our team at Elliott Physical Therapy is always happy to help! Give us a call at 781-347-3107 or book an appointment online.
Family-owned and operated by Darryl and Patti Elliott since 2014, Elliott Physical Therapy is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy company with nine locations in Massachusetts, including Hanover and Hingham. Focused on discovering and treating the underlying causes of injury and pain, expert clinicians at Elliott Physical Therapy use proven hands-on therapy and personalized home exercise programs to relieve your pain and improve your function. Learn more about Elliott Physical Therapy here.