Gardening is not for the faint of heart! Learn how you can work hard in your garden today and wake up pain-free tomorrow.  Join us as physical therapist, Suzanne Trebnick, talks about how best to prevent injuries in the garden by showing us those areas of human anatomy that are prone to gardening injuries, exercises that can warm up critical muscles and joints; proper use of common garden tools; and good lifting techniques.  Suzanne says the key to protecting joints and minimizing pain is neutral joint alignment and balanced muscle performance.  In this presentation, at our Community Demonstration Garden (6801 SE 60th Avenue, Portland), Suzanne will demonstrate how to achieve these goals for common tasks such as weeding, pruning, and planting.  Master Gardeners will have the opportunity to practice beneficial stretching and moving exercises.

Suzanne is co-owner of Laurelhurst Physical Therapy Clinic, founded in 1982. After graduating from University of Minnesota, she started her PT career with Boise Cascade Corporation and has since worked as an Ergonomic consultant in a variety of industries to help prevent injury and set-up work sites that are more compatible to the various human body types. Suzanne is an avid gardener. Digging in the dirt is one of her favorite pastimes along with bicycling, yoga, enjoying her cabin on Lopez Island, and being outdoors.