Managing seasonal aches and pains: how physiotherapy can help with winter stiffness
With the cold of Calgary’s months, we see our joints and muscles becoming stiff and this simple daily activity becomes a tough job for us. In the same way, even the most physically active experience more intense aches and pains in winter. In fact, physical therapy and massage therapy are among the most effective treatments for you that you can use to remain flexible, reduce pain and make the season more comfortable. These are the remedies you can apply to your seasonal pain and the steps to take to get it under control.
Why Do Joints and Muscles Stiffen Up in the Cold?
Knowing the causes of winter stiffness will allow you to make smart moves that are colder than none.
- Impact of Cold Weather on Muscles: Cold weather restricts the circulation of blood into the muscles, causing the muscle to become de-tensive and also making it more vulnerable to stiffness and strain. Insufficient circulation causes the contraction of muscles, thus they will become tighter and more prone to suffering injuries.
- Effect on Joints: Cold weather can also cause joint problems which are the most common among arthritis sufferers and those treated with joint operations. The fluid in our joints can become stiffer and may even increase in thickness when temperatures drop hence limiting the mobility and causing stiffness and pain that is more intense.
- Calgary-Specific Factors: In Calgary, where winters are often characterized by abrupt cold weather and slippery pavements, aches and pain are more likely to occur. People should walk gently and take a cold longer to avoid joint and muscle tension.
Common seasonal aches and pains and how to relieve them
One particular kind of aches and pains that are more frequent for most of the people is during the cold months especially when it’s below zero in Calgary and other places in similar climates.
Back Pain and Stiffness: Snow shoveling is one of the winter activities that might make back pain worse. When the weather is cold, the muscles contract and
become stiffer, thus the problem of stiffness and pain gets worse. Usually, a regular physiotherapy program can remarkably alleviate backaches, by reducing the underlying muscle tension as well as restoring the flexibility of the back.
- Joint Pain in Knees and Shoulders: The knees and the shoulders are particularly vulnerable to winter, especially in patients with arthritis and in people who have had previous injuries. Cold weather affects these joints by causing the joints to ache more often than usual and the sensitivity to movement is also increased.
- General Muscle Tension: The organism reacts to the cold by contracting the muscles which consequently, if it is repeated, may turn into a chronic ache. Many people notice that winter is the time when their muscles are exposed to the situation of constant tension along with the stiffness.
How Physiotherapy and Massage Can Alleviate Winter Stiffness
Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage offers several different kinds of therapeutic services that target winter-related problems and effectively help the patients to get rid of them.
- Targeted Treatments for Joint Pain: The physiotherapists in our center employ specialized techniques to identify and release the overly tight muscles around the joints, thereby loosening the stiffness and extending the range of movement. Custom treatments are designed to alleviate pain and reduce joint stress according to the individual patient’s problem areas.
- Massage Therapy for Muscle Relaxation: The benefits of massage therapy are such that it not only reduces pain that arises in muscles but also facilitates tissue metabolism and causes the muscle to circulate better. Winter massage therapy can help in the management of the seasonal discomfort caused by the cold, and the muscles will be
able to relax more which means the body of yours will be more weather-resilient.
- Home Exercise Guidance: It is not just all the work that is performed inside the clinic. We provide clients with home exercise programs that focus on flexibility and
tension alleviation in between their office visits. Thus, these exercises are made based on the needs of each person, so, you can keep on kudos to your successful stiffness handling & you can be active, even at home.
Practical Tips for Reducing Joint and Muscle Stiffness in Winter
Developing small habits by doing some everyday acts can ease the stiffness in joints and muscles caused by aging.
Warm-Up and Stretch Indoors: When you go out in the cold briefly, spend a few minutes warming up indoors allowing the muscles to get up to the appropriate temperature. Performing rounds of arm circles and leg swings, along with soft squats is enough in warming the body, thus preventing the muscles from feeling the chill when you will be outdoors.
Hot and Cold Therapy: Heat should be the first thing to come to your mind when you have sore muscles, especially when going outside. Additionally, you can put cold packs on an…outdoor experience to further decrease your discomfort and inflammation in the body parts that are sore.
Stay Hydrated: Hydration is important in all seasons, even in winter. You should drink enough water to ensure the muscles and joints are well-lubricated which will prevent the stiffness symptoms and ensure healthy tissues.
Human beings always need to consider rehabilitation and healthcare in winter. It is a good time for them to find suitable ways and develop proper wellness strategies.
Chiropractic Support for Chronic Pain: Chiropractic relief, in fact, steps in to help these discomforts find a position and, of course, it will be even sharper in the winter. The effects of ongoing chiropractic care include the alignment of the spine and providing relief of chronic pain during the winter season.
Orthopedic Inserts for Improved Stability: Customized orthotics improve foot and knee posture and thereby, clients dealing with knee pains or arthritis will experience more stability and comfort. Furthermore, you will be guided in having balance when going in a snow-covered field or a muddy path without losing your step.
Specialized Physiotherapy and Mobility Assessments: An individual assessment helps to recognize the areas of stiffness, weakness, or imbalance that might get worse during winter. Our physiotherapists utilize suitable interventions to alleviate the discomfort of the body pains and also to deter such symptoms from worsening.
Stay Active and Comfortable This Winter with Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage
Winter is not the season of pain and tension for you. At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage, we have experienced professionals who will make sure that you remain flexible and stress-free during the season of cold, by incorporating different improvisational techniques. Get in touch now to initiate your personalized winter wellness program, comprising physiotherapy, chiropractic therapy, massage care, and custom orthotics treatments. Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage specialists help you get rid of winter pain and stiffness by expert guidance and support. Reach out to us if you want to schedule an assessment or if you want to know more about our services.