When the cold weather rolls in, some people may begin to notice that their joints feel stiffer, achier, or less flexible than usual. If you live in Winnipeg, you know just how long and chilly our winters can be, as well as how those extra months of cold can impact daily comfort.
At Beverly Physiotherapy, we believe in taking a proactive approach to maintaining mobility when the temperature drops. Many patients wonder why their bodies feel different when the temperature drops and, more importantly, what they can do about it. We are proud to offer solutions to whatever aches and pains you may face.
Why Do Joints Feel Stiffer in Winter?
There are a few reasons why colder months can make joints feel more stiff. For starters, when a person feels cold, it can make muscles and tissues tighten and contract, limiting mobility and making it harder for joints to move effectively. Circulation to the extremities is also reduced when exposed to cold temperatures. This can make the joints feel stiff and sore. Finally, reduced activity levels are more common in the winter. When it’s icy or snowy outside, many people go out and about less, opting to stay at home and be more sedentary than usual. Movement and physical activity are critical for joint lubrication and joint health, therefore a reduction in these activities can lead to joint discomfort and reduced flexibility.
These factors can affect anyone, but people with arthritis or previous injuries may notice the changes even more.
Gentle Ways to Stay More Comfortable
The good news is that there are many simple strategies to help ease stiffness through the colder months. Exercising, hydration, and dressing to keep warm can help a lot to keep muscles loose, flexible, and ready for action. Paying attention to the weather, your own posture, and doing stretches can help too, especially when it comes time to shovel the driveway or to clear the sidewalk outside.
We believe the body needs to be healthy to get the most out of it regardless of the season, and these little things can help to keep you in tip top shape throughout the winter.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
While simple at-home remedies can provide some relief, professional physiotherapy offers focused treatment strategies to reduce winter stiffness and restore comfortable movement. At Beverly Physiotherapy, every treatment plan is customized to your body’s needs and goals.
Our team draws on a wide range of evidence-based physiotherapy techniques, such as:
- Manual therapy and joint mobilization to reduce stiffness, enhance circulation, and improve flexibility.
- Targeted exercise therapy to strengthen supporting muscles and tendons and improve mobility in affected joints. Balance exercises, functional exercises and sport or work specific exercises may also be included depending on your needs and goals.
- Modalities such as heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, or electrotherapy to reduce pain and inflammation or to promote increased circulation.
We also provide injury-specific rehabilitation programs for when slips or strains occur. Physiotherapy is not only about easing current discomfort—it’s also about building long-term resilience and helping your body move with greater ease and confidence all year round.
Taking Care of Your Joints Year-Round
Although joint stiffness may be more noticeable in the winter months for many, building healthy habits can benefit you all year long, and not just in the colder months. Regular movement and physical activity, strength and flexibility exercises and postural awareness can help you stay active, prevent injury, and maintain your mobility and independence.
If you’re noticing more stiffness than usual, reductions in your mobility or difficulty doing your daily activities, physiotherapy can help you address your specific areas of concern. With the right care and support, you can keep your joints moving freely, even during the coldest months that Winnipeg and the surrounding area has to offer.
Book Your Appointment with Beverly Physiotherapy
At Beverly Physiotherapy, we understand how frustrating winter stiffness can be, and we’re here to help. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a treatment plan that helps ease discomfort, improves mobility, and gets you feeling more confident in your daily activities.
If you’re ready to move more comfortably this winter, book an appointment with Beverly Physiotherapy today. Together, we can work to find the right approach to keep you active, healthy and maybe even enjoy this coming winter season!
