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The Effects of Cold Weather on Our Bodies
15 Dec

The Effects of Cold Weather on Our Bodies

Here at Total Restore Physiotherapy, a lot of our clients come to us complaining of aches and pains during the colder seasons. Many clients feel that the cold weather creates or exacerbates their joint and muscle pains, particularly in the knees, hips and lower back.

 

But why?

 

You may find, that as the weather gets colder (which you will be very aware of if you live in Manchester) you may experience more aches, pains and may even feel more stiff. The cold weather can affect our musculoskeletal system in many ways, causing tightness throughout the body, can make you more sensitive to pain, cause nerves to become pinched or irritated and increase the risk of injury.

 

There is no clear explanation for why a drop in the temperature affects our musculoskeletal systems. One theory relates to drops in barometric temperatures which causes tendons, muscles and other tissues to expand. Due to the confined space within the body, this can cause pain. People with certain conditions such as arthritis, a bursitis or tendinopathies can be more prone to experiencing aches and pain in cold weather conditions.

 

So how can you avoid these aches and pains?

  • Ease shock of the cold weather by wrapping up and keeping warm
  • Be sure to complete an efficient warm up before completing any physical activity
  • Try gentle stretching/ mobilisation before going out into the cold
  • Apply heat packs to painful or tight areas and/or have frequent warm showers or baths.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the stress on the joints.
  • Stay active and exercise regularly
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get a good nights’ sleep
  • Speak to a healthcare professional regarding beneficial natural supplements during the winter months, such as Arnica gel for sore and stiff muscles and joints, Devil’s claw for joint and muscle pain, Magnesium for helping to reduce inflammation and Vitamin D to keep your bones and muscles healthy.
  • See a Physiotherapist!

 

If you are feeling any musculoskeletal aches and pains, you will most likely benefit from receiving physiotherapy. At Total Restore Physiotherapy, we recommend that if you have pain that’s been present for more than a week, it’s advisable to see a physiotherapist.

 

At Total Restore, we offer tailored treatment programmes to ensure that we deliver the fastest possible results and get you back to your best quickly. If you’re based in Manchester, call to book to speak with one of our therapists on 0161 833 3008.

How To Prevent Muscle And Joint Pain In The Winter
22 Nov

How To Prevent Muscle And Joint Pain In The Winter

We detail 13 ways to prevent muscle and joint pain in the winter when temperatures drop.

It is that time of year again where you just want to cozy up by the fireplace while sipping on some hot coco and spending some time with the family. However, for those of you who suffer from joint and muscle pain, this cold season can really be difficult and aggravate those aches while making you feel not so jolly.

If you are someone who suffers from arthritis you are not crazy to think it gets worse when the temperature drops. There is a real reason for why this happens. Besides the fact that it is harder to stay active and physically motivated during the cold periods there is a scientific reason for your worsening joint and muscle pain. According to a medical Professor from the University of Harvard, Robert Jamison, this can be explained not necessarily by the cold, rain or snow but a change in the barometric pressure.

What is the barometric pressure you are probably asking?

This is the atmospheric pressure. In other words, this is the force exerted onto a surface by the weight of the atmosphere. High barometric pressure pushes against the body externally, preventing internal tissues from expanding. This is what happens in warm temperatures. When the temperature drops the barometric pressure drops with it and the tissues tend to expand, which allows them to put pressure on our nerves that control our pain signals. This triggers the pain and makes these wintery days feel unbearable on our joints and muscles.

So here are 13 tips to keep your aches and pains from getting worse during the Holidays:

1. STAY WARM: especially head, hands and feet

2. Beat the winter blues and STAY active inside
a. Walk indoors
b. Swim indoors/Hydrotherapy
c. Pick up some weights

3. AVOID strenuous activity

4. Go to a Yoga or Pilates class or stretch while watching your favorite Christmas movie

5. Use the stairs instead of the elevator

6. Stay Hydrated

7. Try not to gain those extra holiday pounds and STICK to your DIET

8. Stock up on bubbles and enjoy a nice warm bath

9. Get yourself some Vitamin D supplements

10. Invest in a good pair of winter boots so you do not slip and fall during this icy period

11. Fish Oil tablets have been shown to reduce inflammation

12. Treat yourself to a nice massage

13. AND do not miss any of your physiotherapy appointments!!