The Benefits of Physical Therapy for Winter Aches & Pains
The winter season can be unkind to those who suffer from chronic pain. Fortunately, with physical therapy, you don’t have to shut yourself inside when the weather shifts from warm and sunny to cold and gray. During the winter, physical therapists are often treating patients for injuries caused by the cold weather like slips and falls but we can also help you ease some of your aches and pains that are triggered by the season as well.
How to Soothe Your Aches & Pains during the Winter Season
It may sound counterintuitive, but one of the best ways we recommend treating your aches and pains is to stay active during the winter. When you’re inactive, you are more likely to experience muscle tension and joint stiffness. Therefore, continuous movement can significantly ease your pain in the long run.
Read on to learn more ways you can manage your winter aches and pains:
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a healthy diet is important no matter what time of year it is. However, eating right and drinking plenty of water is essential in the winter months as it will help you fight off illnesses that are associated with your aches and pains. Incorporate lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables into your diet and avoid foods that are high in sugar and processed fats. Maintaining your weight during the winter will also help reduce the strain on your joints.
- Take Your Vitamins: Sometimes, over-the-counter pain relievers can help relieve pain and joint inflammation. Since you are not spending as much time outdoors in the winter time, you may want to consider taking a Vitamin D supplement to support your bone health. However, if you are curious about taking any vitamins or supplements, we advise speaking with your physician first.
- Dress for the Cold: If you’re heading outside during the winter, bundle up. Wearing layers can help you feel more comfortable and protected in the cold weather. Don’t forget about your hands and feet! These areas are especially vulnerable to joint pain in the winter time so be sure to wear gloves or mittens and thick or thermal socks. Also, the warmer you feel, the more likely you are to get outside for some exercise.
- Practice Self-Care: When the weather gets cold and gray, it can have a significant effect on your mood. Feeling blue can cause you to focus on your aches and pains so it is extremely important to practice self-care. Soothe your discomfort by taking warm baths and filling your surroundings with comforting scents like lavender and chamomile to help you relax.
- Consult a Physical Therapist: If you have persistent joint pains and aches, consider booking a consultation with your physical therapist. We can help you answer any questions and provide you with a suitable therapy program to relieve your symptoms so you can continue to enjoy this wonderful season and everything it has to offer.
With help from the physical therapists from Medical Rehabilitation Centers of Pennsylvania (MRCP), you no longer have to spend winter hibernating indoors. No matter the season, we provide our patients with some of the best physical therapy and medical rehabilitation services in the industry. If you are concerned about the effects of winter on your body, we can help you overcome your aches and pains through our dedication and commitment to high quality care. We offer comprehensive evaluations to ensure that you receive an individualized care plan so you can get back to feeling like yourself again. Are you in need of urgent therapy services? MRCP also has you covered. Patients can benefit from our direct access therapists, who can provide immediate treatment that helps you recover from pain or injury faster and more efficiently.
Book an appointment for physical therapy treatment today. Contact us at the location of your choice or complete our online form and we will get back to you soon.