Why Physiotherapy is Important During Winter

Frigid mid-winter days may understandably have you wanting to throw on your comfiest sweats and burrow under blankets. But did you know physiotherapy can play an integral role in helping you manage pain and stay healthy this winter season? Our Nepean physical therapists explain how. 

Winter Physiotherapy

Chilly (and sometimes downright frigid) mid-winter temperatures are upon us. While you'd be forgiven for debating burrowing under your favourite pile of blankets until spring arrives, staying physically active is a better bet for your physical and mental health.

In addition, engaging in regular physiotherapy during winter can help you manage some pre-existing health conditions. We'll explore six reasons to keep up your physiotherapy routine even during cold weather below.

1. Get a handle on weather-related health issues by engaging in physiotherapy. 

Particularly for patients with bone and joint-related issues, pain, swelling, fatigue, stiffness and other common symptoms can become more challenging to control in the winter. For those with asthma, joint pain, cervical spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other conditions, we may recommend one or a combination of physiotherapy exercises, including:

• Specific physiotherapy exercises and stretches to alleviate and manage pain, optimize balance and coordination, and improve range of motion 
• NeuroCryoStimulation (cold therapy)
• Breathing exercises for people with asthma or sensitive airways 

With proper instruction and counseling, our physiotherapists can help you improve your general physical fitness and sense of well-being. We can also conduct a running assessment to help you identify any aspects of your running that may be improved to prevent pain or injury. 

Of course, before we recommend any exercises we conduct a thorough assessment of your circumstances, health conditions, physical abilities and more at our physiotherapy clinic in Nepean. Your physiotherapist can tailor a physiotherapy program to suit your specific needs and preferences. 

2. Manage common cold symptoms with physiotherapy. 

Did you know chest physiotherapy has been shown to be effective in helping to remove mucus from your airway passages? In addition, physiotherapy and massage therapy can also help make those aches and pains that accompany many viruses more bearable and easier to manage. We may recommend massage therapy to help treat headaches and sinus pain. Our physiotherapists can also help you build a regular exercise program to help boost your immune system and cardiovascular health. 

3. Integrate physiotherapy into your routine to help manage winter blues and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). 

Lack of sunlight during winter, shorter days and snowy, grey skies can wreak havoc with our mental health. A combination of massage therapy, custom exercise regime and other aspects of physical therapy may help to prevent or treat symptoms of SAD. 

4. Improve sleep by adding physiotherapy to your daily health routine. 

Sleep plays a large role in our physical and mental health, and goes hand-in-hand with exercise to keep our brains and bodies in tip-top shape. Physical therapy can positively impact sleep, which can help you maintain a positive outlook during the winter season, and be rested, prepared and alert during your waking hours. 

5. Get greater enjoyment out of winter activities and sports by incorporating physiotherapy. 

While most of us know that enjoying winter sports and activities can help both our physical and mental health, sometimes getting out to engage in the activities we love can mean suffering from foot pain or other discomfort after ice skating, skiing or snowboarding.

Foot pain can also affect the health of the rest of your body. Our chiropodist at our physiotherapy center in Nepean is an allied health professional who treats foot health issues and help maintain the overall health of your feet.

She can treat individuals with specific health issues such as arthritis, diabetes or sports injuries and prescribe any medications that may be required. Her practice is focused on biomechanics and gait analysis to evaluate impact of the movement of your foot and any injuries that have occurred. 

You may also receive custom orthotics or a prescription for therapies, exercises or treatment. The chiroprodist can also work with you and monitor your progress. 

6. Prepare for winter travel and long flights by performing physiotherapy exercises. 

Many people book their holidays and take a mid-winter getaway to warmer temperatures in January or February. But while sunny skies and beaches may await, many of us dread the pain and discomfort that can come from spending long hours in airports and on flights. 

Your physiotherapist can develop a tailor-made program to help you manage flying-related health issues such as high blood pressure, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and lower back pain.