Keeping Your Patients in Motion in the Winters

Don’t we all just love staying inside our warm quilts with a hot cup of coffee? Every once in a while, we are tempted to ditch the gym or our physical therapy session. If you are one of us, this blog will help you learn more about how to stay active even when it’s really […]

December 31, 2022

Garima Johar

Don’t we all just love staying inside our warm quilts with a hot cup of coffee? Every once in a while, we are tempted to ditch the gym or our physical therapy session. If you are one of us, this blog will help you learn more about how to stay active even when it’s really chilly outside.

When it comes to physical therapy, there are now tools like virtual therapy software or physical therapy home exercise program app through which you can exercise by staying inside your home. However, you’d still have to push yourself to get out of that comfortable bed. Otherwise, if you have issues like joint pains, you risk feeling pain, stiffness, and swelling in your bones and joints.

Unfortunately, the pain can even become so severe that you might become completely immobile during winter.  Therefore, you are highly advised to attend your physical therapy sessions, preferably via an online physiotherapy platform, so you don’t catch a cold or the flu. Let’s learn more about how physical therapy can be helpful in severe cases as well as the steps to follow to keep yourself fit.

The Ailments that Deteriorate During Winters and the Impact of Physical Therapy

Joint pains and muscle stiffness

Joint pains and muscle stiffness is one of the most common issue people face as winter approaches. People in their 60s and 70s are more prone to such issues when the temperature decreases.

Since the age group of the most affected people is above fifty, they are either too old to bear the cold outside or aren’t in the capacity to step outside their bed. Thus, an online physiotherapy platform like SmartPT Online can help them become physically active and keep them healthy. Additionally, their physiotherapist may recommend specific stretches and exercises via the physical therapy home exercise program app to minimise pain.

Arthritis

Another chronic condition that worries people in the winter is arthritis. Winter makes it more difficult to manage its symptoms, which include pain, swelling, stiffness, fatigue, and the list goes on, and the people who suffer have it by heart.

Fortunately, there’s something to help! The safe and efficient form of treatment for arthritis is physical therapy. Individuals with arthritis can safely exercise with the help of proper virtual therapy software, which will improve their overall physical fitness, sense of well-being, and ease with daily activities.

Cervical Spondylosis

As the temperature drops in the winter, people with cervical spondylosis struggle a bit more than usual. Cervical spondylosis is a condition that affects the bones, discs, and lower joints of the neck.

Yet again, with physiotherapy, the pain can be reduced significantly. During the physical therapy session, a physical therapist instructs various exercises to enhance flexibility, strength, core stability, and range of motion. For further relief, the physical therapy home exercise program app can be used to practice at home.

Asthma

Winters have a lot of allergens in the air, which is the primary cause of asthma, so cold weather can also cause asthma attacks. Asthma sufferers have delicate airways, which are made worse by cold or wet weather.

Physical therapists have their way when it comes to diseases like asthma or bronchitis. Since the patients cannot step outside in the polluted air, virtual therapy software comes in handy and can be treated without any hassles.

Tips to Keep Your Patients Moving in the Chilly Weather

Congratulations on taking the first step!  Here are some tips to keep in mind before you head out in the chill.

Dress appropriately

Make sure you have the appropriate winter gear. If dealt otherwise, you’ll be prone to say, “it’s too cold outside,” and come back to your room. Wearing tights, gloves, a winter hat, and a winter exercise jacket will help you stay warm while exercising. Furthermore, remember that you can always go for a lunchtime stroll to get some sun!

Find a workout partner

Look for a companion who will keep you company while you are alone and who will hold you responsible for showing up. Having a workout buddy will encourage you to stay active and help you brave the cold. If that’s not the case, you two can always sign up with a physical therapy home exercise program app and get going.

Don’t forget to warm up

Make sure your body is ready for the weather, temperature, and ground conditions before venturing outside. Your body works extra hard to generate heat on extremely cold days, and your heart exerts the most effort to start your blood pumping. Before going outside, perform a few light warm-up exercises in the comfort of your home to help your heart and loosen up your muscles.

Create an exercise schedule

Make a note of the days you exercise so you will have a visual reminder to get moving. Setting up attainable winter goals for yourself can keep you motivated to stay active during the colder months and keep you on track.

Mix it up

Sometimes; we simply grow weary of performing the same exercise over and over again. Make new friends while keeping things interesting by signing up for a cycling class or at the physical therapist’s clinic.

Work out at home

One of the best ways to ensure fitness in winter is to work out at home with the help of virtual therapy software or an online physiotherapy platform. You can either get some types of equipment and work out at home using the physical therapy home exercise program app or perform equipment-free exercise programmes.

Take advantage of the cold weather

To keep things interesting during the winter, start a new cold-weather sport like ice skating or skiing. Nothing can keep you motivated like becoming an expert at a challenging, enjoyable, and novel activity.

Consider the advantages

Remind yourself of the benefits of exercise to keep yourself inspired. Remember that working out when it’s cold can help you burn more calories and fat because it takes more effort to keep your body warm.

Note: Always remember to warm up and cool down in cold weather to prevent injury and to rest when you’re sick to recover. As a final reminder, remember to treat yourself after a successful workout session.

Bottom Line

As discussed above, various health conditions can have a disastrous effect on the elderly in the winter. Home physical therapy using an online physiotherapy platform like SmartPT Online can reduce immobility and increase strength and general well-being. Just remember that staying active is the most crucial thing you can do to maintain your health and fitness and avoid getting hurt.

Receive updates, business advice, and easy-to-follow tips in your inbox with just a tap.





    Go-to Physio Blogs

    Does your Physio therapy business needs a boost? Access the ready to implement ideas & strategies.