When the temperature outside drops, our bodies react in very noticeable ways. Our skin gets drier in response to less humidity; our joints become stiff and muscles become achy. There are several reasons for this (changes in air pressure, body temperature, etc.), but the biggest factor is activity. We are less active during the winter months, which, in turn, makes our bodies more prone to aching and inflammation. If you are experiencing pain this winter, don’t dismiss it as typical “winter pains.” Now is the time to see a physical therapist. Here’s why:
1. Understanding Your Pain
Not understanding your pain is a common mistake that could lead to serious injury down the road. For example, sometimes we feel pain in one place, even though the cause is somewhere else. In our 5 Common Types of Back Pain blog, we discuss how a herniated disc of the lower back can cause pain to run down through the legs (known as sciatica). We can help you identify what is really causing your pain and help treat the root cause.
2. Preventing Winter Injuries
Common winter injuries include slipping on snow and ice as well as back injuries from snow removal. Not to mention injuries from winter sports like skiing, snow sledding and ice skating. Many of these injuries can be avoided by taking your time and being more aware of your surroundings. Be sure to wear shoes or boots with good traction and make sure your sidewalks are clear of ice before walking on them. And don’t push yourself shoveling snow – hire someone to do it for you instead. We know it’s an added expense, but think of it as avoiding the cost of an injury.
3. Keeping Active
Doing activities during the winter months puts added stress on our muscles. When you’re cold, the muscles, tendons and ligaments in your back tighten and become less flexible, making you vulnerable to strains and sprains. It can also make you susceptible to falls and injury. Our physical therapists will give you helpful tips on how you can stay safe during winter activities – even give you some home exercises to strengthen your muscles and stay active throughout winter.
4. Maximizing Insurance Benefits
In today’s healthcare landscape, timing is everything. If you are a patient currently on Medicare, your benefits are renewed after the first of the year. That means if your budget is tight, you no longer have to put off relieving your winter pain. You can see a physical therapist at little to no cost to you. You should never put off medical treatment. If your pain is affecting your daily life, the cost of doing nothing is too high.
5. Experiencing Our 5-Star Plan for Treating Pain.
Premier Physical Therapy is the only provider to offer a 5-star plan for treating pain. We are proud of our comprehensive approach to relieving pain, and the results have been phenomenal. Whether your pain is in the winter, summer, spring or fall, our team is ready to make it go away.
Our 5-star plan includes thorough examinations, personalized treatment plans, one-on-one treatment sessions, progress surveys and preventative measures for the future. You don’t have to suffer from pain – there is a way to get relief. And remember, the pain you feel is the body’s way of telling you something is wrong. The longer you wait to treat it, the worse it will become. So take your first step toward relief today and call us at 573-335-7868.