You may find that your symptoms intensify during the colder months if you have arthritis. At our Central London clinic, many patients report increased joint pain, stiffness, and less mobility as temperatures drop. Physiotherapy provides proven strategies that keep you comfortable and active through winter.
Physiotherapy provides treatment plans that address how arthritis worsens in the cold. Rather than simply managing symptoms, physiotherapists work with you to improve joint function, reduce pain, and maintain your quality of life during the winter season.
Whether you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or another form of arthritis, professional physiotherapy can make a significant difference in managing daily activities as temperatures fall.
Why does cold weather make arthritis worse?
Cold weather may worsen arthritis symptoms. Lower temperatures thicken joint fluid and increase stiffness. Changes in barometric pressure can cause tissue to expand, which adds discomfort. Muscles and tendons may contract, making movement more difficult.
According to a study funded by Versus Arthritis, damp and windy days with low atmospheric pressure raised the chance of reporting more arthritis pain by around 20 per cent.
How can I stop joint pain in winter?
While you cannot control the weather, you can reduce its impact. Keeping your joints warm, staying active, and managing your weight can ease joint pain in winter. Physiotherapy helps you use these strategies safely and tailors them to your needs.
How can physiotherapy help with arthritis pain in winter?
Physiotherapists assess joint function, movement, and pain to create a tailored treatment plan that suits your needs during colder months. Key benefits of arthritis physiotherapy include:
- Gentle joint mobilisation and tissue therapy to ease discomfort and improve function
- Targeted exercises to maintain the range of motion and prevent stiffness that worsens in cold weather
- Strengthening exercises that build muscle support around affected joints and reduce strain
- Safe, personalised home exercise routines you can follow between sessions
- Guidance that helps you understand your condition and adapt your daily activities to protect your joints
Arthritis physiotherapy in London, particularly at our Bloomsbury physiotherapy clinic, focuses on maintaining independence and helping you stay active throughout winter. Our arthritis service combines evidence based techniques with advice that fits your lifestyle and symptom patterns.
What exercises help with arthritis in winter?
Gentle exercise is one of the most effective ways to manage arthritis pain. The following examples help maintain flexibility, strength, and confidence during winter.
1. Gentle range of motion exercises
Move each joint through its full range of motion to help maintain flexibility, promote blood flow, and reduce stiffness, which in turn can help lessen pain and improve comfort during daily activities. Try ankle circles, wrist rotations, or neck movements daily in a warm space.
2. Low impact strengthening
Exercises such as seated leg lifts, wall press ups, or light resistance band routines help strengthen muscles around your joints. Stronger muscles can absorb more pressure, reducing pain and protecting joints during activity without increasing joint stress.
3. Warm water exercises
Aquatic therapy supports your body in water, reducing joint stress while providing resistance to build strength. Heated pool sessions make movements less painful, and activities such as swimming or hydrotherapy can reduce stiffness, increase strength, and improve confidence when moving.
4. Stretching and flexibility work
Gentle stretches for major muscle groups help reduce muscle tension and retain joint mobility. Holding stretches for 20-30 seconds after warming up prevents muscles from tightening, supports greater joint flexibility, and makes accomplishing daily tasks easier, especially if joints like the hips, knees, or shoulders are stiff.
Your physiotherapist will demonstrate correct technique for each exercise and adapt recommendations based on which joints are affected. Always avoid pushing through sharp pain and discuss any concerns during your sessions.
When should you see a physiotherapist for arthritis?
Consider booking a physiotherapy assessment if you notice any of the following:
- Pain that disrupts daily activities such as walking or climbing stairs
- Increased joint stiffness, particularly in the morning or after rest
- Reduced range of motion that limits your usual tasks
- Swelling or warmth around joints that persists
- Difficulty maintaining your exercise or mobility routine
Early intervention through physiotherapy prevents small issues from becoming more significant. Your physiotherapist can identify compensations that place extra stress on other joints and correct these before new pain develops.
If you have recently been diagnosed with arthritis, physiotherapy offers valuable education and establishes good habits early. Even if you have lived with arthritis for years, professional guidance can help you discover new ways to relieve symptoms and move more freely.
Stay active and comfortable this winter
You do not have to face more arthritis pain or limited movement in winter. Physiotherapy offers the support you need to stay active and comfortable in the colder months. At PhysioReform, our team in Central London and Bloomsbury understands the challenges arthritis presents. We design individual plans that fit your lifestyle and support long term joint health.
Book your arthritis physiotherapy appointment at our Central London clinic near Tottenham Court Road today. Let us help you stay active, reduce pain, and enjoy better joint health this winter and beyond.