Body Changes

Did you know winter actually changes your body? It’s true; blood vessels constrict, skin gets drier, and there’s a loss of heat throughout the body. Staying active during the winter months (and, really, any month) is a great idea to help offset the temperature changes outside. Most people associate physical therapy with injuries, but you can incorporate it as an everyday practice.

Start by simple movement. Stretching your muscles during the winter will help keep you flexible, keep you active, and even boost your mood and prevent future injuries. There’s lots of different stretches to choose from, including mobility stretches, passive stretches, or foam roller stretches. Help your extremities get some fresh blood flow this winter with the classic child’s pose. On your hands and knees on the floor, gently lower yourself all the way down so your forehead reaches the floor. There’s also a modified, stand-up version of this pose if the floor isn’t an option. This stretch helps relax the muscles, open your hips, and lengthen the spine.

PT for Balance

Another way physical therapy can help this winter is by helping you with your balance. It can get very slippery outside during the winter and it’s good to be prepared for that ice, snow, and slush. Exercises like weight shifts, single leg balance, and bicep curls are all excellent places to start. If you’re feeling like an expert, try tai chi; its soft, gentle movements encourage strength, flexibility, and balance at the same time, which all helps prevent falls.

Heat Therapy

Winter is cold, of course, but guess what isn’t? Heat therapy. Heat therapy is a technique used by physical therapists to increase blood flow, reduce pain, and help relax muscles. Used often for injuries, it can also be used for stiffness and flexibility of the muscles. There’s a few ways to use heat, including steam, hot compresses, and hot baths. Ask a physical therapist before using heat therapy to make sure it’s what your body needs and how to correctly apply it.

Physical Therapist: Everett, Mukilteo, Lynnwood, Mill Creek, Bothell

If you’ve exhausted your options on the internet and would like some fresh ideas with professional help, consider visiting a physical therapist. They will help you map out your goals, create custom techniques, and give your body the flexibility it craves this winter. Our Physical Therapy office is located in Everett, Washington and walk-ins are welcome! Everett Spine & Rehab is a rehabilitation center for people who’ve suffered injuries of all kinds (work, sports) or for anyone looking to improve their health.

Sticking with a physical therapy routine this winter will keep your body in great shape throughout the season. By the time spring rolls around, you’ll be ready to get back outside and enjoy.