As the warm days begin to end and the colder months start to swing around, it is not only influenzas that we need to concern ourselves with. If you are a professional athlete, an amateur sports person, or someone with a pre-existing injury, then you are likely to feel the effects cold weather can have on your muscles, causing a great deal of interruptions and impediments to your daily schedule, if not something more serious. In this blog, the team at Christopher�s Remedial Massage explore how the colder months can trigger, aggravate, and even cause new muscular and joint issues.
What Exactly Does Cold Weather Do to Affect Your Muscles and Joints?
The danger of colder weather in autumn and winter sits with the decreased levels of barometric air pressure. The science behind this is the gas expanding with the warmer temperatures, and then contracting with the colder seasons, leaving the air pressure to be far lower. What this means for you, however, is that when air pressure drops to such low levels, it can force the tissue surrounding the joints in our bodies to expand, building a great deal of tension, constriction and pain. Pair this with muscles contracting in the cold, you could find yourself more susceptible to severe cramping, spasming, and dehydration.
Conditions with issues already rooted in the joints and muscles, such as arthritis and fibromyalgia, are especially susceptible to being exacerbated by the decreasing temperatures of autumn and winter, as the reactions mentioned above can worsen the effects.
Indirect Effects of Cold Weather on Joints and Muscles
Viruses are rampant in the colder months and can leave the body compromised to new or exacerbated complications. If your body falls sick, for example, then you will find your internal temperature rising in order to create an inhospitable environment for the viruses to survive (also known as a fever). Unfortunately, this can also lead to terrible inflammation, resulting in a range of pain and aching in your muscles and joints. The cold also prevents many people from wanting to exercise, or even to drink water as they opt for warmer drinks like coffee. This only contributes to building habits and situations that can worsen pre-existing conditions, or even encourage new ones in your muscles and joints.
How Can You Prevent/Mitigate These Issues with Cold Weather?
Keeping active is always important, but be sure to be smart about your preparation. Conducting proper stretching and warm-up routines allow your muscles and joints to be primed for the exertion ahead. Don warm layers of clothes to avoid muscles constriction, and always remain adequately hydrated with plenty of water consumption.
If you are still experiencing aches and pains throughout autumn and winter, contact the friendly team at Christopher�s Remedial Massage today for further solutions by calling 0417 451 081.