As the winter chill sets in, navigating through the Canadian winter can be a challenging feat for your health. During the winters, many of us experience one or the other health and mental issues ranging from joint pain to the heightened risk of catching a cold or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD); our bodies often face unique challenges during this season. At BeActive Physiotherapy, our team of physiotherapists, chiropractors and registered massage therapists is here to guide you through the winter blues and help you maintain your well-being.
Let’s explore why a visit to a chiropractor during winter is not just beneficial but essential.
Getting chiropractic care during the winters not only would help you to prevent some of the conditions from happening but would also help to keep you functioning at your best when the temperatures begin to drop. If you are thinking of skipping or procrastinating visiting your chiropractor, below are some reasons to rethink and schedule a chiropractic appointment.
1. Joint Pain Relief Amidst the Cold:
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- Fun Fact: Did you know that changes in atmospheric pressure can impact joint pain?
In the colder months, the viscosity of your joint fluids increases, and your muscles tend to contract, leading to discomfort and limited mobility. The colder air can make your joints stiff and muscles reluctant to stretch. Our chiropractic techniques are designed to address these issues effectively. Through targeted adjustments, your chiropractor can help loosen your joints and muscles, promoting improved circulation and reducing pain. Consistent sessions throughout the winter months contribute to enhanced flexibility, allowing you to carry out your daily activities with ease and comfort. Our chiropractors at BeActive Physiotherapy specialize in adjustments to keep your muscles and joints flexible, reducing pain caused by the winter chill.
2. Cold and Flu Prevention Beyond Immunity:
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- Question: Did you know that spinal adjustments can strengthen your immune system?
This year, your health concerns extend beyond the flu as the pandemic persists. The winter months bring challenges like inadequate sleep, heightened stress, and crowded shopping areas. To fortify your immune system, consider visiting your chiropractor. Beyond relieving aches and pains, spinal adjustments realign your spine, promoting clear communication between your brain and immune system.
A healthy spine enhances your body’s ability to react swiftly and effectively to infections. Strengthening your immunity through chiropractic care not only aids in overall well-being but equips you to confidently navigate the elements when venturing outside, offering an added layer of protection in these uncertain times.
Winter is notorious for compromising immune systems; chiropractic care can play a role in preventing colds and flu. Beyond pain relief, our adjustments set off a chain reaction, boosting nervous system function and fortifying your body’s defense against germs.
- Handling the Elements Outside:
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- Stats: Winter brings an increased risk of slips and falls; proper preparation is key.
As highlighted earlier, increased stiffness heightens the likelihood of injuries, especially for winter sports enthusiasts. Opting for winter chiropractic care becomes a smart choice to minimize injury risks when engaging in activities like skiing or ice skating. Beyond the usual adjustments, chiropractic care during winter incorporates tailored exercises and stretching routines. Dress in layers to keep warm, and don’t forget to warm up your muscles before heading outside.
Our chiropractors can guide you in selecting the most suitable exercises and stretches, not just for the athletically-inclined but also for those preferring milder outdoor activities or tackling winter chores like snow shoveling. Surprisingly, winter sports injuries and back pain from snow shoveling rank among the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care during the colder months.
Shoveling snow? Our chiropractors advise on proper techniques to avoid muscle strain and injury. Check out this video created by our team of chiropractors and physiotherapists on how to properly shovel the snow. If you still have questions or would like to be better prepared for the winters, contact our team to schedule an appointment.
- Winter Sports Ready:
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- Friendly Tip: Planning a skiing trip? Ensure your body is in proper alignment and well-prepared.
Engaging in winter sports like skiing and skating adds an element of fun to the season, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential risks. Common winter sports injuries encompass spinal issues, knee problems, ankle sprains, and more. While sledding is a prevalent cause of winter sports injuries, activities like skiing, ice skating, hockey, and snowboarding also pose risks.
The icy and snowy conditions heighten the chances of slips and falls, contributing to more than 2.8 million older individuals seeking emergency treatment for fall injuries annually, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These injuries can result in severe consequences, including broken bones.
Chiropractic care tailored for winter sports injuries, slips, and falls involves targeted stretching to enhance flexibility, chiropractic adjustments to alleviate joint tightness, and muscle work aimed at breaking up scar tissue. Chiropractic care helps prevent musculoskeletal injuries common in winter sports.
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned enthusiast, our services can aid in rebuilding strength and coordination. Looking for more sports related injuries and how our experienced team of physiotherapists and chiropractors can help you? Learn more here or contact us today for sports injury rehabilitation.
- Combating Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
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- Did You Know: Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) affects many during the colder months.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a prevalent condition during the fall and winter, often regarded as a form of depression. Stressors like colder temperatures, reduced sunlight exposure, and overcast days commonly trigger SAD, leading to a decline in interest, energy, and motivation.
While specialists consider SAD incurable, chiropractic care emerges as a supportive avenue. Through chiropractic adjustments, the communication pathways of your central nervous system are realigned, aiding in the regulation of melatonin and serotonin levels. These adjustments play a role in managing emotions during the fall and winter seasons. Beyond adjustments, our chiropractor can recommend specific lifestyle changes to assist you in better managing the symptoms of SAD.
Chiropractic care can play a role in regulating hormone production and managing SAD symptoms. Beyond adjustments, our chiropractors provide practical lifestyle changes to cope with SAD effectively.
- Stress Management for a Serene Winter:
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- Friendly Reminder: The holiday season can bring stress; chiropractic care can be a valuable resource.
Navigating stress, especially during the holiday season, can be challenging without the right support. Our team of chiropractors is adept at employing various treatments to alleviate stress, fostering not only a healthy body but also a sound mind.
As harsh Canadian winter approaches with its inevitable challenges, acknowledging the cold weather ahead is essential. Just as you wouldn’t step out of your house without a coat, ensuring your body is prepared for the colder months is equally crucial. Begin your winter on a positive note by visiting us today.
We are here to assist you throughout the season, reducing pain, maintaining your health and well-being, and preventing injuries. Schedule your appointment with BeActive Physiotherapy today and let us guide you towards a winter filled with wellness. Our chiropractors specialize in stress management, promoting a healthy body and mind.
Chiropractic Care at BeActive Physiotherapy
As you brace yourself for the challenges of the Canadian winter, remember that just like you wouldn’t leave your house without a coat, your body needs preparation too. Schedule an appointment with BeActive Physiotherapy today, and let us guide you through winter with reduced pain, maintained health, and a lower risk of injury. Start your winter off right with a visit BeActive Physiotherapy in Oakville!
