As cold weather reintroduces itself to us and as 2025 comes to a close, we would like to take a moment to emphasize how much massage can help you during this time of year! Holiday parties, shorter days, and cozy interior atmospheres are quite inviting each December. However, many tend to stay inside anyways due to the cold temperatures causing aches and pains! Ditch the medicines, creams, and restless nights. It’s time to venture into a more holistic way of relief and recovery. First, lets uncover how and why you may have more muscle and joint pain in the winter.
Why Does Cold Weather Hurt So Bad?
Have you noticed how much the weather affects your body? We aren’t just talking about your emotions! In the summer, people are outside running, playing sports, tending to yardwork, and more. This is because the warm weather helps you loosen up and feel more mobile. Colder temperatures cause your muscles and joints to tighten up, leading you to feel stiff more often. Why does this happen?
Well, when we’re in a colder environment, we experience a few different things within our bodies. Firstly, blood circulation is reduced and tension increases. Think of that initial, “Oh!” when that initial burst of cold air hits you when you walk outside in the mornings! If you have to spend a lot of time outside, these effects can compound over time and make conditions like arthritis or chronic joint pain even worse.
How Massage During Winter Benefits YOU!
All of the above comes together during the winter to put you at greater risk of muscle strain and injury. This is true even if it isn’t as cold here in the CSRA as it can be up North. So how can you protect yourself? Through massage!
At Muscle Anthropology, we will never get tired of emphasizing the many wonderful benefits of massage. No matter which type of massage or where your focus area is, you are sure to feel the relief! Massage can help relax you, loosening your tight, stiff muscles. This therefore increases blood flow and improves flexibility, which in turn decreases your pain! Not only that, but by improving blood flow you will also experience better oxygen and nutrient delivery to your muscles. This will result in increased circulation, keeping you warmer for longer (and keeping your hands and feet from going all tingly and numb).
At-Home Remedies
Alongside massage, what are some at-home remedies that you can use to assist you with muscle and joint pain during the winter? Straight from the Arthritis Foundation: heat therapy! Whether you have a tub accessible enough to be able to soak in warm water or you safely use a heating pad, this is a super easy way to loosen up any stiffness and finally get some relief! You could even reap benefits in a warm shower!
Just like massage, heat allows your blood vessels to expand, increasing circulation for blood, oxygen, and other nutrients. Just be careful that you are not using too much heat for too long. Additionally, if you have swollen joints, you may actually need cold therapy, as heat could cause adverse effects. Lastly, do not alternate hot and cold therapies without giving your body a chance to rest for a few hours in between. Talk with your doctor and massage therapist about using heat and cold to your advantage if you have any concerns.
Book a Christmas or New Year Massage
Now that you know how cold weather affects your body and how massage can help you, it’s time to book a massage! Even if it isn’t for you, massage makes a wonderful gift during the holidays. Show your friends and family here in Augusta, Georgia that you truly care for them and their well being by getting them a gift that will last. Most importantly, let them kiss their winter muscle and joint pain goodbye. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from us here at Muscle Anthropology!