It’s Christmas at Richmond Osteopaths – December Newsletter

Runny nose, sore throat, wanting to stay in bed for longer, extra tight shoulders and neck, outside suddenly seems dangerous to go out, ah winter must be approaching.

In cold weather the body goes through few changes to help keep the body warm, but it comes with a price. Muscles tighten up to constrict the blood vessels in the arms, neck and shoulder blades, to decrease heat loss from the limbs and body periphery.

It is also common for you to lift and hold your shoulders tightly, slouch, poke your chin forward, to keep warm but these changes in posture can lead to pain. These muscles are also held in a shortened, tight state for longer, which can increase our perception of pain.
Everything sounds so bad, does it not? But you can also do many things to help get through these colder times.

• Wear warmer clothes (even when indoors), especially cover your neck and shoulder area well with scarves or jackets with collars.
• Warm up the neck and shoulder area with a warm water bottle (with caution)
• Avoid being curled up, hunched over, or generally “bad” posture
• Move and stretch your shoulders regularly, turning your shoulders round and round does the job.
• Go for brisk 15 minute walks regularly, wrapped in warm clothing. Do not be afraid of the cold.
• Swim in a heated pool, or even book in for a spa or a massage.
• Get your favourite cuppa out and put your feet up, relax.

At Richmond Osteopaths, we understand your aches and niggles. So book in for a treatment to get you through this winter.