One counterintuitive approach provides more pain relief than rest while preventing the permanent stiffness that develops
One counterintuitive approach provides more pain relief than rest while preventing the permanent stiffness that develops ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
Winter joint stiffness and pain worsen with rest and improve with gentle movement because inactivity allows synovial fluid to thicken while movement stimulates fluid production and circulation that lubricates joints naturally. Cold weather promotes sedentary behavior that creates a vicious cycle where inactivity increases stiffness, increased stiffness discourages movement, and prolonged immobility causes joint deterioration that becomes increasingly painful and difficult to reverse. Perform 5-10 minutes of gentle range-of-motion exercises every 2-3 hours throughout winter days, moving joints through their full range without forcing or causing sharp pain. Apply heat before exercise to warm tissues and improve flexibility, making movement feel less painful and reducing injury risk from exercising with cold stiff joints. Swimming or water aerobics in heated pools provides ideal winter exercise by supporting body weight while the warm water simultaneously loosens stiff joints and relieves pain during movement that would feel uncomfortable on land.
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