Cold Weather, Stiff Joints: Managing Pain as Temperatures Drop

As November settles in across Kingston, cooler mornings, damp days, and darker evenings become part of our daily routine. But for many people, another seasonal shift also starts to creep in with joint stiffness, increased inflammation, and nagging aches that are harder to shake.

At K-TOWN Physiotherapy, we often hear from patients who feel more discomfort during the colder months, especially those living with arthritis, recovering from previous injuries, or managing chronic joint pain. The good news is that you do not have to just accept it. With the right approach, you can stay active, mobile, and pain-free throughout the fall and winter.

While the science is still evolving, many people report that colder temperatures and changes in barometric pressure increase joint stiffness and pain. Cold weather can reduce blood flow to muscles and joints, which may lead to tightness. Dampness and inactivity can also make symptoms feel worse.

What You Can Do to Stay Comfortable This Season

1. Keep Moving, Even in Small Ways It is tempting to stay on the couch when the weather turns, but regular movement helps maintain joint flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Try:

• Morning stretching to loosen up before starting your day

• Short walks around your neighbourhood or mall walking on colder days

• Gentle home exercises like bridges, leg swings, or shoulder circles

  
  

2. Stay Warm Keeping your joints and muscles warm can help reduce discomfort. Layer up when going outside, use a heating pad in the morning, or take a warm shower to ease tight areas.

3. Don’t Skip Your Routine If you already have an exercise or treatment plan in place, try to stick with it even as your schedule changes. Regular movement, stretching, and strength work are especially important during the months when your body feels less cooperative.

4. Focus on Low-Impact Strength Building Winter is a great time to build a foundation of strength. Resistance bands, bodyweight exercises, and core work can all support your joints and reduce long-term discomfort.

5. See a Physiotherapist Sooner Than Later If your stiffness is becoming a daily issue, or if you are finding it harder to move without discomfort, we are here to help. At K-TOWN Physiotherapy, our team can create a custom treatment plan to:

• Improve joint mobility and function

• Address muscle imbalances

• Provide targeted relief for arthritis or injury-related pain

Our four Kingston locations are open year-round, and we are proud to provide Canadian-made care that helps our community move better through every season.

Pain does not have to be your new normal. A few small changes and the right support, can make a big difference as winter approaches.

Book an appointment today and let’s keep you moving comfortably through the colder months.

K-TOWN Physiotherapy – Canadian Made Care That Keeps You Moving.