Living in Canada means being no stranger to working out in extreme temperatures. Just because it’s below freezing outside doesn’t mean you should skip your daily jog!
However, many people lose their motivation to work out during colder months due to both the cold and the added injury risk.
Cold Exposure and Body Heat
Our body works optimally in temperature conditions that suit it. While exercising, body temperatures rise, which is counteracted through sweating.
During cold, dry, and windy weather, heat loss occurs faster through increased respiration and evaporation, which makes the body more susceptible to the risk of muscular injuries and hypothermia.
Low Temperature and Risk of Injury
While it’s always a good idea to warm up before any exercise of physical activity, it’s crucial during winters. Low temperature can increase the risk of various injuries and muscular issues. These include:
Decreases Muscle Flexibility:
Colder weather has been known to influence muscle physiology. When body temperature drops to a certain level, the muscles become less flexible and are more susceptible to stress tears.
Another factor that affects muscle flexibility during winter months is dehydration. People tend to consume less water in cold weather, which increases the strain on the heart and the muscles.
Joint Pain Increases During Winter
Weather-related joint pain is quite common, especially among people with arthritic conditions. Most people experience an increase in joint stiffness and pain during the colder months.
The joints in the body are connected by tissues that cushion the pressure and protect the joints from getting damaged.
When temperatures drop, the sensory nerves in the tissues respond, making the muscles more sensitive. The resultant change decreases the cushioning effect and increases the pressure felt by the joints.
This causes people to feel tired and achy, and they also get exhausted more quickly, which increases the chances of them over-exerting and injuring the muscles.
Contact Our Sports Medicine Doctors in The Greater Toronto Area!
Get in touch with Sports & Exercise Medicine Institute in the Greater Toronto Area for expert diagnoses and treatment of various sports-related injuries and musculoskeletal issues. As the leading sports medicine and physiotherapy clinic, we offer the services of experienced doctors and physiotherapists along with innovative treatment options. We also offer quick injury recovery and rehabilitation programs to our patients.
Our services include sports massage therapy, physiotherapy, foot pain podiatry, shockwave therapy, massage therapy, PRP injections, custom knee braces, pelvic health physiotherapy, and neck and shoulder pain treatments.
Contact us now to schedule an appointment!
