Why Winter Makes Aches Feel Worse (And What Actually Helps at Laura Fishlock Osteopathy)

Standing on icy ground.

Winter has a way of making even small niggles feel louder.

You might notice your back feels stiffer when you get out of bed, your neck tightens up faster at your desk, or old injuries start “checking in” the moment the temperature drops. If that sounds familiar, you’re not imagining it — and you’re definitely not alone.

The good news? Winter aches are common, understandable, and very treatable. With the right mix of hands-on care, movement support, and nervous system regulation, you can stay active and comfortable all season.

Why aches and pains often feel worse in winter

1) Cold temperatures can increase muscle tension

When it’s cold, your body naturally tries to conserve heat. Muscles can tighten and joints may feel less “free,” which can make everyday movement feel more restricted — especially first thing in the morning or after sitting still.

2) You move less (without realising)

Shorter days, darker mornings, and wet weather often mean fewer walks, less incidental movement, and more time sitting. Even a small drop in daily movement can increase stiffness — particularly in the hips, mid-back, and neck.

3) Winter routines can amplify desk tension

January often brings a return to work routines. More driving, more screen time, and fewer movement breaks can trigger headaches, shoulder tension, jaw tightness, and low back pain.

4) Stress and sleep changes can raise pain sensitivity

Pain isn’t purely mechanical — your nervous system plays a huge role. If stress levels rise or sleep quality drops (both common in winter), your body can become more sensitive, and flare-ups may feel more intense.

What actually helps: simple, sustainable winter strategies

You don’t need a “new you.” You need a plan that supports your body consistently.

Here are a few winter-friendly foundations we recommend:

• Warm your body before you load it: a few minutes of gentle mobility before workouts, long walks, or lifting can reduce strain.

• Keep movement frequent and low-pressure: short walks, light stretching, and regular posture resets beat occasional intense sessions.

• Prioritise recovery: rest days don’t have to mean doing nothing — active recovery (gentle mobility, breathwork, clinical yoga) helps your body stay supple.

• Don’t wait for a flare-up to get help: early treatment often prevents a small issue becoming a stubborn one.

  
  

How our clinic helps you move more freely through winter

At Laura Fishlock Osteopathy, we take an integrated approach — because winter aches rarely have just one cause.

Osteopathy: improve mobility, reduce strain, and address root causes

Osteopathic treatment focuses on how your body is moving as a whole. We assess joint mobility, muscle tension, posture, and biomechanics to identify what’s driving your symptoms — then use hands-on treatment and tailored advice to help you move with less restriction.

This can be especially helpful for:

• Low back pain and stiffness

• Neck pain and headaches

• Hip tightness and sciatica-type symptoms

• Shoulder and upper back tension

• Recurring “same spot” flare-ups

  
  

Massage: release tension and support recovery

Massage can be a brilliant winter tool — particularly if you’re holding stress in your shoulders, jaw, or mid-back, or if you’re returning to exercise and feeling tight.

It supports circulation, helps muscles relax, and can make movement feel easier — especially when paired with osteopathic assessment and a simple home plan.

Craniosacral therapy: calm the nervous system (and reduce pain sensitivity)

If your body feels stuck in “high alert” — poor sleep, heightened stress, persistent pain patterns, or tension that returns quickly — craniosacral therapy can be a gentle, powerful support.

By helping the nervous system shift into a calmer state, many people notice improvements in sleep quality, stress resilience, headaches, and how intensely they experience pain.

When to book (and what to do next)

If winter is bringing back old pain, increasing stiffness, or making it harder to stay active, it’s a great time to get support.

A good rule of thumb: if something has been lingering for more than 7–10 days, or keeps returning, it’s worth an assessment.

We’ll help you understand what’s driving your symptoms, create a plan that fits your real life, and build the kind of resilience that lasts beyond winter.

Ready to feel more comfortable in your body?

Book an appointment at our Newbury or Hungerford clinic and let’s get you moving more freely — whatever the weather.