As soon as Melbourne’s colder weather arrives, I start hearing the same thing from many of my clients:
“My joints feel stiffer.”
“Everything seems to ache more in winter.”
If you live with rheumatoid arthritis, you’re probably very familiar with this feeling. While winter doesn’t cause rheumatoid arthritis, many people notice an increase in joint pain, stiffness and muscle tension during the colder months.
Why winter can make your body feel stiffer
When it’s cold outside, most of us naturally become less active. We spend more time indoors, sit for longer periods and are less likely to get out for a walk or exercise. Unfortunately, when the body moves less joints and muscles can become stiff, tight and uncomfortable.
Many people also find themselves tensing up without even realising it. Shoulders creep up towards the ears, back muscles tense up, bracing ourselves from the cold and before too long the neck, back and hips start feeling stiff.
When you’re already managing inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis, that extra muscle tension can make symptoms feel more noticeable. One thing I often explain to clients is that pain isn’t always coming directly from the joint itself. When a joint is painful, the muscles around it often work harder to protect and support that area. Over time, this protective “guarding” can lead to tight, fatigued and tender muscles.
This can create a cycle where pain leads to tension and tension leads to more discomfort.
How remedial massage can help
Remedial massage doesn’t cure rheumatoid arthritis, but it can be a valuable tool in helping manage some of the symptoms that come with it.
Reducing muscle tension and guarding
When muscles are constantly working to protect painful joints, they can become tight and overworked. Massage can help release this tension, improving comfort and reducing that “braced” feeling in the body.
Improving movement and mobility
By working on the muscles, tendons and connective tissues surrounding affected areas, remedial massage may help reduce stiffness and support easier movement. Many clients report feeling looser and more mobile after treatment.
Supporting circulation
Massage increases blood flow to muscles and soft tissues, which can help ease feelings of stiffness and support tissue recovery, especially when activity levels have dropped during winter.
Helping the nervous system relax
Living with ongoing pain can be both physically and mentally exhausting. Massage encourages the body to shift out of a heightened stress response and into a more relaxed state. Many clients describe feeling calmer, lighter and more at ease after a session.
Supporting your overall wellbeing
Managing rheumatoid arthritis often involves a combination of medical care, movement, lifestyle strategies and self-care. Remedial massage can be a supportive part of that overall approach.
It’s all in the small things
Small things that can make a big difference in winter. If you’re noticing more stiffness or discomfort, a few simple things can help:
- Taking short walks, even on colder days
- Gentle stretching in the morning
- Swimming or hydrotherapy (if available)
- Keeping joints and muscles warm
- Prioritising sleep and recovery
Movement doesn’t have to be intense to be beneficial. Even a gentle walk around the block can help reduce stiffness and improve how your body feels.
You don’t need to just push through the pain
One thing I hear often is:
“I thought I just had to put up with it until the weather warms up.”
The reality is you don’t have to spend the entire winter feeling stiff, sore, and uncomfortable.
If muscle tension, stiffness, or pain is affecting your daily activities, seeking support early can make a real difference.
At Canterbury Health Hub, remedial massage treatments are tailored to your individual needs and comfort levels, helping you move more freely and feel more comfortable throughout the colder months. Book an appointment with us, because after all, winter is long enough without spending it in pain.