The Christmas season is one of the busiest times of year – but it’s also one of the most important times to look after your body. Many people ask, “Is Christmas a good time to book physiotherapy appointment?”, “Will clinics be open?” or “Is it worth starting physio in December?”
The short answer is yes. At Excel Physiotherapy, the festive period is actually an excellent opportunity for many patients to start or resume treatment.
Whether you’re dealing with back pain, recovering from a sports injury or simply want to stay mobile over the winter months, here’s why Christmas is the perfect time to prioritise your physiotherapy.
1. You Often Have More Free Time in December
Between annual leave, quieter workdays or planned time off, many people find they have more flexibility during the holidays. That extra space in your schedule is ideal for:
- Attending physiotherapy appointments
- Doing your prescribed exercises
- Resting and recovering
- Establishing positive habits for the new year
By contrast, waiting until January often means returning to busy schedules and less availability.
2. Avoiding the ‘January Pain Spike’
Physiotherapists commonly see a rise in pain and injuries in January. This happens because:
- People delay treatment in December
- Festive activities strain the body (carrying shopping, visiting relatives, long drives)
- Cold weather stiffens joints and muscles
- New Year exercise routines cause sudden overload
Starting treatment in December can help you avoid this painful spike.
Cold weather has been shown to increase joint stiffness in people with arthritis due to reduced circulation and increased muscle tension.
3. The Holiday Period Is Perfect for Recovery
Whether you’ve suffered a recent injury or have ongoing pain, physiotherapy over Christmas helps you:
- Heal at a steady pace
- Build strength without rushing
- Address pain before it worsens
- Enter the new year already improving
Your body doesn’t take a holiday, pain doesn’t pause for Christmas, so treatment shouldn’t pause either.
4. Easier to Establish a Routine
December offers a natural slowdown in daily life, which is ideal for developing a physiotherapy habit. When you’re less rushed:
- You do your exercises more consistently
- You understand your body better
- You notice improvement sooner
- You avoid skipping sessions
These early wins set you up for long-term success.
5. A Chance to Reset Your Body Before the New Year
If you want 2025 to be a year of better health, mobility and strength, starting physio during the festive period gives you momentum. Instead of beginning January in pain, you begin with:
- Improved mobility
- Less stiffness
- Better posture
- More energy
It’s like giving your body a head start while others are waiting for clinics to reopen.
6. Managing Christmas-Related Aches and Pains
Physiotherapists see predictable issues every December:
- Back pain from carrying shopping bags
- Knee pain from climbing stairs at family homes
- Neck pain from long car journeys
- Shoulder pain from lifting children or decorations
- Increased stiffness from cold weather
- Reduced activity causing muscle tightness
Booking you physiotherapy appointment early helps stop these problems from becoming long-term conditions.
7. Less Competition for Appointments
Unlike January (the busiest month for physio bookings) December often has more appointment options. This means:
- More choice of days and times
- Easier scheduling around family commitments
- Faster progression through treatment
By starting before the January rush, you stay ahead of the curve.
Why Choose Excel Physiotherapy Over Christmas?
At our Upminster clinic, we offer:
- Expert musculo-skeletal physiotherapy
- Hands-on treatment
- Tailored exercise programmes
- Guidance on managing winter stiffness
- Support for injuries old and new
Our goal is to help you stay mobile, pain-free and functional throughout the festive season.
Taking Care of Your Body Is the Best Gift You Can Give Yourself
Between Christmas stress, colder temperatures and increased lifting, your body works harder than you think during December. Investing in physiotherapy now gives you:
- A stronger start to the new year
- Less pain during the festive period
- Better long-term health
- Greater mobility and comfort
Book your physiotherapy appointment today. Your future self will thank you!
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