Don’t Let Aches and Pains Hold You Back
August is one of the busiest months of the year. Whether you’re exploring on holiday, walking further than usual, spending hours with the grandchildren or making the most of the sunshine, it’s easy to ask more of your body than it’s used to.
If aches and pains are starting to get in the way, physiotherapy can help identify the cause and keep you moving comfortably throughout the summer.
Summer should be about making memories, not managing pain.
August has a different feel to it.
People are on holiday. The weather is usually at its best. The days are still long and everyone is trying to squeeze every last bit out of summer before September arrives.
One day you’re walking around a seaside town.
The next you’re carrying suitcases through an airport, spending hours exploring somewhere new or entertaining the grandchildren in the park.
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- Then it starts…
- Your knee begins to ache halfway through the day.
- Your lower back tightens after a long drive.
- Your shoulder hurts every time you lift a suitcase into the car.
- Or your feet simply aren’t enjoying walking 20,000 steps a day.
We see this every August.
Not because summer is bad for you. Quite the opposite.
It’s because you’re finally doing all the things you’ve been looking forward to, and your body sometimes struggles to keep up.
Why do aches and pains seem worse during August?
For many people, activity levels increase dramatically during the summer.
Without really thinking about it, you might suddenly be:
• Walking five or six miles every day on holiday.
• Standing in queues at attractions.
• Carrying heavy luggage.
• Sleeping in a different bed.
• Swimming more often.
• Playing football with the children.
• Spending entire afternoons gardening.
• Cycling for longer than usual.
Individually, none of these activities are a problem.
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- The challenge comes when they all happen within the same week.
- Your muscles, joints and tendons haven’t suddenly become weaker.
- They’re simply being asked to do far more than they’ve been doing for the rest of the year.
Holiday walking is fantastic… but it can expose underlying problems.
Walking is one of the best forms of exercise.
It’s great for your heart, your joints, your mental wellbeing and your overall health. The problem isn’t walking.
The problem is suddenly walking ten or fifteen miles a day when your body has been used to much less.
We often hear people say: “My knee was absolutely fine until we went away.”
Or… “My hip only started hurting halfway through the holiday.”
Usually, the holiday hasn’t caused the problem.
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- It’s highlighted an issue that was already there.
- Weak muscles, reduced flexibility, stiffness or previous injuries often don’t make themselves known until your body is asked to work harder.
Long journeys can take their toll.
Whether you’re driving across the country or flying abroad, travelling puts your body under more strain than many people realise.
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- Hours spent sitting can leave your hips feeling stiff.
- Your lower back can tighten.
- Your neck and shoulders can become uncomfortable.
- Then, as soon as you arrive, you start walking, carrying luggage and enjoying your holiday without giving your body chance to recover.
If you’ve ever thought, “I felt stiff getting out of the car but assumed it would ease off.”
You’re certainly not alone.
Don’t forget about the luggage.
Heavy suitcases might only be lifted a handful of times, but those lifts often happen in awkward positions.
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- Into the car.
- Onto the airport scales.
- Up hotel steps.
- Into overhead lockers.
If you’ve had shoulder problems before, this is often enough to flare things up again.
The same goes for your back.
It’s not always one heavy lift that causes pain. It’s the combination of lifting, twisting and doing it when you’re already tired.
Beach walks aren’t always as easy as they look.
Walking on sand is brilliant exercise.
It also asks much more of your ankles, calves and hips than walking on a pavement.
Soft sand makes your muscles work harder to keep you balanced.
Uneven surfaces can aggravate old ankle injuries.
Long beach walks can leave your calves feeling tighter than expected.
There’s no reason to avoid them.
Just remember they’re more demanding than they appear.
Looking after grandchildren? That’s exercise too.
School holidays often mean one thing…
- Grandchildren.
- Running around the park.
- Playing football.
- Trips to the zoo.
- Lifting toddlers.
- Pushing swings.
- Carrying bags full of snacks, drinks and spare clothes.
It’s wonderful. It’s also surprisingly physical. Many grandparents don’t think of it as exercise, but their bodies certainly do.
Five simple ways to enjoy August without paying for it later
A little preparation can help you make the most of your summer without aches and pains getting in the way.
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- Build up gradually
If you’ve got a walking holiday or an active few weeks planned, increase your activity before you go rather than doing it all at once. - Choose supportive footwear
If you’re going to be on your feet all day, comfortable, supportive shoes can make a real difference to your knees, hips and back. - Break up long journeys
Whether you’re driving or flying, take opportunities to stand, stretch and move to reduce stiffness. - Listen to your body
A little muscle soreness is normal. Ongoing pain or discomfort that keeps returning shouldn’t be ignored. - Deal with problems early
If pain is affecting your holiday or stopping you enjoying your usual activities, getting advice sooner can often help you recover more quickly.
- Build up gradually
Common summer mistakes
One of the biggest mistakes is trying to fit too much into every day. Long walks, sightseeing and busy schedules soon add up, so make time to rest and enjoy the experience.
Another is assuming aches and pains are simply part of getting older. While our bodies naturally change over time, persistent pain isn’t something you should just accept. In many cases, there’s an underlying cause that physiotherapy can help address.
How physiotherapy can help
At Indergaard Physiotherapy, we don’t just treat the symptoms. We identify what’s causing your pain and create a treatment plan that’s right for you.
Your assessment looks at how you move, your strength, flexibility, previous injuries and the activities that are triggering your symptoms. From there, we may recommend hands-on physiotherapy, rehabilitation exercises, Shockwave Therapy, Laser Therapy or sports massage to help you recover and stay active.
Our goal is simple: to help you enjoy your summer without pain getting in the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does my knee only hurt when I’m on holiday?
You’re often walking much further than usual, which can expose underlying weakness, stiffness or previous injuries that haven’t been noticeable during everyday life.
Q: Is walking good if I already have knee pain?
Usually, yes. Walking is excellent exercise, but if pain is getting worse or changing the way you walk, it’s worth having it assessed.
Q: Why does travelling make my back ache?
Long periods of sitting can leave your back and hips feeling stiff. Add carrying luggage and increased activity and it’s easy for symptoms to flare up.
Q: Can physiotherapy help long-standing aches and pains?
Yes. By identifying the underlying cause, physiotherapy can help reduce pain, improve movement and lower the risk of symptoms returning.
Q: Should I wait until after my holiday?
If you’re already experiencing pain before you travel, getting it assessed beforehand could help you enjoy your holiday much more comfortably.
The Indergaard Advice
Summer is for making memories, not managing pain.
If your back, knee, shoulder or another joint is stopping you from enjoying the things you love, don’t ignore it and hope it will settle on its own.
The sooner you understand what’s causing the problem, the sooner you can get back to moving with confidence.
Whether you’re planning a holiday, spending time in the garden or simply making the most of the longer days, we’re here to help you stay active all summer long.