As Christmas approaches, life seems to move faster than ever — shopping, cooking, wrapping presents, hosting family, and dashing between social events. But for many individuals in their 50s, 60s and 70s, this time of year can also bring an unwelcome reminder: our bodies don’t move quite as easily as they used to.
A twinge in the back when lifting a box of decorations, stiff knees after a long day on your feet, or an ache in the shoulders after hours of wrapping gifts — these little signals can start to add up. It’s easy to brush them off, but they’re often early signs that your muscles, joints, and movement patterns are craving a bit more care and attention.
Why Stiffness and Aches Increase at This Stage of Life
Hormonal changes, reduced muscle mass, and natural wear on our joints can all contribute to feelings of stiffness, weakness, or reduced mobility as we reach midlife and beyond. Add in colder winter weather and more time spent indoors, and it’s no wonder our bodies feel less willing to move.
But here’s the good news — it’s never too late to improve how you feel and move. With the right support, you can restore mobility, ease discomfort, and stay active well into your later years.
Common MSK (Musculoskeletal) Concerns We See in people 45–70
At Thorpes Physiotherapy, we regularly help people in this age group who are experiencing:
- Back and neck pain from poor posture, desk work or stress
- Hip and knee stiffness (especially if arthritis is starting to show)
- Shoulder and upper back tension from carrying shopping or prolonged sitting
- Reduced flexibility and balance that makes them feel “old before their time”
- Pelvic and core weakness, often post-menopausal or postnatal, that can affect stability and confidence in movement
Many of our clients tell us the same thing: they want to stay independent, active and able to enjoy time with their loved ones — not sit on the sidelines watching life pass by.
The Christmas Challenge: Doing It All Without the Pain
The build-up to Christmas can be physically demanding — hours spent cooking, shopping trips, standing at festive events, or playing with grandchildren. Without proper movement and muscle support, these activities can leave you feeling exhausted and sore.
Our physiotherapists recommend:
- Gentle strength and mobility exercises for the hips, back and shoulders
- Regular stretching breaks — even five minutes makes a difference
- Core stability work to support posture and prevent strain
- Massage or manual therapy to ease tight muscles and promote relaxation
- Tailored physiotherapy plans to identify and treat the root cause of your discomfort
By investing a little time in your physical wellbeing now, you’ll move through the Christmas season with more energy, less pain, and greater confidence.
Looking Ahead: Investing in Your Future Health
It’s common to look at ageing parents and feel a sense of worry — “I don’t want to end up like that.” The truth is, maintaining mobility, strength and independence doesn’t happen by chance — it happens by choice. The steps you take today can have a lasting impact on how you feel in ten or twenty years.
Physiotherapy isn’t just about recovery; it’s about proactive health and prevention. Whether you’re already feeling niggles or simply want to future-proof your body, now is the perfect time to start.
A Gift to Yourself This Christmas
Amidst the giving season, don’t forget to give something back to yourself — the gift of movement, energy and long-term health. Our experienced Physiotherapists and Sport Therapists specialise in helping people aged 45–70 feel strong, mobile and confident again.
This Christmas, make your wellbeing a priority — so you can enjoy every moment with your loved ones, free from pain and full of vitality.
Ready to feel your best?
Book your tailored assessment today and take the first step towards a more active, pain-free new year.
👉 If you would like more information or help, either click the button below to book online or call 01276 37670
If you are unsure if Physiotherapy or podiatry is the correct route for you and would like to speak to one of our experts first, free of charge, then please click here.
Warm regards
Jonathan Smith (MSc BSc FSOMM MCSP SRP)
Director of Thorpes Physiotherapy