Physiotherapy for Joint Stiffness & Muscle Tightness in Bradford

Stiff joints and tight muscles make everyday movement feel restricted: reaching a high shelf, getting down to the floor, turning to look behind you. At WellCare Medical in Bradford, physiotherapy for joint stiffness and muscle tightness begins by working out what is actually limiting you, because a stiff joint, a tight muscle and an irritated nerve need different treatment.

• sitting or standing in one position for most of the day
• less activity than you used to do
• osteoarthritis, which commonly causes stiffness after rest
• an injury or surgery, followed by a period of protecting the area
• repeated training without enough stretching or recovery

Stiffness that eases within about half an hour of getting moving is typical of mechanical causes and usually responds well to physiotherapy.

• Joint mobilization. Gentle, repeated hands-on movements that help a stiff joint glide.
• Soft-tissue techniques. Release of tight muscles and trigger points.
• Targeted stretching. For the specific muscles that are short, held long enough to make a difference.
• Strength through range. Exercises that teach you to control the new movement, which is what makes it last.
• A home program. A few minutes a day, focused on the two or three exercises that matter most.

• Upper back and shoulders: a rigid mid-back and tight chest muscles that limit reaching
• Hips: tight hip flexors and a stiff joint capsule that limit walking stride and squatting
• Knees: stiffness after injury, surgery or with arthritis
• Calves and ankles: reduced ankle bend that affects stairs, squatting and walking

Your physiotherapist measures how far each joint moves, compares it with the other side and tests the length and strength of the surrounding muscles. They also watch movements that matter to you, such as squatting, reaching or walking. You will leave with a clear explanation and a short exercise program. Wear clothes you can move in.

See a doctor about joints that are hot, red or swollen, morning stiffness lasting more than an hour, stiffness in many joints at once, or stiffness with fever or fatigue. These can point to an inflammatory condition that needs medical treatment.

A stiff joint often benefits from chiropractic adjustments for restricted joint mobility, and tight muscles from massage to improve circulation and range of motion. If stiffness followed an operation, see post-surgery rehabilitation. For stiffness related to arthritis or long-term pain, read about physiotherapy for chronic pain.