Stiff in the Morning? Why Waking Up in Pain Isn’t “Just Age”—and How Physiotherapy Can Help

At The Physiotherapists, we frequently hear from people across Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Lewes, Portslade, and Peacehaven who say:

“I wake up sore and stiff every morning—but I just thought it was part of getting older.”

In this blog, we explore:

What causes morning stiffness and pain
Why it’s worse in the morning
When it could be a red flag for something more serious
How physiotherapy—especially at home—can help you move freely again

Why Does Morning Pain Happen?

A middle aged woman holds her knee and thigh and her face expresses discomfort. The image is relating to an article about physiotherapy and how it can treat knee issues.

Pain or stiffness after a night’s rest may be due to a number of factors:

While some age-related changes are expected, waking up in pain or feeling like the Tin Man every day isn’t something you have to live with. In fact, it often signals something that can be improved—or resolved—with the right help.

Prolonged inactivity – Joints and muscles stiffen when they’re not used for hours.
Inflammatory conditions – Arthritis, fibromyalgia or other inflammatory issues often flare in the early hours.
Poor sleep posture – Unsupportive mattresses or pillows can misalign the spine and strain soft tissues.
Reduced fluid circulation – Lying flat reduces blood flow and lymphatic drainage, leading to stiffness.
Tight or shortened muscles – These can seize up overnight if not stretched or exercised regularly.

Sometimes, the pain eases as the day goes on. But if it’s lasting more than 30–60 minutes, it could point to a deeper issue that needs proper assessment.

Morning Stiffness: Ageing or a Treatable Issue?

Yes, it’s true that connective tissue becomes less flexible with age. But that doesn’t mean you should accept pain or immobility as part of your daily routine.

Often, people develop stiffness due to underlying musculoskeletal imbalances like:

Reduced spinal mobility
Muscle weakness
Joint restriction
Postural compensations

Left unaddressed, these issues can gradually limit your independence, cause falls, and affect your quality of life.

How a Physiotherapist Can Help

At The Physiotherapists, we take a full-body, whole-person approach. If you wake up in pain, our mobile team can come to you and:

1. Assess Your Body in Your Environment

We’ll look at how your mattress, pillow, and bedroom setup may be contributing.

2. Identify Muscle Imbalances or Joint Dysfunction

Sometimes the stiffness is from overused, tight muscles—or underused, weak ones. We pinpoint the root cause.

3. Teach You Targeted Movements

A few specific stretches or strengthening exercises can loosen you up and reduce overnight pain.

4. Provide Hands-On Treatment

Manual therapy can relieve stiff joints and trigger points, making mornings feel much easier.

5. Guide You Through Lifestyle Changes

Sleep hygiene, evening routines, and stress-reducing tips can all make a difference.

When Morning Pain Could Be a Red Flag

If your pain is:

Constant and not relieved by movement
Accompanied by night sweats, weight loss, or fever
Localised to one area and worsening over time
Not improving after two weeks

…it’s important to speak to a healthcare professional. These may be signs of something more serious, like infection or systemic inflammation.

Benefits of Home-Based Physiotherapy

Why wait weeks for an NHS appointment or struggle with traffic to get to a clinic?

Home physio lets us see your actual sleep setup and daily routines. That means we can give more specific, actionable advice. It’s also more convenient, private, and comfortable—especially when you’re already in pain.

We cover:

Brighton
Hove
Shoreham
Peacehaven
Portslade
Lewes

What Patients Say:

“I thought I needed a new mattress—but it was my tight hip flexors causing morning pain. The physio explained it and gave me a few stretches. Total game changer.”

“The home visit was brilliant. They showed me how my pillow was aggravating my neck. After a few sessions, I’m waking up pain-free.”

Don’t Accept Pain as the Norm

Getting older doesn’t have to mean getting stiffer.

If you’re waking up in pain, let us help you find out why—and what you can do about it.

✅ Same-week availability ✅ Seen in the comfort of your home ✅ Expert care tailored to you

📍 Serving Brighton, Hove, Shoreham, Peacehaven, Portslade & Lewes
📞 Book today at www.thephysiotherapists.co.uk