Hot weather, holidays, and BBQs are great—but they also bring one hidden health risk we often overlook: dehydration.
As we move through summer, many of our Brighton and Hove-based patients report feeling stiffer, more achey, and generally fatigued. Often, they’re surprised when we ask the simple question:
“How much water are you drinking?”
Why Hydration Matters to Your Muscles and Joints
Your joints are surrounded by cartilage and fluid that help them glide smoothly. That cushioning fluid is largely made of—you guessed it—water. When you’re dehydrated:
- Cartilage becomes less effective, leading to friction and discomfort.
- Muscles fatigue more quickly, increasing the chance of strains or injury.
- Tendons and ligaments become tighter, making movement more restricted.
- Pain signals may increase, especially if you already have arthritis or back issues.
In other words, low hydration = high irritation.
Is Dehydration Making Your Pain Worse?
If you’ve been feeling:
- More achy or stiff than usual
- Fatigued even after good sleep
- Slower to recover after activity or injury
- More prone to muscle cramps
…you might be under-hydrated, especially if you’re also managing a musculoskeletal condition.
And here’s the kicker: pain can reduce your drive to drink enough, creating a loop where discomfort leads to more dehydration—and more pain.
How Physiotherapy Can Help Break the Cycle
At The Physiotherapists, we often find hydration plays a supporting role in recovery—but it can’t work alone. Our job is to:
- Address the root cause of your pain: Whether it’s your shoulder, knee, or spine, we’ll assess what’s really going on.
- Support your tissues to heal: Manual therapy and movement help lubricate your joints and encourage fluid flow.
- Help you create routines: We’ll recommend tailored stretches and hydration habits that support your long-term joint health.
We bring this care to your home across Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Peacehaven, Shoreham, and Lewes—so you don’t have to struggle through traffic or clinic waits.
Quick Hydration Tips for Joint Health
- Start your day with a glass of water (before coffee or tea!)
- Keep a refillable bottle nearby
- If it’s hot, sip more frequently
- Watch for signs of dehydration: dark urine, headache, irritability, or tiredness
- Eat more water-rich foods like cucumber, melon, and leafy greens
Physio + Hydration = Movement That Feels Better
Even the most advanced treatments won’t work as well if your body doesn’t have the water it needs. Combining physiotherapy with better hydration can:
✅ Reduce pain
✅ Improve movement
✅ Speed up healing
✅ Keep your joints healthier, longer
Feeling the Summer Slump?
If pain or stiffness is holding you back—whether it’s from an old injury, arthritis, or just overdoing it in the sun—we’re here to help.
Let’s get you moving better, and feeling better. 💧
📍 Same-week appointments across Brighton, Hove, Portslade, Peacehaven, Shoreham, and Lewes
🖥️ Book now at www.thephysiotherapists.co.uk
The Physiotherapists: Keeping your joints moving—and hydrated.