After the holidays, life finally slows down. The travel stops. The schedule opens up. And many people notice something they have been pushing aside for months.
That nagging shoulder. The back pain that comes and goes. The knee that hurts on stairs. The balance that feels a little less steady than it used to.
If that sounds familiar, you are not alone. January is one of the most common times people decide to stop tolerating pain and start looking for real answers. Not because of a fitness resolution, but because they want to move better and hurt less.
Why pain often feels louder in January
Many aches become harder to ignore after the holidays for a few simple reasons:
- Less distraction. When the calendar clears, your body gets your attention again.
- Cold weather stiffness. Muscles and joints often feel tighter in colder months.
- Long drives and long days. Holiday travel, standing to cook, and lifting can flare up old issues.
- You have time to follow a plan. Consistency matters in recovery, and January can make that possible.
High intent signs it is time to see a physical therapist
People often search things like “pain that will not go away” or “is physical therapy right for me” because they have reached a point where rest is not fixing it. Consider a PT evaluation if you notice:
- Pain that lasts more than a few weeks or keeps returning
- Pain that changes how you walk, sleep, work, or exercise
- Shoulder pain with reaching, lifting, or sleeping on that side
- Back pain that limits bending, standing, or sitting comfortably
- Knee pain with stairs, squatting, getting up from a chair, or walking longer distances
- Feeling unsteady, fearful of falling, or slower than normal on your feet
- You have tried “waiting it out” and it is still there
For many musculoskeletal conditions, conservative care like physical therapy is a recommended first step before more invasive options are considered.
Physical therapy is often the first step before injections or surgery
A common misconception is that PT is only for after surgery. In reality, for many people PT is the step that helps them avoid surgery.
Physical therapy can help you:
- Reduce pain by improving mobility, strength, and movement patterns
- Address the root cause, not just the symptom
- Improve function so daily life is easier
- Build confidence and stability, especially for balance concerns
- Create a plan you can actually follow at home
For example:
- Evidence based guidelines for low back pain include active, movement focused interventions commonly delivered by physical therapists.
- Knee osteoarthritis guidelines recommend exercise based care to improve pain and function.
- Falls prevention guidance emphasizes strength and balance interventions for people at risk.
- Rotator cuff related shoulder pain is commonly managed with physiotherapy and a conservative approach first.
This is especially relevant for Medicare and TRICARE patients
If you are a Medicare or TRICARE beneficiary, physical therapy is a common, conservative option to start with, especially when pain is affecting daily function.
- Medicare covers medically necessary physical therapy services.
- TRICARE covers physical therapy when criteria are met, and referral rules depend on your plan.
If you are physician referred, PT is a strong partner in that model. We coordinate and communicate so your care stays clear, consistent, and aligned with your goals.
What to expect at a Pro Vita evaluation
If you have been dealing with pain for months, you deserve a plan that feels clear and doable.
At your evaluation, we typically:
- Listen to your story and what you have tried
- Assess movement, strength, mobility, and function
- Identify likely contributors to the problem
- Build a step by step plan focused on what matters to you
- Teach you what you can do at home between visits
Our goal is not to rush you. It is to help you move forward with confidence.
When to talk to your provider first
Some symptoms need medical evaluation right away, such as chest pain, fever with severe back pain, sudden weakness, new numbness in the groin area, or loss of bowel or bladder control. If you are unsure, start by contacting your physician or urgent care.
A simple takeaway
If pain has been hanging around for months, January can be the turning point. Not because you need a “new you,” but because you deserve to feel better than this.
If you are ready to take the next step, schedule an evaluation or talk with your provider about whether physical therapy is right for you.
If you want help deciding where to start, Pro Vita is here. We can guide you toward the right plan of care for your shoulder, back, knee, balance, or post surgical recovery.
References
- Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy, APTA. Interventions for the Management of Acute and Chronic Low Back Pain: Revision 2021. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee (Non Arthroplasty) Clinical Practice Guideline.
- NICE. Shoulder pain, rotator cuff disorders management guidance.
- NICE. Falls: assessment and prevention. NG249.
- World guidelines for falls prevention and management for older adults. Age and Ageing.
- World Federation of Neurosurgical Societies. Role of conservative treatment in lumbar disc herniations.
- Medicare.gov. Physical therapy services coverage.
- TRICARE. Physical therapy covered services and referral requirements.
