Chinese New Year is a time for:
Cleaning.
Cooking.
Reunion dinners.
Long drives.
House visits.
But by Day 2 or Day 3, many people start saying:
👉 “Why is my back so sore?”
👉 “My knees are aching.”
👉 “I didn’t even exercise!”
You may not have worked out —
but your body has been working overtime.
Let’s break down why pain increases during CNY — and how to prevent it. 👇
Deep cleaning involves:
Bending forward repeatedly
Lifting heavy boxes
Climbing stools
Twisting while wiping
Most people are not used to this sudden physical load.
📌 Sudden increase in activity = muscle strain risk.
Hours in the kitchen can cause:
Lower back fatigue
Tight calves
Hip stiffness
Standing in one position stresses spinal muscles.
Travelling back to hometown?
Long hours sitting can:
Tighten hip flexors
Increase lower back compression
Cause neck stiffness
Extended sitting during:
Mahjong sessions
Visiting relatives
Large reunion meals
Leads to:
✔️ Poor posture
✔️ Slouched spine
✔️ Neck strain
Knees suffer during:
Repeated squatting
Climbing stairs
Kneeling during cleaning
Carrying heavy groceries
For those with:
Osteoarthritis
Previous knee injuries
Weak hip muscles
Pain can flare up quickly.
📌 Knees don’t like sudden workload spikes.
⚠️ Persistent swelling
⚠️ Sharp pain when weight-bearing
⚠️ Pain lasting more than a week
⚠️ Radiating pain down the leg
⚠️ Difficulty walking
These may require assessment.
Bend at hips, not your back.
Keep objects close to your body.
Change position every 30–45 minutes.
Simple hip and back mobility helps reduce stiffness.
Split tasks over days.
Don’t finish everything in one session.
Avoid thin slippers during long hours standing.
Muscle fatigue increases with dehydration.
Chinese New Year often means:
Busy homes
Cluttered spaces
Slippery floors
Falls are more common during festive seasons.
Ensure:
✔️ Clear walking paths
✔️ Anti-slip mats
✔️ Adequate lighting
✔️ Bathroom grab bars
Prevention is always easier than recovery.
If pain:
Persists beyond a few days
Affects walking
Returns every festive season
Interferes with sleep
Early physiotherapy prevents small issues from becoming chronic problems.
1. Why does pain appear suddenly after cleaning?
Because your body isn’t used to repetitive bending and lifting.
2. Should I rest completely?
Short rest helps, but gentle movement speeds recovery.
3. Is heat or ice better?
Ice for swelling. Heat for muscle tightness.
4. Why does my knee swell after house visits?
Excessive walking, stairs, and prolonged standing increase joint load.
5. Can festive weight gain worsen knee pain?
Temporary increase in weight adds extra load on knees.
6. Should elderly people avoid helping with cleaning?
They should pace activities and avoid high-risk tasks.
7. When is pain serious?
If numbness, severe weakness, or inability to bear weight occurs.
Chinese New Year is about joy — not joint pain.
Small adjustments in posture, pacing, and technique can prevent discomfort.
Because the goal is to:
✨ Enjoy reunion dinners
✨ Visit family comfortably
✨ Start the new year strong
If pain is slowing you down this festive season, physiotherapy can help you recover safely and effectively.
🧧 Wishing you a healthy, pain-free Chinese New Year.
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