Is It OK to Skip PT During the Holidays? Here’s What You Should Know
on Thursday, December 11, 2025
Why Holiday Disruptions Matter for Post-Surgical Recovery
If you live in Gresham OR and are recovering from surgery this winter, the holiday season can feel like a major test of your commitment to physical therapy. Schedules change, family events pile up, and the weather makes travel unpredictable. Many patients wonder whether it is really a problem to miss a week or two of PT during December.
At Renew Physical Therapy, we see this every year. The holidays create real challenges, but they also highlight how important consistency is for long-term healing. Skipping physical therapy may seem harmless, especially if you feel like you are making progress, but those missed sessions can create setbacks that take much longer to correct in January.
Today’s post breaks down what really happens when you pause PT during the holidays, why those gaps matter for surgical recovery, and how you can stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
What Happens When You Skip PT Sessions?
Even short breaks can influence the healing process, especially within the first few months after surgery. Healing tissues respond best to consistent, guided movement. When that routine is disrupted, your body can lose some of the progress you have worked hard to build.
Loss of Mobility Gains
After surgery, mobility improvements are gradual and cumulative. When movement becomes inconsistent, tissues can tighten, joints can stiffen, and swelling can return more easily. This often results in:
- Increased morning stiffness
- Greater difficulty with daily tasks
- Slower warm-up times
- More discomfort during movement
This is common for patients in Gresham OR who take extended breaks during December.
Disruption of Strength Progress
Strength gains are also sensitive to routine. Even a brief pause can lead to deconditioning in muscles that are still learning how to support your surgical site. When this happens, patients often notice that exercises that previously felt “easy” feel more difficult after a short break.
This does not mean you lost all progress, but it does mean recovery may feel harder when you restart.
Pain Mismanagement
Many patients report that stopping physical therapy leads to an increase in pain. This is not because the body is “getting worse,” but because:
- Tissues stiffen without guided movement
- Swelling becomes harder to control
- Muscles fall out of a stable pattern
- Pain signals become more sensitive without regular reinforcement
Consistent physical therapy helps regulate your body’s pain response and gives you tools to stay ahead of discomfort.
Why Consistency Matters More During the Holidays
Holiday stress, colder weather, and changes in routine all create extra challenges for post-surgical patients in Gresham.
The Role of Seasonal Weather
Winter cold can increase stiffness and inflammation, making regular PT sessions even more important. Guided movement helps warm the tissues, improve circulation, and reduce winter-related discomfort.
Increased Physical Demands at Home
During the holidays, most people naturally:
- Stand more
- Prepare food for longer periods
- Shop and carry bags
- Travel or clean their home
- Host guests
All of these create added strain on your surgical site. Consistent PT helps your body handle these activities safely.
The Mental Side of Recovery
The holidays can also create emotional stress, which often increases physical discomfort. A consistent PT routine provides structure, reassurance, and professional support during a busy season.
Adjusting Your PT Routine to Fit Holiday Schedules
You do not have to choose between holiday obligations and post-surgical progress. A physical therapist can help you adjust your plan so you stay on track without feeling overwhelmed.
At Renew Physical Therapy, we regularly help Gresham patients navigate:
- Reduced appointment frequency
- Modified home programs
- Shorter exercise routines
- Pain management strategies for travel or long days
- Ways to maintain progress when weather disrupts appointments
Consistency does not mean perfection. Even small, steady actions help maintain your gains.
How Your PT Can Help You Plan Ahead
Your physical therapist can help you create a holiday-specific recovery plan tailored to your schedule. This often includes:
A Customized Home Program
Your therapist may adjust your home workouts to include:
- Reduced exercise volume
- Targeted movements that prevent stiffness
- Stretching sequences for travel or long days
- Quick routines for mornings when stiffness is worse
Consistency is the goal, not intensity.
Clear Expectations
Knowing exactly what to do during busy weeks reduces stress and helps you stay accountable.
Safety Guidelines
Your therapist can give you guidance on:
- Lifting gifts safely
- Avoiding slips on wet or icy surfaces
- Setting up your kitchen or workspace to reduce strain
- Managing pain flare-ups
- Using heat or movement to reduce winter stiffness
A proactive approach makes holiday weeks much smoother.
If you want to learn more about how we help patients customize their recovery plans, you can explore our physical therapy services page.
What to Do If You Already Missed a Session
If you have already missed one or more PT sessions, do not panic. This is common and completely manageable with the right plan.
Start With Gentle Movement
Performed correctly, gentle home exercises can reduce stiffness and help you transition back into your program smoothly.
Avoid Doing Too Much
Some patients attempt to “make up” missed sessions by doing extra work at home. This can irritate healing tissues. It is better to restart at your normal pace unless your therapist advises otherwise.
Schedule Your Next Appointment
The most important step after missing PT is simply returning. Your therapist can help assess where you are and adjust exercises accordingly.
You can use our contact page to schedule or ask questions.
Staying On Track Without Missing Out on the Holidays
The goal is not to choose between recovery and the holiday season. With the right support, you can enjoy time with family, stay engaged in your routines, and continue healing without unnecessary setbacks. Physical therapy helps you stay strong, mobile, and confident through the busiest time of the year.
If you would like to hear how other patients stayed consistent through challenging seasons, you can visit our testimonials page.
Your recovery is important, and small efforts during December create big results in the new year.
