How To Relieve Your Arthritis Before The Cold Weather Hits

As the the leaves start changing and the cold weather is setting in, arthritis sufferers start to feel increased pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

In this blog post, you can discover five effective, drug-free ways to alleviate arthritis pain.

Plus, you can learn about how physical therapy is a safe, proven, and fast-acting solution that’s helped many people in our area.

The Changing Seasons and Arthritis Pain

As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people with arthritis find themselves grappling with intensified pain and stiffness.

There are several reasons for this phenomenon:

1. Cold Weather

Cold temperatures can cause joint fluid to thicken, making movement more difficult and increasing pain.

Additionally, cold weather can make muscles tense up, exacerbating the discomfort.

2. Reduced Physical Activity

During the summer, warm weather often encourages people to be more active.

As the weather cools down, outdoor activities may decrease, leading to stiffness and reduced mobility.

3. Changes in Atmospheric Pressure

Some individuals with arthritis are sensitive to changes in barometric pressure, which can occur with weather changes.

These fluctuations can trigger pain and discomfort.

4. Weakened Immune System

The onset of colder months can also weaken the immune system, making arthritis sufferers more susceptible to illnesses and infections, which can further aggravate their condition.

5 Natural Ways to Relieve Arthritis Pain

Thankfully, there are several natural and effective ways to manage and alleviate arthritis pain without resorting to painkillers. Here are five tips that can help you find relief and improve your quality of life:

1. Physical Therapy: The Safe and Proven Solution

Physical Therapy is a powerful ally in the fight against arthritis pain, stiffness, and mobility issues. It’s a natural and safe approach that has been proven effective for countless patients. Here’s why physical therapy is your secret weapon:

• Targeted Exercise: A skilled physical therapist can create a personalized exercise program tailored to your specific needs. These exercises focus on improving joint flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility.
• Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilizations and soft tissue massage can provide immediate relief by reducing pain and increasing joint mobility.
• Education: A physical therapist can teach you about your condition, helping you understand how to manage it effectively. You’ll learn techniques to protect your joints, improve posture, and reduce the risk of flare-ups.
• Pain Management: Physical therapy can help you develop strategies for pain management, such as heat and cold therapy, to alleviate discomfort.
• Long-Term Benefits: Unlike painkillers that provide temporary relief, physical therapy addresses the root causes of arthritis pain, offering long-lasting benefits.

If you’re tired of living with arthritis pain and stiffness, consider requesting a free discovery visit with on of our physical therapists at Functional Advantage Physical Therapy. 

2. Warm Up Your Joints

As the weather turns chilly, it’s essential to warm up your joints before engaging in physical activities.

Gentle, controlled movements help increase blood flow to the affected areas, reducing stiffness and discomfort.

Try incorporating warm-up exercises into your daily routine to keep your joints supple.

3. Stay Active

While it might be tempting to hibernate during the colder months, maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for arthritis management.

Low-impact activities can help keep your joints moving and reduce pain. Finding a gym, like the Freeland Sportszone, can allow you to stay active indoors all winter long. 

4. Dietary Changes

Certain foods can either exacerbate or alleviate arthritis symptoms.

Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish, leafy greens, and berries into your diet.

These foods can help reduce inflammation and improve joint health.

Avoid processed foods, excess sugar, and saturated fats, as they can worsen inflammation.

We’re not saying don’t enjoy the foods you enjoy, but try to balance it out and recognize how it may be leading to more arthritis pain – especially during the winter months.

5. Manage Stress

Stress can amplify arthritis pain.

Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to keep your stress levels in check.

These methods not only help relax your mind but also reduce muscle tension and pain.

Not Sure Whether Physical Therapy Is Right For You?

If you’ve had arthritis or struggled with injuries for a while, you’ve probably tried a lot of things that didn’t work and are a little nervous about getting your hopes up again with physical therapy.

To help you understand how physical therapy will help you, and get your questions answered, you can arrange a free Discovery Visit by clicking HERE or calling us at 989-573-5888.

This is a completely free, 1-1 appointment with a physical therapist and in a short time, can give you personalized advice to reduce your aches, pains and injuries.

Click Here To Arrange Your Free Discovery Visit Now