Joint Pain Worse in Cold? Your Osteopath on Northcote Road

Laura Tilson Osteopathy

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Joint Pain Worse in Cold?

 

cold weatherThe weather is changing, I can feel it in my bones”. Most of us have heard this old wives tale but is there any truth in it? Research has shown that the refreshing change in weather during autumn can actually bring about aches and pains associated with lower temperatures and changes in barometric air pressure.
Typically this affects people with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other arthritic conditions. Most commonly it effects load bearing joints such as the hips and knees, also the shoulders, elbows and hands. It is thought that sensory nerve endings in joints called baroreceptors respond to slight changes in atmospheric pressure. When the barometric pressure changes the amount of fluid in a joint or the pressure inside a joint can fluctuate which stimulates these receptors causing pain. In an arthritic joint these slight changes can have a greater impact as there is less cartilage to provide cushioning. In lower pressures inflammation around joints can also potentially worsen, this will also put pressure on the nerves again causing pain.
Steps can be taken to reduce inflammation such as applying hot and cold therapy to the affected area, taking a swim in a nice warm pool could also be beneficial. Osteopaths can use techniques designed to help improve blood circulation to the area and reduce inflammation as well as working directly on muscles and joints to help improve mobility.
Cold weather can also have an impact on our muscles, as the temperature drops there is a decrease in blood supply to our muscles causing them to tighten up. As a muscle tightens up it becomes shorter in length reducing our range of movement, these tightened muscles then become more susceptible to injury. A ‘pulled’ muscle occurs when it is lengthened beyond its comfort zone, micro tears occur within the muscle fibres and sometime the ligaments. This can lead to pain, inflammation and sometimes swelling and redness. Muscle spasm causing a further reduction in range of movement is also very common. Extra care should be taken during the colder months when exercising outdoors to ensure you are properly ‘warmed up’ before exercise.
Osteopaths often see these types of muscular aches, pains and strains especially during the colder months. An initial assessment will need to be made and often these complaints can be treated using manual therapy, careful advice and specific exercises.
To book an appointment please call 0207 206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk.

Tali Rayner M.Ost

Tali Rayner graduated from the British School of Osteopathy obtaining a Masters Degree in Osteopathy. Since graduating she has also completed training in Acupuncture and Medical dry needling lead by Dr Anthony Campbell.

She is registered with the General Osteopathic Council as well as the British Osteopathic Association. She has worked in a number of clinical settings including working with a professional rugby and football team.

Tali is structural in her approach to osteopathic assessments and uses a variety of treatment techniques including medical dry needling in conjunction with osteopathic techniques.

As part of your assessment Tali will assess work related ergonomic issuesor sport related training techniques, which may be contributing and maintaining  injuries and pain. Tali will prescribe exercises as part of your rehabilitation and stabilisation of an injury or longer term postural complaint.

 

Appointment Times (at Fybre Fitness): Wednesday 5-9pm and Friday 7-11am

 

Testimonials:

 

Before I saw Tali, I suffered chronic and consistent sciatic pain. Her specialist treatment immediately alleviated the worst symptoms and quickly enabled me to return to the fully active lifestyle I had missed. Friendly and highly skilled, Tali takes the time to put her patients at ease and discuss their needs. She also directs you to everyday exercises and lifestyle changes that strengthen the body against future injury. Thank you Tali.

– V. George

For the first time in the last 6 years I am beginning to walk without pain and without the anticipation of pain when I come to stairs or other more challenging activities . . . . I would highly recommend Tali to anyone considering osteopathy.

– A. Sharman

Appointments:

For an appointment or further questions please call 020 7206 2625 or email info@ltosteo.co.uk OR CLICK HERE TO BOOK ONLINE

Please Note: This post was written on 17 Nov 2017 please contact us to make sure you have the most up to date advice.