It is a common notion for those living with arthritis, and other joint issues, to have increased pain levels before and during rainy days.  Arthritis sufferers are known to predict the weather without seeing a weather report.  The increased barometric pressure does in fact cause joint pain, increase in headaches, and other inflammation induced issues.

During these heightened times in heightened barometric pressure, there are multiple ways to reduce the onset of pain:

Managing your weight- People who are overweight or obese can reduce joint pain considerably by losing weight.  The access pressure from the atmosphere coupled with the extra pounds an individual carries significantly increases pain.

Healthy Eating- Eating well-balanced meals rich in vitamins can reduce pain.  Minimizing gluten, trans fat and sugars is ideal.  Increasing Omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to reduce inflammation.

Exercise- Taking part in regular fitness activities is ideal for everyone.  Older adults with arthritis should engage in low impact exercises such as cycling and yoga to manage pain levels.  By increasing range of motion in joints, one can minimize chronic pain.

Heat/Cold- applying heat and cold to effected joints can relieve pain.  Using heat at beginning of day can warm up joints to allow ease in daily activities.  Cold can reduce inflammation and swelling in joints making down time much more pleasurable.

Acupuncture and Massage- This is a great way to relieve pain, stress and relax on those painful, rainy days.

Quit Smoking- This is more important than chronic smokers like to think.  Smoking causes excess stress on connective tissues which leads to increased pain.  Not to mention the damage to your heart and lungs.

Last Resort- If all of the above is not successful in controlling pain during high pressure days, consulting a doctor about pain relief will be needed.  They can speak to you about pain relief medications, and create a treatment plan for you.  But, do not be surprised if they recommend any, or all, of the above as a first step in pain management.

Over the past weekend, Sarah headed to Toronto to educate herself in a growing method in the physiotherapy world, the Graston Technique.  It is always beneficial for clinicians to continue their education through taking such courses.  It is also great to have another weapon in the arsenal of therapy for her physiotherapy patients.  

What is the Graston Technique you may ask?  According to grastontechnique.com; "Graston Technique® is an innovative, evidence-based form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to detect and effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions, as well as maintain optimal range of motion."

Why use the Graston Technique?  grastontechnique.com says; "The unique protocol uses specially designed stainless steel insturments, along with appropriate therapeutic exercise, to specifically detect and effectively treat areas exhibiting soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation. The instruments also are used diagnostically to follow the kinetic chain, to locate and treat the cause of the symptom as well as the specific area of pain. GT is also frequently used as an effective protocol to maintain range of motion.

The benefits for patients are:

• Decreases overall time of treatment
• Fosters faster rehabilitation/recovery
• Reduces need for anti-inflammatory medication
• Resolves chronic conditions thought to be permanent
• Provides an efficient way to maintain optimal range of motion

If you would like to learn more, please watch the following video:

If you are interested in the Graston Technique, please contact us either by phone, 705-686-3688, or by email at info@activenorthphysiotherapy.com.

ActiveNorth Physiotherapy

29 Coldwater Road, Suite 1C

Coldwater, ON L0K 1E0

We have now been open for a week, and we could not have asked for a better launch to our new physiotherapy, massage therapy and fitness clinic in Coldwater, Ontario.  The response we have received from the community of Coldwater has been overwhelming, and for this, we thank everyone.  

We were obviously nervous, as anyone should be, opening in the small town of Coldwater, but with Sarah's small town roots just north of here in the Severn Bridge area has allowed us to transition nicely into the community.

We are happy to offer physiotherapy, massage therapy and personal training.  We have met someone Sarah is in talks with to boost our fitness and personal training we can offer to the residents of Coldwater.  If you have any questions about what we offer in terms of physiotherapy, massage therapy and fitness, please do not hesitate to call or drop in.  We try to be here everyday and are trying to lock down the hours of operation.

Give us a call at 705-686-3688, email at info@activenorthphysiotherapy.com, or book online through www.activenorthphysiotherapy.com.

Again, thank you to the Coldwater and surrounding communities.

We are excited to see the renovations are underway!  The Rivers Pub in Coldwater, Ontario is being torn apart and remodelled into ActiveNorth Physiotherapy.  

It has been a quick process so far, and looks like we will be able to hit the target of opening in July in Coldwater.  We will be serving Coldwater and the surrounding area.  From Orillia to Midland, Moonstone to Horseshoe Valley.  

ActiveNorth Physiotherapy will be offering physiotherapy to MVA, WSIB and private insurance holders.  Massage and Private Training will be offered as well.  We look forward to sharing our experience and knowledge with everyone in the area!

If you have any questions, or want to find out more about us, contact us at info@activenorthphysiotherapy.com or visit us at www.activenorthphysiotherapy.com.