Have you ever noticed your arthritis pain flaring up before it rains or worsening during cold, damp weather? If so, you’re not alone—and the struggle is real! Weather can have a significant impact on arthritis symptoms, leaving many feeling frustrated and searching for solutions.
At mPower Physical Therapy, we understand how weather-related arthritis pain affects your quality of life. That’s why we’re proud to offer Focus Shockwave Therapy, an innovative, non-invasive treatment designed to target arthritis pain at its source.
What Is Arthritis and Why Does It Hurt More in Certain Weather?
Before diving into how Focus Shockwave Therapy can help, let’s take a closer look at arthritis itself.
Osteoarthritis (OA), the most common form of arthritis, occurs when the cartilage in your joints gradually wears down. It can occur in any joint of your body but is seen most often in the knees, hips, spine, and small joints of your hands. The joint degeneration associated with OA leads to reduced blood flow and bone-on-bone contact, causing pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced mobility.
Now if you have arthritis, it’s likely that you’ve been able to “predict” the weather just by the feel of your joints. And no it’s not just your imagination—there’s a physiological reason behind that increase in pain! Here’s why:
- Barometric Pressure Drops: Changes in air pressure can cause joint tissues to expand, increasing pain and inflammation.
- Cold Temperatures: A drop in air temps can further stiffen muscles and joints, making movement more difficult.
- Humidity: High moisture levels can cause swelling, amplifying arthritis symptoms.
Traditional Treatments for Arthritis
For years now, we’ve been managing arthritis with a pretty standard treatment protocol. These conventional options for arthritis pain include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and discomfort
- Steroid injections (like Cortisone) to temporarily reduce inflammation
- Surgery, such as partial or total knee replacement, for severe cases
While these treatments can be effective, they often come with significant drawbacks, such as side effects, long recovery times, and temporary relief that doesn’t address the root cause of the problem.
A Better Solution: Focus Shockwave Therapy
At mPower Physical Therapy, we take a modern, comprehensive, and science-backed approach to arthritis treatment including Focus Shockwave Therapy as part of our holistic physical therapy programming. This non-invasive therapy uses acoustic waves to deliver mechanical energy directly to the affected tissues, targeting pain and inflammation at its source.
How Focus Shockwave Therapy Works
Using a handheld device, high-energy acoustic waves are delivered to the joint. These waves penetrate the skin and soft tissues, targeting areas of pain and inflammation. Here’s what happens next:
- Cellular Repair Stimulation: The therapy activates your body’s natural healing processes, including the generation of your own stem cells.
- Improved Blood Circulation: It increases blood flow to damaged areas, providing essential nutrients for healing.
- Immediate Pain Reduction: The waves help reduce nerve sensitivity, offering relief after just a few sessions.
- Breaking Down Calcifications: Shockwave therapy can also break apart calcifications in soft tissues, improving mobility and reducing stiffness.
Originally developed for breaking up kidney stones, Focus Shockwave Therapy has been adapted for orthopedic use and is a game-changer for arthritis treatment. Unlike medications or injections, it doesn’t just mask symptoms—it promotes the actual regeneration of damaged tissues, including cartilage, tendons, ligaments, and bone.
Benefits of Focus Shockwave Therapy
When applied as part of a comprehensive management strategy, Focus Shockwave Therapy can have a real impact on your quality of life. So what are some of the reasons patients turn to Focus Shockwave Therapy at mPower Physical Therapy?
- It’s Non-Invasive: No needles, no incisions, and no downtime.
- Safe and Effective: A proven treatment with minimal risk of side effects.
- Delivers Fast Results: Many patients experience relief within a few sessions.
- Long-Term Relief: By addressing the root cause of arthritis pain, Focus Shockwave Therapy provides lasting results.
At mPower PT, our focus is always on you. We’re proud to provide care that’s both evidence-based and deeply personal. What does that mean? It means we take the time to understand your unique needs, work to address the factors we can control, and do everything possible to help you avoid surgery. Our goal is simple: to empower you to live your best, pain-free life.
Practical Tips for Managing Weather-Related Arthritis Pain
While Focus Shockwave Therapy is a powerful tool, there are additional steps you can take to stay ahead of weather-related arthritis pain:
- Stay Warm: Layer up in cold weather and use heating pads on achy joints.
- Keep Moving: Low-impact exercises like walking or yoga can reduce stiffness and improve mobility.
- Hydrate: Drinking water supports joint lubrication and overall health.
- Focus on Recovery: Incorporate stretches and rest into your daily routine to avoid overuse injuries.
Take Control of Your Arthritis Pain Today
Weather doesn’t have to control how you feel. With Focus Shockwave Therapy, mPower Physical Therapy offers a solution that not only alleviates arthritis pain but also promotes long-term healing.
Ready to learn more? Contact mPower Physical Therapy today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you feel your best—rain, shine, or snow.
