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As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring naturally invites us to move more, get outside, and re-engage with the activities we love. After a long winter—often filled with less activity, more time indoors, and increased stiffness—many people notice their strength, balance, and endurance just aren’t what they used to be. If you or a loved one are feeling this way, you’re not alone—and more importantly, you’re not stuck there. Spring is the perfect time to reset. 🌿 Why Winter Takes a Toll on Your Body During the colder months, it’s common to: Move less and sit more Avoid outdoor activities due to weather or safety concerns Experience increased joint stiffness and muscle weakness Feel a decline in balance and overall mobility For many individuals—especially those recovering from injury, managing neurological conditions, or aging in place—this seasonal slowdown can increase fall risk and impact independence. ☀️ A Fresh Start: Spring Is Your Opportunity to Rebuild Strength With better weather and brighter days, motivation naturally increases. But jumping back into activity too quickly can sometimes lead to setbacks or injury. That’s where Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) come in. Instead of guessing what your body can handle, therapy provides a safe, structured way to rebuild: Strength Balance Endurance Confidence in movement 🏡 Why In-Home Therapy Makes All the Difference With in-home PT and OT through Northshore Mobility and Wellness , care is delivered right in your environment—where you live, move, and function every day. This allows your therapy team to: Assess real-life challenges like stairs, layout, and daily routines Customize exercises to your home setup Improve safety and reduce fall risks where it matters most Help you return to meaningful daily activities more efficiently No travel. No waiting rooms. Just personalized care designed around you. 🌼 From Daily Tasks to Meaningful Moments Therapy isn’t just about exercises—it’s about getting back to living your life. Imagine being able to: Take a walk outside with confidence Safely navigate your home Complete daily tasks without pain or fatigue Spend time with family and friends more comfortably These are the real goals of PT and OT—and they become even more meaningful in the spring, when life naturally becomes more active. 🌸 Small Improvements = Big Independence One of the most powerful aspects of therapy is how small, consistent gains can lead to meaningful life changes. Improving balance can help prevent falls.Increasing strength can make everyday movements easier.Building endurance can give you more energy throughout your day. And perhaps most importantly—regaining confidence in your body can restore independence. 🌷 Make This Your Season to Feel Better If you’ve been feeling weaker, more unsteady, or less active after the winter months, now is the time to take that first step toward feeling better. You don’t have to navigate it alone. 👉 Ready to Spring Back to Movement? Let this season be your turning point. With personalized, in-home Physical and Occupational Therapy, you can safely rebuild strength, improve mobility, and get back to doing what you love—right where you are. 📞 Contact Northshore Mobility and Wellness today to learn how we can support your journey to feeling stronger, safer, and more independent this spring. Because feeling better isn’t just about movement—it’s about living fully. 🌿

Parkinson’s disease is being diagnosed at higher rates than ever before, affecting individuals and families across all walks of life. While age remains the greatest risk factor, Parkinson’s is not just a condition of the elderly—more people are being diagnosed earlier, often while still working, parenting, and living very active lives. As awareness grows, so does the importance of supportive, proactive care that helps individuals maintain independence and quality of life. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, balance, coordination, and often speech and daily function. Common symptoms include tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement, changes in posture, balance challenges, and difficulty with everyday tasks. While there is currently no cure, there are powerful tools that can significantly improve how patients feel and function—and physical and occupational therapy play a critical role. The Role of Physical Therapy in Parkinson’s Care Physical therapy focuses on improving movement, strength, balance, and mobility. For individuals with Parkinson’s, this can be life-changing. Physical therapists work with patients to: Improve balance and reduce fall risk Increase strength and flexibility Address gait changes such as shuffling or freezing Improve posture and overall mobility Build confidence with movement Targeted exercise has been shown to help slow functional decline, improve endurance, and support brain health. Many patients report feeling more steady, more capable, and more confident in their day-to-day lives after consistent physical therapy. How Occupational Therapy Supports Daily Living Occupational therapy helps patients maintain independence in the activities that matter most—getting dressed, cooking meals, working, writing, and participating in hobbies and social life. Occupational therapists help individuals with Parkinson’s by: Teaching energy conservation and movement strategies Adapting daily tasks to make them safer and easier Recommending adaptive equipment when needed Improving hand coordination and fine motor skills Supporting cognitive strategies for organization and focus Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, occupational therapy centers on function —helping patients continue to live life on their terms. Feeling Better Goes Beyond Physical Symptoms One of the most powerful benefits of physical and occupational therapy is how it helps patients feel better—not just physically, but emotionally. Parkinson’s can feel overwhelming and isolating. Therapy provides education, structure, encouragement, and a sense of control. Patients often feel more empowered, less fearful of movement, and more hopeful about what they can still do. Early Intervention Matters Starting therapy early—even at the time of diagnosis—can make a significant difference. Therapy is not just reactive; it is preventative. Building strength, balance, and movement strategies early can help preserve independence longer and improve long-term outcomes. A Holistic Approach to Living Well with Parkinson’s While Parkinson’s disease presents real challenges, it does not define a person’s life. With the right support system, including physical and occupational therapy, individuals can continue to move, engage, and thrive. If you or a loved one is living with Parkinson’s, know that help is available—and that feeling better is possible. Movement is medicine, and with guidance, encouragement, and expert care, patients can continue doing the things they love for years to come.

As the leaves change colors and fall gently to the ground, it’s easy to get caught up in the beauty of the season—but did you know that falling leaves can create hidden hazards around your home and neighborhood? Slippery leaves, wet grass, and uneven sidewalks can increase the risk of falls, especially for older adults or anyone recovering from an injury. Fall prevention is key , and physical therapy can play a huge role in keeping you safe, strong, and confident this season. Here’s how: Why Fall Prevention Matters Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries for older adults, and even minor falls can lead to serious complications. By being proactive and incorporating simple safety strategies, you can protect yourself while still enjoying the crisp autumn air. Top Fall Prevention Tips for Autumn 1. Keep Walkways Clear Rake leaves regularly and remove any wet or slippery debris from sidewalks, driveways, and entryways. Even a small pile of wet leaves can be surprisingly slippery! 2. Wear Proper Footwear Choose shoes with good traction and support. Avoid slick soles and sandals, especially when walking outdoors on damp or leaf-covered surfaces. 3. Strengthen Your Body with Physical Therapy Physical therapy isn’t just for post-injury recovery—it can also improve balance, strength, and coordination , reducing your risk of falling. Simple exercises like heel raises, mini squats, and balance training make a big difference. 4. Use Handrails and Assistive Devices Whenever possible, use handrails on stairs or ramps. If your therapist recommends a cane or walker, make sure it’s properly adjusted for your height and mobility. 5. Take Your Time Rushing through leaf-covered areas or wet sidewalks increases your risk of slipping. Walk slowly, take small steps, and stay aware of your surroundings. 6. Make Your Home Fall-Safe Bring the outdoors inside safely: remove loose rugs, keep pathways clear, and make sure your home is well-lit for shorter fall days. 🍁 Tip from a Physical Therapist: Incorporating daily strength and balance exercises, even just 10–15 minutes, can dramatically reduce your risk of falls. Staying proactive now will help you enjoy the season safely and confidently!

June marks Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month , a time to recognize the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, support those affected, and raise awareness about care strategies that improve quality of life. At North Shore Mobility & Wellness , we believe in the power of movement, function, and compassion. Our team of Physical and Occupational Therapists plays a vital role in supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s—not just to manage symptoms, but to promote independence, safety, and dignity . 🧠 Understanding the Challenge of Alzheimer’s Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, behavior, and eventually physical functioning. As the disease progresses, individuals often struggle with: Mobility and balance Self-care tasks (dressing, bathing, eating) Sensory processing and spatial awareness Communication and social participation This is where PT and OT become essential partners in care . 🏃‍♀️ How Physical Therapy Helps Physical Therapists focus on maintaining and improving: Mobility and strength: Keeping muscles active reduces deconditioning and promotes independence. Balance and fall prevention: Reduces risk of injury and supports safe movement at home and in the community. Gait training: Supports safe walking and movement using assistive devices when necessary. Pain management: Helps manage physical discomfort that can exacerbate confusion or agitation. Even in the later stages of Alzheimer’s, movement and physical engagement improve circulation, mood, and sleep patterns. 🖐 How Occupational Therapy Helps Occupational Therapists help individuals with Alzheimer’s maintain daily function through: Activities of daily living (ADLs): Helping with dressing, bathing, eating, and grooming strategies to support independence. Home safety assessments: Modifying the home environment to reduce fall risk, confusion, and sensory overload. Routine and structure: Creating simple, effective routines that decrease frustration and improve focus. Caregiver education: Teaching strategies to support communication, reduce agitation, and make daily tasks more manageable. OTs focus on preserving dignity and independence, meeting individuals where they are in their journey. 💜 Supporting Families & Caregivers We know Alzheimer’s affects more than just the person diagnosed—it impacts entire families. At North Shore Mobility & Wellness, we work with caregivers to: Provide hands-on training Offer emotional support Create safe and engaging care plans tailored to each individual’s stage of the disease You are not alone. With the right team and tools, there is still joy, connection, and movement to be found each day. 📅 This June, Let’s Take Action If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia, early intervention with PT and OT can make a meaningful difference. Let us help you stay strong, safe, and supported at every stage of the journey. 📞 Call us at 978-883-6026 📧 Email us at info@northshoremobilitypt.com 🌐 Learn more at www.northshoremobilitypt.com Together, we can honor Brain Awareness Month by empowering lives through movement, care, and compassion. 💜

Is Your Parent Slowing Down? Here’s How In-Home Physical Therapy Can Help Them Stay Independent By, Dr. Kayce Howard It starts small. Maybe your dad skips his morning walk a few days in a row. Or your mom hesitates on the stairs, holding the railing a little longer. These subtle changes can be easy to brush off—until one day you realize your parent just isn’t moving like they used to. Aging is natural, but that doesn’t mean losing independence is inevitable. That’s where in-home physical therapy comes in—a personalized, one-on-one way to help older adults stay strong, confident, and safe in their own space. At North Shore Mobility & Wellness , we bring therapy directly to your parent’s door—no clinic trips, no stress. Just expert care where they’re most comfortable: home . Here Are a Few Signs It Might Be Time to Consider In-Home PT: 🧍‍♂️ They’ve Had a Fall—or Almost Had One Even a “close call” is a warning sign. Falls are a leading cause of injury in older adults, and many are preventable with the right support.👉 Our therapists can evaluate their home, balance, and walking habits to reduce fall risks—something outpatient clinics rarely offer. ⏳ They’re Doing Less Than They Used To If your parent is skipping walks, spending more time sitting, or avoiding everyday tasks, they may be losing strength and mobility. That leads to more hesitation—and more risk. 👉 Our goal is to gently get them moving again with exercises that meet them exactly where they are. 🏥 They’re Recovering from a Hospital Stay or Surgery Post-op? Recent illness? These transitions are tough—especially if they’re still unsteady or not driving.👉 In-home PT ensures they don’t miss essential rehab sessions. We come to them, on their time. 🚶‍♀️ You’ve Noticed Balance or Walking Issues Shuffling feet, holding onto furniture, or complaints of feeling "off" all point to balance challenges.👉 We can help retrain their gait and strengthen stabilizing muscles to reduce the chance of a fall. 🛏 Everyday Tasks Are Becoming Harder Struggling to stand up, climb stairs, or get out of bed? These are early signs of functional decline—but also some of the most treatable with targeted physical therapy. Why Families Choose North Shore Mobility & Wellness We specialize in helping older adults stay safe, confident, and independent in the place they love most—home. Our mobile physical therapy services are fully personalized, insurance-friendly, and deeply rooted in compassion. Here’s what you can expect: ✅ No clinic visits required ✅ Flexible scheduling ✅ Medicare & most major insurances accepted ✅ Licensed physical therapists who truly care Let’s Keep Your Parent Independent—Together Wondering if in-home PT is the right step? We’re happy to chat. Reach out for a free phone consultation and let’s talk about how we can support your family. 📞 978-883-6026 📧 info@northshoremobilitypt.com 🌐 www.northshoremobilitypt.com

Spring Sports are back...Concussions happen. What is a Concussion? A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells. Concussions are Serious Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious and multiple concussions can have lasting effects. Concussion Signs and Symptoms Children and teens who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body, may have a concussion or more serious brain injury. Concussion Signs " What to look out for" d Can’t recall events prior to  or after  a hit or fall. Appears dazed or stunned. Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position, or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent. Moves clumsily. Answer questions slowly. Loses consciousness (even briefly) . Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes. Concussion Symptoms Headache or “pressure” in head. Nausea or vomiting. Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision. Bothered by light or noise. Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy. Confusion, or concentration or memory problems. Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down”. Signs and symptoms generally show up soon after the injury. However, you may not know how serious the injury is at first and some symptoms may not show up for hours or days. For example, in the first few minutes your child or teen might be a little confused or a bit dazed, but an hour later your child might not be able to remember how he or she got hurt. You should continue to check for signs of concussion right after the injury and a few days after the injury. If your child or teen’s concussion signs or symptoms get worse, you should take him or her to the emergency department right away. Get a Heads Up: Concussion Video Written by : Dr. Kayce Howard, PT, DPT, CFPS, CLT, DN Cert. Certified Fall Prevention Specialist Certified Lymphedema Therapist PWR! Moves Certified Therapist Owner: Northshore Mobility & Wellness Cell Phone: (978) 636-5200 Company Phone: (978) 883-6026 Company Fax: (781) 208-0918 E-mail: kc@northshoremobilitypt.com Get more info on our website: www.northshoremobilitypt.com Register as a New Patient:  New Patient Registration

The Essential Nutritional Elements for Optimal Healing and Recovery In the pursuit of a healthy and active lifestyle, our bodies often encounter wear and tear, whether it be from strenuous exercise, injuries, or simply the passage of time. Proper nutrition plays a vital role in supporting the healing process, aiding in the repair of muscles, bones, and overall recovery. Understanding the key nutritional elements necessary for optimal healing can significantly enhance one's ability to bounce back from physical challenges and maintain peak performance. Here, we delve into the best nutritional elements for promoting healing and recovery in the human body. Protein: Protein is the cornerstone of tissue repair and muscle recovery. It provides the essential building blocks, amino acids, required for repairing damaged muscle fibers and promoting growth. Incorporating high-quality protein sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and tofu into your diet is crucial for supporting muscle repair and overall recovery. Additionally, consuming protein-rich foods shortly after exercise can enhance muscle protein synthesis, accelerating the recovery process. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid), are renowned for their anti-inflammatory properties and their ability to support joint health. These essential fats can help alleviate inflammation, reduce muscle soreness, and promote faster recovery following intense physical activity or injury. Fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, as well as flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts, are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids that can aid in the healing process. Antioxidants: Antioxidants play a crucial role in combating oxidative stress and inflammation, which are common culprits in delaying the healing process and exacerbating tissue damage. Vitamins C and E, along with minerals such as selenium and zinc, are potent antioxidants that help neutralize free radicals and support tissue repair. Including a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, citrus fruits, spinach, kale, and bell peppers in your diet ensures ample intake of these healing antioxidants. Calcium and Vitamin D: Calcium and vitamin D are essential nutrients for maintaining strong and healthy bones. Calcium provides the structural framework for bones, while vitamin D facilitates calcium absorption and bone mineralization. Adequate intake of these nutrients is crucial for bone repair and preventing fractures. Dairy products, fortified plant-based milk, leafy greens, almonds, and canned fish with bones are excellent sources of calcium, while vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight exposure and fortified foods like fortified dairy alternatives and cereals. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the primary fuel source for energy production during physical activity and play a vital role in replenishing glycogen stores in muscles after exercise. Consuming carbohydrates post-exercise helps replenish energy stores, reduce muscle breakdown, and promote faster recovery. Opt for complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and legumes, which provide sustained energy release and essential nutrients for recovery. Hydration: Proper hydration is essential for facilitating nutrient transport, maintaining electrolyte balance, and supporting overall physiological function. Water is vital for flushing out toxins, lubricating joints, and promoting cellular repair and regeneration. Adequate hydration is particularly crucial during periods of intense physical activity or illness when fluid losses are increased. Aim to drink plenty of water throughout the day and replenish fluids lost through sweat during exercise. Incorporating the right combination of nutritional elements into your diet is paramount for promoting healing, muscle repair, bone health, and overall recovery. A well-balanced diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, calcium, vitamin D, carbohydrates, and adequate hydration can optimize the body's ability to heal and bounce back from physical challenges effectively. By prioritizing nutrient-dense foods and staying hydrated, you can support your body's natural healing processes and maintain peak performance levels in the long term. Written by Dr. Kayce Howard, PT, DPT

What is Cold Laser therapy and how can it help? Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes low-intensity laser light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation. While the exact mechanisms of action are not fully understood, several theories suggest how cold laser therapy may speed up recovery for muscle injuries: Increased Cellular Metabolism: Cold laser therapy is thought to stimulate cellular metabolism within muscle tissues. The photons of laser light are absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, leading to an increase in cellular ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production. ATP is essential for cellular energy metabolism and plays a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration. By enhancing cellular metabolism, cold laser therapy may accelerate the healing process in injured muscles. Enhanced Blood Circulation: Cold laser therapy has been shown to improve microcirculation and increase blood flow to the injured area. This enhanced blood circulation helps deliver oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells to the site of injury, promoting tissue repair and removal of metabolic waste products and inflammatory mediators. Improved blood flow also facilitates the removal of excess fluid and reduces swelling, which can expedite the healing process and alleviate pain associated with muscle injuries. Reduction of Inflammation: Cold laser therapy has anti-inflammatory effects that can help mitigate the inflammatory response associated with muscle injuries. The laser light modulates the release of inflammatory cytokines and mediators, such as prostaglandins and interleukins, leading to a reduction in swelling, pain, and tissue damage. By dampening inflammation, cold laser therapy creates a more favorable environment for tissue repair and regeneration, ultimately speeding up the recovery process. Promotion of Tissue Repair and Regeneration: Cold laser therapy has been shown to stimulate the production of growth factors, such as fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), which play key roles in tissue repair and regeneration. These growth factors promote the proliferation of fibroblasts, collagen synthesis, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), facilitating the remodeling and repair of injured muscle tissues. By promoting tissue repair and regeneration, cold laser therapy accelerates the healing process and restores normal function to the injured muscles. Pain Modulation: Cold laser therapy has analgesic (pain-relieving) effects that can help alleviate pain associated with muscle injuries. The laser light stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural pain-relieving chemicals, and modulates pain transmission pathways in the nervous system. This pain relief allows individuals to engage in rehabilitation exercises more comfortably, promoting mobility and function in the injured muscles and further facilitating recovery. Overall, cold laser therapy offers a non-invasive and drug-free approach to accelerating the healing process for muscle injuries. By promoting cellular metabolism, enhancing blood circulation, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and alleviating pain, cold laser therapy can effectively expedite recovery and restore function to injured muscles. However, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if cold laser therapy is suitable for your specific condition and to receive proper guidance on treatment protocols. If you think Cold Laser Therapy would benefit you or someone you know, reach out and give us a Call (978)883-6026 or send us an email at info@northshoremobilitypt.com for a Free consultation.

We are all spending more and more time on our butts! Sitting for prolonged periods of time is detrimental to both physical and mental health. We spend a lot of time sitting down: when we are driving, eating, watching TV, doom scrolling videos, falling into a social media wormhole, or sometimes actually working at our desks. Musculoskeletal Issues: Sitting for extended periods can lead to musculoskeletal problems such as neck pain, back pain, and tightness in the hips and shoulders. Maintaining a seated position for long durations can cause muscle imbalances and stiffness, particularly in the back and lower body. Poor Posture: Sitting for long periods often leads to poor posture = Pain Slouching or rounding of the shoulders, forward head posture, and a curved lower back all place excessive strain on the spine and contribute to discomfort and pain. Increased Risk of Chronic Diseases: Research has linked prolonged sitting with an increased risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer. Sitting for long periods is associated with lower energy expenditure and decreased metabolic rate, which can contribute to weight gain and metabolic disturbances. Negative Impact on Mental Health: Sedentary behavior, including prolonged sitting, has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes, including increased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. Physical inactivity can affect neurotransmitter levels and mood-regulating hormones, leading to mood disturbances and decreased overall well-being. Impact on Cognitive Function: Prolonged sitting may negatively affect cognitive function, including memory, attention, and executive function. Reduced blood flow and oxygen delivery to the brain, as well as decreased neurotransmitter activity, may contribute to cognitive decline associated with sedentary behavior. Shortened Life Expectancy: Several large-scale studies have found associations between sedentary behavior and mortality risk. For example, a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology analyzed data from over 120,000 adults and found that sitting for more than 6 hours per day was associated with a higher risk of mortality from all causes, compared to sitting for less than 3 hours per day. What can we do to prevent all this? Take a BREAK: It's important to incorporate movement breaks throughout the day, engage in regular physical activity, and minimize sedentary behavior whenever possible. By breaking up long periods of sitting with short bursts of activity and adopting a more active lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of chronic disease, live longer, stay stronger, and improve overall well-being. Movement Break Stretch & Strengthen: Standing Backward Reach- Stand facing away from a wall, 6-8 inches away from the wall. Next, reach overhead and back to touch the wall overhead. Maintain balance. Hip Flexor Stretch- While standing position with one leg out in front of the other, lean forward and bend your front knee until a stretch is felt along the front hip area of the back leg. Low Back/ Hamstring Stretch- Start by standing with your feet together and your hands on the back of a chair or counter top for support. Next, lean forward for a gentle stretch to your low back/hamstrings. Squats with hip thrust- Stand with feet shoulder width apart and toes pointed forward. Bend knees and lower buttock towards floor keeping your back straight and bending at your hips. Emphasize your weight going through your heels. For good knee alignment, do not let your knees pass in front of your toes. As you come up to standing squeeze your bottom and push hips forward slightly. Shoulder Rows- Pull your elbows next to your body, squeezing your shoulder blades. Slowly return to the starting position and repeat. Toe/Heel Raises- While standing, raise up on your toes as you lift your heels off the ground, lower back down and then raise up your toes and forefoot. Lower back down and repeat. Remember to take your Movement Breaks instead of scrolling through social media or watching videos, as well as do too much. Make a new active break routine, you can break up long periods of sitting, improve circulation, reduce muscle stiffness, and boost energy levels—all of which contribute to better mental and physical health. Enjoy! Keep moving y’all! Kayce Howard, PT, DPT, CFPS, Cert.DN www.northshoremobilitypt.com

Why Do My Joints Hurt When It Rains? It’s obvious that your arthritis responds to changes in barometric pressure. When there’s a rainstorm, atmospheric pressure drops. As soon as your body detects this change, it makes your soft tissues swell up. As a result, fluid in the joints expands. Unfortunately, the expansion and contraction that takes place around the joints can irritate your nerves and cause pain. Your pain may also occur because worn-out cartilage in the joints allows exposed nerves to respond to changes in pressure. Another reason for increased arthritic pain could be because the change in atmospheric pressure causes your tendons, muscles, and scar tissue to contract and expand. Consequently, this creates pain in joints with arthritis. Reduced temperatures may also cause the fluid in the joints to thicken and feel stiff. You may also feel greater pain when the weather doesn’t allow you to move around the way you usually do. The truth is that you’ll spend more time indoors and restrict your movement when it’s rainy or cold outside. This can make your inactive joints become stiff and ache more. How to Reduce Weather-Induced Joint Pain It’s not necessary for you to move to a tropical climate to avoid this kind of pain. Use these ideas to get relief from weather-induced joint pain: Keep yourself warm: When the external temperature drops, take a warm shower to stay warm. Wear warm socks and gloves. Dress in layers in the daytime and increase the heat in your home at night or sleep with an electric blanket. Stay active: Use exercises like yoga, Pilates, and swimming, which put less pressure on the joints, to build up muscle strength. Begin exercise gradually: When you want to exercise or jog outdoors, start with stretches that will warm up your muscles first. Stay hydrated: When you’re dehydrated, your sensitivity to pain increases. If you expect aches and pains due to pending weather, be proactive. Talk to your orthopedist about taking anti-inflammatory medication. You can also use glucosamine to reduce joint stiffness. Physical therapy can also help reduce the effect of joint pain on your day to day life. If you're suffering from chronic joint pain caused by osteoarthritis or other forms of degenerative joint disease, reach out for an assessment and see how North Shore Mobility & Wellness can help you manage and decrease your pain. Call us anytime at 978-883-6026 or fill out a new patient intake form.