Maryann – Orthomed Integrative Health Center- Northborough, MA

Does the Cold Cause Pain? Welcome To New England

Maryann — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 01:31:02 +0000

In New England, we all used to the throes of winter’s cold weather. Many of us have begun our winter training, and others of us settle in for the winter. But many of our patients often ask us, Why do my aches and pain increase in the cold? Whether you have chronic condition or long standing orthopedic problem, weather often magnifies your discomfort. In absence of absolute scientific proof, several discussions upon research provide proposed explanations for this cause, from barometric pressure, to decrease in blood flow to joints and elasticity of muscles and tendons, and even seasonal affective disorder may influence your perception of pain.

Decreased activity in the winter months contributes as well to increased risk for stiffness and joint pain.

It is absolutely true, that when it’s cold outside, it is more difficult for blood to circulate to our extremities, which can result in our pain receptors often times becoming more sensitive. Often times our conditions may not entirely be exacerbated but our nervous system may perceive the discomfort more intensely.

What can you do?

Fight the urge to hibernate and move more in the winter months
Get regular massage therapy to stimulate the nervous system to reduce inflammation and increase blood flow.
To address pain and increase flexibility
Consider doing warm-ups, like arm circles, knee ups before going outside into the cold.
Consider eating foods rich in Vitamin K and Vitamin C.
Dress in several layers before going out doors to allow for a progressive warm-up

Are Our Kids Getting Injured

Maryann — Mon, 04 Dec 2023 01:10:43 +0000

The best way to deal with a childhood sports injury is taking strategies to avoid them in the first place. Knowing these strategies can go a long way toward preventing injuries. Common reasons why our kids are getting injured by playing sports:

not training properly
not maintain flexibility
rapid growth during puberty

Types of Injuries

Back & Neck Injuries:

Head and neck injuries can occur often in athletes who perform in contact sports. Often we see our young patients, who have experiencing an impact injury while playing football, rugby, basketball, or a falling accident from events like, horse back riding and gymnastics. Neck injuries often include sprains, strains, and whiplash. We often see back injuries in our youth population commonly in contact sports like, football, ice hockey, weight lifting, rowing, lacross, figure skating and dancing.

Hand and Wrist Injuries:

Hands fingers and wrist injuries are common in sporting events where a fall has occurred.

Feet and Ankle Injuries:

Feet and ankles are particularly vulnerable in sports that involve a lot of running. Increased susceptibility of injury can occur where that youth has flat feet or high arches.

How to prevent Re-injury:

As you rest, and build back up your activity level to pre-injury, sports massage is incredibly helpful to help maximize healing and recovery. Your clinical massage therapist can treat structural imbalances and repetitive motor patterns that may influence performance and re-injury.