If you’re suffering from joint pain, you’re definitely not alone. According to the Arthritis Society, about 6 million Canadians have arthritis — which is about 1 in every 5 people. Although there’s no official cure for this chronic health condition, many sufferers will take pain medications to relieve inflammation in the joints. 

While some over-the-counter medications might help, there are other ways to alleviate stiffness. Because many pills can cause uncomfortable side effects, people are turning to a more natural approach instead. 

Read on to discover some of the best ways to relieve joint pain, without painkillers and prescription meds. 

Try Hot & Cold Therapy

Did you know a warm shower can help loosen stiff joints? Common problem areas include the hands, wrists, ankles and feet. Spend a few extra moments in the morning taking a long, warm shower. At night, soak your entire body in a relaxing bath. Then use a heating pad or electric blanket to keep your joints loose while you sleep. 

Meanwhile, cold therapy can be just as helpful. Also known as cryotherapy, it can significantly reduce inflammation by reducing blood flow to specific areas. Cold therapy can also ease pain by slowing down nerve activity. Next time you’re tempted to reach for painkillers, try using a frozen gel pack or coolant spray instead. 

Use Epsom salts

Epsom salts, which can be found at most drugstores, are very effective in relaxing the muscles. Simply add a cup to your bath water and mix it in. This process will break down the salt into magnesium and sulfate. When you soak in an Epsom salt bath, these compounds have an opportunity to seep into your body through the skin. You’ll find your joints and muscles will become much more relaxed. For best results, make sure you sit in the bath for at least 12 minutes. 

Book an acupuncture session

Based on an ancient philosophy, acupuncture is used to restore and rebalance damaged neuromuscular structures. Not only is this popular therapy used to treat headaches and insomnia, it can also provide relief for many joint tension disorders. 

Acupuncture works by stimulating specific pressure points using very fine needles. This kickstarts the body’s own ‘healing mechanism’, releasing a flood of pain-releasing chemicals. It also releases endorphins, which are natural hormones that reduce the overall feeling of pain. 

When performed by a certified professional, acupuncture is very effective in relaxing the body, reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow. If you’re interested in exploring acupuncture for joint discomfort, get in touch with an acupuncturist at a Physiomed near you. 

Lose Weight

There’s a very big connection between joint pain and weight. Extra weight puts more pressure on the joints, especially in the hips, knees and feet. One of the best ways to reduce this stress is to lose weight. Not only will this relieve pain, but it will also improve your mobility and prevent further joint damage. 

At Physiomed, we offer a number of treatments for body weight management. Our trained kinesiologists can provide clinical conditioning exercise programs that deliver long-term results. Also ask about our nutritional counselling services that involve customized menu planning and sound dietary advice. 

Try Massage Therapy

Credited with promoting relaxation and rehabilitation of the muscles, massage therapy is an excellent way to treat a variety of joint disorders. To soften your tendons and muscle tissue, a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT) will use a combination of manual techniques. These strategic moves will involve rolling, kneading and stretching along the problem areas. 

If you’re suffering from rheumatoid arthritis, massage can improve circulation through the affected joints. This effective therapy can decrease tension and improve overall mobility. The RMTs at Physiomed are highly-qualified to treat a number of joint disorders, including osteoarthritis and gout. Often times, massage therapy will be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physiotherapy and chiropractic care.  

Physiomed for Joint Disorders

Physiomed takes a whole-body approach to joint pain management. Our team of healthcare professionals can create a customized plan to help you deal with symptoms and improve your overall quality of life. If joint pain is affecting your family commitments and other daily activities, get in touch to discover how our natural treatments can help.

For more information on treating joint pain or to book an assessment, contact us here.