While weather forecasters marvel at the possibility that one of the biggest El Nino phenomena is poised out in the Pacific, heating its waters, arthritis sufferers in the Pacific Northwest cringe at the thought of how increasingly damp weather that accompanies it will feed their pain. And they are not old couple smilingalone. Fellow sufferers all over the country know that winter will impact them even if El Nino does not. While technically speaking, winter neither causes arthritis nor changes its course; it does bring on arthritic pain. This is because as weather changes, so too does the pressure in the joints. As air pressure drops, signaling an oncoming winter storm, the tissues surrounding the joint swell a bit, just enough to apply pressure on the joint, bringing on stiffness and pain. As the pressure continues, the joints become inflamed, perhaps chronically so, and so the yearly ordeal has begun

How Proctor Chiropractic Can Get You Through The Winter in Tacoma

The word arthritis means joint inflammation, and while it does not actually involve the spine, our chiropractor can tailor a personalized treatment plan that may include any or all of the following to relieve your discomfort.

Massage therapy which not only relaxes the mental and musculoskeletal tension accompanying arthritic pain, but reduces joint inflammation at a cellular level, and stimulates the endorphin production which stops pain naturally.

Cold laser treatment which uses low-level laser light to penetrate the joint, bringing with it gentle heat that reduces swelling, increases circulation, and stimulates new cell growth.

Corrective exercises, when used as part of our active therapeutic movement technique, train muscles and teach proper form in order to relieve pressure on the joints. In the case of arthritis sufferers, our therapists coach patients through exercises and stretches they can use at home to increase the affected joint's range of motion and rebuild the strength of muscles weakened due to lack of use.

Don't tough out winter arthritis in Tacoma! Stop by Proctor Chiropractic Center today, now serving the areas of Tacoma, Proctor, Federal Way, Lakewood, Gig Harbor and Fife, WA. We’re here to help you this holiday season!