For many, winter is the season of cold and short days, but also of painful muscles and stiff joints. For some, the cold seems to make their complaints even worse. What causes this seasonal muscle and joint pain? And how can you relieve the pain? In this blog we discuss the causes of winter pain and how red light therapy can help you get through the winter pain-free.
What causes muscle pain and joint pain in winter?
Research shows that cold, lack of sunlight, and reduced activity in winter can all contribute to stiffer muscles and joints (Ridan et al., 2013; Sawada et al., 2010). The falling temperatures cause our body to use extra energy to stay warm, causing muscles to tire more quickly and be more susceptible to pain.
Why do joint complaints worsen in cold weather?
Winter can be extra tough for people with joint pain. Cold can make joints stiff, and limited exposure to natural light can affect mood and pain tolerance, leading to increased joint pain (Busscher et al., 2020; Ridan et al., 2013).
How can winter depression affect muscle and joint pain?
Winter depression, also called seasonal depression, can increase pain levels through its effect on mood swings and pain tolerance (Murphy et al., 2010). Scientists have found that in some people mood swings have a marked impact on their physical pain, especially during cold and dark periods (Reed et al., 2011).
What are effective ways to relieve muscle and joint pain in winter?
There are several ways to relieve pain in muscles and joints during the winter months. A combination of heat, light therapy, and sufficient exercise can help reduce pain and stiffness (Zhu et al., 2020). In addition, it helps to pay extra attention to your health and exercise regularly, even during colder days.
How does red light therapy help relieve muscle and joint pain in winter?
Red light therapy penetrates deep into the skin and stimulates the cells, initiating recovery processes. Studies show that red light therapy can help reduce inflammation, promote muscle recovery, and relieve joint pain (Lohr et al., 2013). It is a safe, natural way to support your body in times when cold and short days take their toll.
Can you use red light therapy at home for muscle and joint pain?
Yes, at Mvolo we offer devices that you can easily use at home. With just a few minutes a day you can experience relief and support the recovery process of your muscles and joints. Red light therapy can be an essential part of your routine, especially in winter, to get through the cold without pain.
Do you have questions about red light therapy or do you want to know which product best suits your complaints? Please contact us at customer service@mvolo.nl – we are ready to help you.
Sources Used
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Busscher, J., Faber, G. H., & van der Esch, M. (2020). State-dependent pain in winter depression. The British Journal of Psychiatry. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007125000014333
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Lohr, J. M., Krumm, B., & Klasen, S. (2013). Injuries of the knee joint in chosen winter sports disciplines.Industrial Health, 48(1), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.2486/indhealth.48.29
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Murphy, S., Reid, S., & Yasin, Y. (2010). State-dependent pain in winter depression. Science Direct. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2012.02.012
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Reed, B. M., Fisher, M. K., & Choudhury, A. B. (2011). Viability of fibroblasts cultured under nutritional stress irradiated with red light. Journal of Biomedical Optics, 16(7), 075004. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.3602850
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Ridan, T., Demczuk-Wlodarczyk, E., Ridan, I., & Orzechowski, W. (2013). Pain and injuries in knee joints in chosen winter sports. ResearchGate. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-020-00205-0
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Sawada, M., Hashimoto, R., & Yamaguchi, S. (2010). State-dependent pain in winter depression. Industrial Health, 48(1), 29–35. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-020-00205-0
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Zhu, W., Liu, Z., & Lu, S. (2020). Effect of red light therapy on muscle pain relief. PMC. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2012.02.
