Can Knee Swelling Predict Weather?
May 8, 2013
"Kooky Uncle Jess' knee is acting up again…"
"Yup, storm's a-comin'.'"
You may have a quirky family member who predicts weather patterns like Uncle Jess, and who stands by their claim that a good ole fashion "nor'easter" is about to hit and ruin your family picnic. As health-related myths are concerned, this one certainly has a lot of subscribers. But is it scientific?
We searched high and low for a study to validate or debunk this theory and found some interesting connections.
Dr James Fant, MD an Associate Professor of Medicine and Rheumatology at the School of Medicine's University Specialty Clinic weighed in on the subject. He stated that there was "not a lot of scientific evidence to support the correlation between arthritic symptoms and the weather, but I've been practicing for nearly 20 years and I've heard it so often from so many patients that I know there's something to it."
It seems that knee arthritis symptoms are affected by weather, not necessarily that knee swelling is the prediction of bad weather. Dr. Timothy McAlindon, MD, MPH, Chief of Rheumatology and Professor of Medicine at Tufts University conducted a study involving 200 people with knee osteoarthritis with an average age of 60 living across the United States. Researchers gathered weather conditions from weather stations located close to the study participants and found "that greater pain was associated with an increase in barometric pressure and with lower ambient temperature."
Sometimes, changes in barometric pressure can cause knee swelling. This is due to less atmospheric pressure holding tissue back from swelling. Colder weather can also affect stiff or sore knee joints and cause increased knee pain; however, there has been no scientific study to connect knee or joint swelling with a coming weather pattern.
One thing we know for sure… knee exercises can help relieve your knee pain and get you back to enjoying the activities you want.
Perhaps it's best to leave the meteorological prognostication to the weathermen and women.
Suggested Resources
September 2, 2021
Breathing Techniques & Impact on Exercise
Overview
Breathing plays a critical role in all factors of life. Effective breathing allows an efficient transfer of oxygen from the outside air. The oxygen is then transported to our muscles and organs. When your respiratory muscles are strong and well-trained, you are more capable of supplying your body with more oxygen. Ample oxygen supply not only assists in supplying our muscles with energy but also helps us to recover at a faster rate.
Breathing & Cardiovascular Endurance
Cardiovascular endurance refers to your body’s ability to supply your muscles with the necessary oxygen it needs to perform a physical activity over a longer period of time. Your body uses this energy system for most activities that last longer than 30 seconds. Breathing and cardiovascular endurance are directly correlated. The stronger your respiratory muscles are, the better you can expect your cardiovascular endurance to be. When the muscles are provided with ample oxygen, they are less likely to fatigue and are better equipped to remove toxic byproducts that are produced as a result of contractions. Breathing is also essential in cardiovascular recovery. This means that the body can resume activity with a shorter break.
Breathing & Resistance Training
Developing proper breathing patterns during resistance training can also help to increase ability and performance. It is recommended that you exhale during the movement part of the exercise and inhale between repetitions or the less intense portion of the exercise. Proper breathing during resistance training can help to regulate heart rate, supply muscles with additional energy, and ensure that proper form is maintained. Irregular breathing patterns during exercise can often disrupt movement patterns as an exercise is being performed. It is important not to hold your breath for an extended period of time, especially if you are lifting something heavy!
Breathing & Relaxation
Breathing techniques can be utilized as an effective way to help promote relaxation! Whether you are preparing for a challenging exercise, getting ready for a long run, or cooling down after some tough exercises, focusing on your breathing can help enhance focus, calm down tense muscles, and settle down your heart rate. When we are calm and relaxed we are more likely to perform an exercise at a higher level! Taking some time to focus on your breathing after exercising is also an effective way to help transition the body from a state of activity to inactivity. Supplying the muscles with additional oxygen is a great way to kickstart the recovery process immediately after exercise.
If you have been neglecting the way you have been breathing as you exercise or even perform mundane activities around the house it is time to start paying attention! This could have a direct impact on how quickly you fatigue and how fast you recover.
Read More
February 12, 2021
Sleeping Techniques
Overview
Sleeping can be a source of frustration for many of us who struggle to get comfortable. Pain is often the source of this frustration and can affect our energy levels on a daily basis. Certain positions you may find yourself in may not only be contributing to existing pain but could be the root cause of your pain. Everyone finds a different sleeping position comfortable. There are positives and negatives for each position.
Back Sleepers
This position is great for shoulder and hip health. For those of us who find sleeping on our backs the most comfortable, the development of low back pain or neck pain can be common. Selecting the proper pillow is essential. A pillow that is too stiff or large can prop the head up too much leading to a forward head tilt and weak or tight muscles in the front of the neck. A smaller pillow, or even no pillow at all, allows for a natural curvature of the upper spine. This can help to alleviate any pain experienced in the neck, shoulders, or upper back. Placing a pillow under the knees while sleeping in this position can also take a lot of pressure off the lower back. It is also important to note that sleeping with your arms above your head is generally unhealthy and can cause or contribute to shoulder pain.
Side Sleepers
There are a few points of emphasis when sleeping on your side that should be taken into account to help improve joint health and limit pain. The pillow you choose should be firm enough to keep your neck in proper alignment. A pillow that is too soft could lead to neck and shoulder pain on the bottom shoulder. A pillow that is too stiff can lead to pain on the top shoulder. You should be cognizant of your chin position. A forward head tilt can also be a root cause of chronic neck pain. It is recommended that a pillow, or another object, be placed between the legs. This also takes some pressure off of the lower back and keep proper alignment of the hips.
Stomach Sleepers
Generally speaking, sleeping on your stomach is unhealthy. This position could be causing chronic pain in your neck, back, hips or shoulders. Due to the fact most of your weight is in the middle of your body, keeping your spine in alignment is difficult. In order to breathe in this position, you will be forced to tilt your head to one side or the other. This can put your cervical spine out of alignment causing neck and shoulder pain. If you cannot sleep in another position, it is recommended that a small, or no pillow, be used at all to help preserve that alignment. Placing a pillow under the hips will alleviate excess pressure on the lower back.
SimpleTherapy is a great resource to help manage any chronic discomfort you might be having. If you feel as though sleep is contributing to any pain, it is recommended that you complete sessions regularly.
Read More
January 26, 2020
SimpleTherapy is a Shortlister Top Corporate Musculoskeletal Vendor!
We are thrilled to announce that SimpleTherapy has been selected by Shortlister as one of the Top Corporate Musculoskeletal Vendors!
Shortlister helps employers and consultants find HR service and technology providers. It is the #1 marketplace for finding and selecting vendors in the wellness, HR technology and benefits space.Shortlister offers:Vendors
Hundreds of vendors have completed profiles in Shortlister, so you can learn about any vendor in minutes. (Here is SimpleTherapys'!)Matching Algorithm
Our proprietary matching algorithm will consider your important search criteria, like budget, program goals, and demographics, to provide the best vendor options for your needs. There is no way for vendors to "buy rank" in the algorithm.Summary & Comparison Reporting
Once you're happy with the grouping, you can generate an executive summary to share with your team and when you've got consensus, request proposals from the group of vendorsExpert Support
If you feel like you need expert support in designing your search process, selecting finalists or just want a resource with a lot of experience in overseeing vendor selection processes, the pros at Sortlister have the experience to help.Read More
November 14, 2019
Meet our Health Coaching Team!
This month, we want to highlight our Health Coaching team! Without each one of these individuals, we would not be able to deliver the quality care to our members and follow up with their progress. Our Health Coaches keep participants accountable and address questions or concerns to guide them along their pain recovery journey.
Tae Won Kim
Tae has long combined an interest in clinical research and a passion for aiding those needing medical help. Born in South Korea and raised in New Jersey, Tae received his BS in Chemistry from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and his MD from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Tae has been involved in research throughout his career. As a senior orthopedic resident, he was the Editor-in-Chief of the University of Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Journal. He has numerous publications in the field of joint replacement and has studied the way research in orthopedic surgery is performed.
Tae co-founded SimpleTherapy Inc. and now channels his research interest as the Chief Research Officer. He is also currently the co-director of the orthopedic oncology division at the MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper University in Camden, New Jersey.
Jeff Chiappa PT, DPT, MS
Jeff has been the Director of Therapy Programs for 5 years at Simple Therapy. Jeff is the owner of Synergy Sports & Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Malvern, PA. Jeff has been an outpatient orthopedic physical therapist for 20 years.
Jeff grew up in Malvern Pennsylvania attended Great Valley High School and went to Dickinson College where he obtained a Bachelor’s in Science in Biology. Jeff graduated from Widener University Institute for Physical Therapy with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy. He then began his career in orthopedic working for a large orthopedic group, where he eventually became the director of rehab for four offices. Along the way, he obtained his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Temple University in 2010.
Jeff and his wife Jeannine are both physical therapists who met working at Bryn Mawr Rehab in Malvern, PA. Jeff has three children and he and his wife foster Seeing Eye Dogs for the Seeing Eye Dog Program located in Moorestown, NJ.
Jon Garino
Jon has two years of experience in the digital healthcare profession. He graduated the University of Maryland in 2017 as a member of the University’s Lacrosse team for 5 years. He then played a year of professional lacrosse for the New York Lizards. During his time in athletics, Jon developed a tremendous passion and profound understanding of exercise science, physical fitness, and exercise therapy. Jon has taken these passions to the SimpleTherapy team where he is now an ISSA certified exercise therapist and strength & conditioning coach, as well as a certified REBT life coach along with his lead role in customer success. In his free time, Jon likes to travel, snowboard, play lacrosse, and spend time with friends and family.
Darla Gonzales
Darla has been in the health care field for over 8 years she has experience in orthopedics and MSK solutions. As a SimpleTherapy health coach, she assists and guides members to the correct program and provides them with educational information to help improve their health. A fun fact about Darla is she loves to watch black and white films!
Log in today to continue progressing yourself via our app and don't forget to check in with your health coach! We are here to help you ??
Read More
August 7, 2018
Why Do My Feet Swell When I Fly?
You might have noticed and wondered why your feet and ankle swell during long flights? The reason for this physiologic swelling is due to a combination of air cabin pressure, dependent position of the feet, and immobility.
The body relies on the muscles of the lower leg, calf, and ankles to help circulate blood and return it to the heart. However, during long periods of immobilization, the process is disrupted and this causes increased pressure in the blood vessels causing engorgement and swelling of the foot and ankle. It is also this lack of mobility why some people have developed blood clots during air travel.
While the risk of swelling or blood clots cannot be fully eliminated, it can be minimized with periodic movement of the foot and ankle. Many airlines have published exercises designed to keep muscles limber and stretched out during long flights in their in-flight magazines. Alternatively, SimpleTherapy can provide engaging, short duration, exercises programs designed to improve blood flow and circulation to the extremities to minimize swelling and stiffness during travel.
Safe travels!
Read More