What Is the Best Pain Relief for Aching Joints?
Best Pain Relief for Aching Joints? A Chiropractor in Newmarket Explains
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re all too familiar with that nagging, persistent ache in your knees, hips, or shoulders. Maybe it’s that sharp twinge when you stand up after sitting too long, or the dull throb that keeps you awake at night. As a chiropractor in Newmarket, I’ve helped hundreds of patients find real relief from joint pain—and today, I want to share what actually works based on both clinical experience and evidence-based research.
Understanding Joint Pain: More Than Just “Getting Older”
Before we dive into solutions, let’s talk about why joints ache in the first place. While aging does play a role (thanks, cartilage wear-and-tear!), it’s rarely the sole culprit. At our Newmarket chiropractic clinic, we commonly see joint pain caused by:
- Misalignments (subluxations) putting uneven pressure on joints
- Inflammation from poor diet, stress, or repetitive motions
- Muscle imbalances that force joints to work harder than they should
- Previous injuries that never fully healed
The good news? Most joint pain responds incredibly well to conservative care—no surgery or heavy medications needed.
The Best Pain Relief Options for Aching Joints
1. Chiropractic Adjustments: Resetting Your Joints
As a chiropractor in Newmarket, I may be biased—but I’ve seen firsthand how precise spinal and extremity adjustments can transform joint function. When vertebrae or other joints are misaligned (even slightly), surrounding muscles tighten to compensate, creating a vicious cycle of stiffness and pain. A 2018 study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found chiropractic care significantly reduced osteoarthritis-related hip pain.
What to expect: Gentle, controlled movements restore proper alignment, taking pressure off irritated joints. Many patients report feeling “lighter” and more mobile immediately after adjustments.
2. Laser Therapy: Healing at the Cellular Level
At PhysioChiroWellness, we use class IV laser therapy—a game-changer for inflamed joints. Unlike ice packs that just numb pain temporarily, laser energy penetrates deep to:
- Reduce inflammation (the root cause of swelling/stiffness)
- Accelerate tissue repair
- Increase blood flow to damaged areas
A 2020 review in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine highlighted laser therapy’s effectiveness for knee osteoarthritis—patients reported up to 70% less pain after just 6 sessions.
3. Targeted Exercises: Strengthening Without Strain
“Resting” painful joints often makes things worse. Instead, we prescribe specific low-impact exercises that:
- Improve joint stability (think: resistance band work for weak knees)
- Restore range of motion (controlled mobility drills)
- Prevent future flare-ups
Health Canada’s physical activity guidelines emphasize that regular movement is crucial for joint health—we just need to do it smartly.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition: Eating for Joint Health
Here’s what we tell our Newmarket chiropractic patients:
- Turmeric & ginger: Natural COX-2 inhibitors (like ibuprofen, without gut damage)
- Omega-3s: Wild-caught fish or flaxseeds reduce inflammatory cytokines
- Bone broth: Packed with collagen to support cartilage
A 2019 study in Nutrients found that participants with knee OA who followed an anti-inflammatory diet for 12 weeks reported significantly less pain than the control group.
5. Shockwave Therapy: Jumpstarting Healing
For chronic joint pain (especially shoulders or elbows), radial shockwave therapy delivers pulsed energy to:
- Break down calcifications (common in rotator cuff injuries)
- Stimulate new blood vessel formation
- Trigger the body’s natural healing response
It’s FDA-approved and covered by many extended health plans—including ours at PhysioChiroWellness.
Why Drugs Aren’t the Best Long-Term Solution
While NSAIDs (like Advil) can provide temporary relief, Health Canada warns about risks like:
- Stomach ulcers (especially with prolonged use)
- Increased blood pressure
- Liver/kidney strain
They mask pain without addressing the underlying issue—like turning off a smoke alarm instead of putting out the fire.
When to See a Chiropractor in Newmarket
Consider booking a consultation if:
- Pain lasts more than 2 weeks
- Stiffness is worst in the mornings
- You’re relying on painkillers regularly
- Movement feels “crunchy” or limited
At PhysioChiroWellness, we conduct thorough assessments (including posture analysis and gait evaluation) to pinpoint exactly why your joints hurt—not just where.
What Our Patients Say
“I could barely walk upstairs before seeing Dr. Lee. After 6 weeks of adjustments and laser therapy, I’m gardening pain-free again!” – Margaret R., Newmarket
“Shockwave therapy fixed my frozen shoulder when nothing else worked.” – Daniel T., Aurora
Take the First Step Toward Pain-Free Living With Best Chiropractor in Newmarket
If aching joints are slowing you down, know this: You don’t have to just “live with it.” Our Newmarket chiropractic team creates personalized plans combining:
- Precise adjustments
- Cutting-edge modalities (laser/shockwave)
- Rehab exercises you can do at home
Ready to move without pain? Book your assessment from here or call (905) 836-0571.