Yes, you really can feel that autumn storm brewing.
When you were a kid, did you roll your eyes when you heard an "old" person (basically anyone over the age of 25) predicting a storm based on a twinge in their joints? (Yep, we did too.) And now, here we all are, starting fall with those same seasonal aches and pains. What gives?
Lots of people of all ages feel more stiffness when the weather cools. We're here to decode what’s happening in your body—and how red and near-infrared light therapy can keep you moving with ease all season long.
Why Your Joints Hurt More in the Fall
Crisper, colder days
Cooler temperatures aren't just a cue to bundle up—they cause muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues to contract. This can reduce blood flow and lead to stiffer and less flexible joints, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods. (Sound familiar?) Cold weather can also increase nerve sensitivity, making them more prone to send pain signals to the brain.
Atmospheric changes
Fall brings shifts in barometric pressure (those invisible changes in “weight” in the air before a new weather front arrives). As a storm is approaching, barometric pressure drops. Less external pressure on the body means more sensitive tissues, muscles, and tendons surrounding your joints can expand. This leads to pain or swelling, which can be especially pronounced if you have arthritis, injuries, or chronic joint conditions.
More sitting, less moving
As the days grow shorter and you spend less time outdoors, it’s natural to become more sedentary. But less movement means your joints don’t get the lubrication they need, which further exacerbates stiffness and inflammation. Add in the often dry, cold air—which reduces blood flow, especially to hands and feet—and you've literally got the perfect storm for seasonal joint flare-ups.
Increased dampness
In colder, more humid weather the lubrication for your joints (aka synovial fluid) naturally thickens and becomes less effective. This essentially lessens the cushion that absorbs shock between cartilage and bones, increasing stiffness and joint pain.
What Joints Feel Fall the Most?
While all of your joints can feel the fall shift, some are more vulnerable to seasonal changes than others.
- Knees: Oh, the creaks and pops that come this time of year! Knees love to complain in colder months. Most of us move less when it’s chilly—meaning knees don’t get the stretching and lubrication they crave.
- Hips: Fewer walks, less spontaneous stretching, and more time bundled up can quickly translate to tightness. Hips need regular motion to stay limber, so each skipped stroll or yoga session makes a difference.
- Lower back: Cool air invites everyone to hunch up, whether it’s while walking outside or snuggled under blankets. Add in all that sitting—at work, at home, or in the car—and your lower back feels the strain.
- Hands: Blame a combo of dry air (which pulls moisture from your skin and joints), reduced circulation as the body prioritizes keeping core organs warm, and the never-ending demands of typing, texting, and toting all those pumpkin spice treats.
- Shoulders: When we're cold, we tend to tense up without realizing it—especially in our shoulders. The result? Muscles tighten and those joints can start to ache. Combined with less physical activity and you’ve got a recipe for seasonal shoulder pain.
The good news? Staying active and cozying up with the right, non-invasive, drug-free self-care (hint: LED light therapy) can help keep your joints happy through fall and beyond.
How Celluma's Red & Near-Infrared Light Therapy Can Help
The red and near-infrared (NIR) wavelengths of light energy in Celluma's FDA-Cleared Pain Mode offer clinically supported relief for joint pain and stiffness. And our travel-friendly, shape-taking design delivers optimal light energy at close proximity to the treatment area.
Here’s how light therapy works to relieve achy joints and muscle pain:
- Improves circulation: Celluma's proprietary mix of red and near infrared light encourages better blood flow, delivering nutrients and increasing warmth and flexibility in areas more prone to getting cold and stiff.
- Boosts cellular energy (ATP): Red and near-infrared Light therapy stimulates your cells to make more energy, helping tissue heal faster and supporting joint health.
- Reduces inflammation: Science-backed wavelengths of light energy naturally calm inflammation, easing both pain and swelling.
- Promotes recovery: Regular use of your Celluma device (i.e. at least 3 times a week for 30 minutes) supports tissue repair, helping joints feel looser after strenuous activity and lessening the ache of chronic pain.
Shop our Pain Relief Collection to find your perfect Celluma device for fighting fall joint pain.
Support Seasonal Wellness with Celluma
Don't let the changing seasons sideline your wellness. With Celluma red and near-infrared light therapy, you can say so-long to joint pain and hello pumpkin patches and fall foliage road trips. Consistent use can help reduce inflammation, ease aches, improve mobility, and support your overall joint health—so you can enjoy everything autumn has to offer.
