As September ends in Edmonton, cooler mornings and shorter days are arriving. For many people, that also means more stiffness in the knees, hips, hands, shoulders, or lower back.
If your joints ache more when the temperature drops, you may wonder whether the cold is actually affecting your body, or whether it is simply coincidence. You may also be searching for natural options, including red light therapy for pain.
The short answer is that cold weather may worsen symptoms for some people, but the science is not completely settled. Red light therapy may help support pain relief and recovery for certain conditions, although it should be viewed as a complementary option rather than a cure.
Does cold weather really make joint pain worse?
For many people, yes. People with osteoarthritis, previous joint injuries, or chronic inflammation often report more pain and stiffness during cold, damp, or rapidly changing weather.
A 2014 study found that a significant number of people with osteoarthritis believed weather affected their joint symptoms. However, personal experience does not always match research findings. Some studies report an association between weather and pain, while others find little or no meaningful connection.
A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis examined weather and musculoskeletal pain across multiple conditions. Its findings support a cautious conclusion: weather may influence pain for some people, but the relationship varies depending on the condition, the individual, and the specific weather factors involved. In other words, the effect is possible, but it is not universal.
Cold weather also does not usually mean that your joint is being damaged. It may make an existing problem feel more noticeable without causing new arthritis or structural injury.
What does the science actually say?
Several explanations have been proposed for weather-related joint pain. None fully explains every person’s experience.
Reduced blood flow
Cold temperatures cause blood vessels near the skin and extremities to narrow. This helps your body conserve heat, but it may also contribute to stiffness or discomfort in the hands, feet, and other areas.
Thicker synovial fluid
Synovial fluid helps lubricate joints. Some sources suggest that cold may increase its thickness, making movement feel less smooth. This is one proposed mechanism, but it has not been proven as the sole cause of weather-related pain.
Barometric pressure changes
Changes in atmospheric pressure may affect the tissues surrounding a sensitive joint. The theory is that tissues may expand slightly when pressure falls, increasing discomfort in a joint that is already inflamed or restricted.
Cleveland Clinic notes that studies on this topic show different results and that the mechanism remains uncertain. The best scientific answer is not that “rain causes arthritis,” but that weather changes may influence pain perception in certain people.
Less movement
This explanation may be especially important. When it is cold, dark, or icy outside, many people walk less and spend more time sitting indoors. Reduced activity can cause muscles and joints to become stiffer.
Mood and pain sensitivity
Shorter days and reduced outdoor time may affect mood, sleep, and stress. These factors can influence how strongly pain is perceived, even when the joint itself has not changed.
Why joints feel stiffer in Edmonton winters specifically
Edmonton winters combine several factors that can make joint discomfort more noticeable:
- Dry, cold air that encourages people to stay indoors.
- Sudden temperature changes between heated buildings and outdoor air.
- Snow and ice that make walking more difficult.
- Less outdoor activity and fewer casual walks.
- Shorter daylight hours that can affect routines and mood.
- More time sitting at a desk, in a vehicle, or at home.
- Cold muscles and connective tissues that need more time to warm up.
This does not mean Edmonton weather causes arthritis. It means the combination of cold, inactivity, and seasonal routine changes may make existing pain or stiffness more difficult to manage.
For more information, you can also read Wave Therapy’s guide on red light versus infrared light therapy for chronic pain.
Can red light therapy help joint pain when it’s cold out?
It may help some people, but there is an important distinction: red light therapy has not been proven to specifically prevent cold-weather joint pain.
Red light therapy, also called photobiomodulation, uses low levels of red and near-infrared light. The light is thought to interact with cellular structures, including mitochondria, which produce energy for cells. Researchers are studying whether this process may support circulation, tissue repair, and a balanced inflammatory response.
The red light therapy science is promising in some areas, but still developing. A review in Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology found potential benefits for knee osteoarthritis, including pain and function improvements in some studies. However, the review also identified inconsistent results, different treatment protocols, and uncertainty about the ideal wavelength and dose.
That means red light therapy may be useful as one part of a broader winter pain-management plan. It should not replace medical assessment, exercise, physiotherapy, medication prescribed by a clinician, or treatment for an underlying condition.
Red light therapy may support:
- Joint pain relief.
- Osteoarthritis-related knee discomfort.
- Inflammation management.
- Muscle recovery after exercise.
- Soft-tissue recovery.
- Circulation and cellular repair.
- Wound-healing support.
- Skin rejuvenation.
- Collagen production.
- Improved skin tone and texture.
- Fine lines and wrinkles.
- Acne support.
- Scar appearance.
- Cellulite appearance.
- Skin tightening.
- Natural hair-growth support.
- Fat reduction and body-contouring support.
- Metabolism and weight-loss support.
- General anti-aging treatments.
- Full-body wellness and rejuvenation.
The evidence is stronger for some uses than others. Pain, inflammation, muscle recovery, skin rejuvenation, and wound healing are actively studied. Claims involving fat loss, cellulite, metabolism, and hair growth remain more variable and should be approached with realistic expectations.
What are the red light therapy benefits for winter pain?
When used appropriately, red and near-infrared light may offer several potential benefits:
- It is non-invasive.
- It does not use ultraviolet light.
- Sessions are generally comfortable.
- There is no surgery or injection.
- It may be used alongside movement and rehabilitation.
- It may support recovery from muscle soreness and soft-tissue strain.
- It may help some clients manage mild or moderate discomfort.
At Wave Therapy, full-body sessions use advanced red and near-infrared light systems to support natural cellular processes. The treatment is non-invasive, and Wave Therapy describes its systems as FDA-approved. Many clients report visible results within approximately four to eight sessions, although outcomes vary by condition, consistency, age, and overall health.
It is also worth understanding the phrase red light therapy side effects. The treatment is generally well tolerated when used as directed, and Wave Therapy reports no harmful side effects. Still, some people may experience temporary redness, eye sensitivity, or discomfort if instructions are not followed. Eye protection and correct treatment settings matter.
What to expect from sessions at Wave Therapy
A typical session is designed to be simple and relaxing.
You will usually:
- Discuss your goals and any relevant health concerns.
- Stand or sit near the full-body red light system.
- Wear appropriate eye protection if recommended.
- Relax while the red and near-infrared lights are applied.
- Return to normal activities afterward, since there is generally no required downtime.
Red light therapy does not usually produce the intense heat associated with a sauna or tanning bed. You may notice a gentle warmth, but the treatment should not feel painful.
A course of four to eight sessions may be suggested when clients are looking for visible changes. Pain and stiffness can respond differently from skin-related concerns, so it is better to track your comfort, movement, sleep, and daily function rather than expect an instant result.
Wave Therapy’s Edmonton sessions and checkout page provides more information for people who want to explore treatment options.
Who may benefit, and who should check first?
Red light therapy may be worth discussing for adults who:
- Have recurring mild or moderate joint stiffness.
- Experience muscle soreness after training.
- Want a non-invasive wellness option.
- Are interested in supporting skin health.
- Prefer to combine treatment with exercise and healthy routines.
Speak with a healthcare professional before treatment if you:
- Take photosensitizing medication.
- Have a known photosensitivity condition.
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.
- Have active cancer in or near the treatment area.
- Have an unexplained new joint problem.
- Have a recent surgery, open wound, or serious injury.
- Have significant swelling, redness, warmth, or loss of function.
Seek medical care for sudden severe pain, a hot or visibly swollen joint, fever, an injury that prevents weight-bearing, or symptoms that continue or worsen.
Practical winter tips for joint comfort
Red light therapy works best as part of a consistent routine. Helpful winter habits include:
- Stay active: Try walking indoors, swimming, cycling, stretching, or gentle strength work.
- Warm up before going outside: Move your joints and muscles for several minutes before facing the cold.
- Layer up: Wear warm clothing, gloves, socks, and footwear that protect your hands, feet, knees, and neck.
- Keep moving during the day: Avoid sitting in one position for long periods.
- Stay hydrated: Cold weather can reduce your sense of thirst, but hydration still matters.
- Use gentle heat: A warm shower or heating pad may ease stiffness.
- Plan around the weather: Allow extra time to move safely on icy days.
- Track patterns: Note your activity, sleep, weather, and symptoms to identify what affects you.
The practical takeaway
Cold weather may make joint pain feel worse, particularly when it leads to muscle tension, less movement, or changes in mood and routine. The scientific evidence is mixed, so there is no single weather explanation that applies to everyone.
Red light therapy may help support pain relief, inflammation management, and recovery for some people. However, it is best treated as one tool, not a cure for arthritis or a replacement for professional medical care.
If massage is also part of your winter wellness plan, MassageQuest is Wave Therapy’s provider and referral partner. You can also explore therapeutic massage options through sister company Book a Therapy.
Learn more about Wave Therapy and explore sessions when you are ready.
Sources
- Healthline: “Cold Weather and Joint Pain”
- Ferreira ML, Hunter DJ, Fu A, Raihana S, Urquhart D, Ferreira PH. “Come rain or shine: Is weather a risk factor for musculoskeletal pain? A systematic review with meta-analysis of case-crossover studies.” Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2024. PubMed
- Cleveland Clinic: “Can Your Joints Predict the Weather?”
- Cleveland Clinic: “Red Light Therapy”
- Healthline: “What Is Red Light Therapy and Is It Safe?”
- Zhang Y, Ji Q. “Current advances of photobiomodulation therapy in treating knee osteoarthritis.” Frontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology. 2023. Frontiers
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