Achy Joints That Keep Coming Back?

Are You Low on Omega-3s?

Omega-3 fatty acids, particularly EPA and DHA, are potent anti-inflammatories. If you are running low—and most people are—it is like fighting fire without water. Numerous studies have shown that insufficient Omega-3s can exacerbate joint pain, especially in conditions like arthritis (R, R, R, R, R). 

Sources like wild salmon, sardines, or a high-quality fish oil supplements if you don’t enjoy eating fish can make a real difference here.

The Often Overlooked Link: Vitamin D

You might be surprised how often suboptimal vitamin D plays a role in joint discomfort. Not just for bones, vitamin D is essential for ligament and tendon integrity. And no—we are not just talking about “normal” blood levels here. We are talking optimal (ideally between 100 – 150 nmol/l!). 

Even in sunny climates, many people fall short as they wear sunscreen every time they leave the house – and we need UV rays hitting the skin without protection in order to make vitamin D! A 2021 meta-analysis found that low vitamin D is associated with greater musculoskeletal pain and reduced function (R, R, R, R). 

This is one of the first biomarkers I look at in client testing, as it a simple test, and most GPs are happy to add that to a patient’s panel without many questions asked. 

Trigger Points and Adhesions: The Body’s Scar Tissue Memory

When inflammation, micronutrient deficiency and movement imbalances converge, our body responds by forming micro-adhesions—essentially scar tissue—that tether and irritate surrounding structures. These are the infamous “knots” or “tight spots” you may feel during a massage.

Left unaddressed, they limit mobility, alter posture, and… yes, fuel that recurring pain.

So, What Can You Do?

Functional Medicine is a root cause approach. Rather than plastering up the symptoms, it aims to look for what is triggering it in the first place!

Your recurring joint pain isn’t random—it’s a message. Here is where to start:

1. Test, Don’t Guess – Have your Omega-3 index, vitamin D levels and key inflammatory markers and what is causing the inflammation in the first place professionally tested. (And remember: “normal” is not the same as optimal).

2. Address Inflammation at the Root – Figure out why there is inflammation – hidden food intolerances? Gut microbiome imbalances, mold or fungal overgrowth, inadequate sleep and excess stress that are messing with cortisol and inflammatory molecule signaling? 

3. Mobilise, Then Strengthen – Soft tissue release techniques followed by corrective movement to restore functional range, ideally under the guidance of an experienced physiotherapist. 

4. Personalised Supplementation – Only what your labs actually indicate, not what the supplement aisle suggests.

Want to Know Exactly What’s Behind Your Aches?

If you’re doing everything “right” and still not feeling better, there usually is a reason. Let’s find it.

My bespoke one-on-one programmes are designed to uncover and address your unique root causes using comprehensive testing and a truly personalised plan.

👉 Learn more about working with me one-on-one here