Michael Torres

Michael Torres has had joint problems his whole life — hypermobile as a kid, chronic sprains and a dislocating shoulder through his twenties, an osteoarthritis diagnosis in his early fifties, and a right knee replacement since. He is not a doctor or a physical therapist and has no clinical training. He writes about what has helped him and what he has watched help the people around him, and says plainly when he has not tried something himself.

Red Light Therapy Devices for Joints: Panel vs Wand vs Wrap Buying Guide

· June 24, 2026
Red Light Therapy for Joint Pain: What Science Really Shows

Once you’ve decided red light therapy is worth trying for your joints, you hit a wall of options: panels, wands, wraps, belts, and full-body mats, all claiming different wavelengths and power outputs, at prices ranging from $30 to $2,000. This guide skips the research debate and focuses on the one question that actually determines whether … Read more

Joint Supplement Timing for Runners: Base, Peak, Taper, and Recovery

· June 24, 2026
Best Joint Supplements for Runners: Science-Backed Guide

Most runners take a joint supplement the same way year-round — one dose, every morning, regardless of what’s actually happening in training. But your joints aren’t under the same load in week 2 of base building as they are in week 10 of marathon peak mileage. This guide is about adjusting how and when you … Read more

Back Hip Joint Pain: SI Joint Dysfunction Explained

· June 23, 2026
Back Hip Joint Pain: SI Joint Dysfunction Explained

You wake up with a sharp, one-sided ache in your lower back. It radiates down into your hip and buttock—sometimes even into your thigh. You’ve mentioned it to friends, and they’ve suggested everything from a “bad hip” to sciatica. You’ve tried stretches, rest, and maybe even seen a doctor who wasn’t entirely sure what was … Read more

How Sugar Causes Joint Pain & Inflammation: The Science

· June 23, 2026
How Sugar Causes Joint Pain & Inflammation: The Science

You wake up with stiff knees. Your afternoon energy crash hits hard, and by evening, your joints are aching more than usual. Maybe you’ve noticed this pattern after having dessert or a sugary drink—a connection you’ve wondered about but weren’t sure was real. Here’s what I want you to know: that intuition is backed by … Read more

A Beginner’s Resistance Band Routine for Bad Knees: The 6-Week Progression

· June 22, 2026
Low Impact Exercises for Bad Knees: A Complete Guide

If bad knees have you avoiding exercise entirely, I want to make the case for the single cheapest, lowest-risk piece of equipment you can start with at home: a resistance band. Not a bike, not a pool membership, not a gym — just a loop of fabric or rubber that costs about as much as … Read more

Neck Pain Before Your Period? Here’s Why It Happens

· June 22, 2026
Neck Pain Before Your Period? Here's Why It Happens

You’re three days away from your period, and suddenly your neck feels like it’s been tied in knots. The tension creeps up from your shoulders, your head feels heavier than usual, and you can’t figure out why. Sound familiar? You’re not alone—and there’s actually solid science behind why neck pain before your period is so … Read more

Sleeping During a Hip or Knee Flare-Up: What Changes When Pain Spikes

· June 21, 2026
Best Sleep Positions for Hip and Knee Pain Relief

Your usual sleep position works fine most nights — until a flare-up hits and suddenly the side you normally sleep on is the one thing you can’t tolerate. Positioning advice for everyday hip and knee pain doesn’t always apply during an acute flare, when even small amounts of pressure or a few degrees of joint … Read more

Ankle Brace vs Ankle Support: Which One Do You Need?

· June 20, 2026
Ankle Brace vs Ankle Support: Which One Do You Need?

You’ve just rolled your ankle, or maybe you’re dealing with chronic instability that keeps you sidelined during workouts. You head to the pharmacy and find yourself staring at a wall of compression sleeves, rigid braces, and straps, wondering: what’s the actual difference between an ankle brace vs ankle support? And more importantly, which one will … Read more