Infrared Sauna Therapy for Pain Relief

Introduction to Infrared Saunas

You may have heard about infrared saunas for the relief of many ailments. They aren't magic but many patients swear by them. Infrared saunas are one of the leading therapies providing soothing and relaxing heat to relieve several health problems, specifically chronic pain.

Even after just a single use, many people notice relief from pain. Infrared saunas use heat differently than traditional saunas. They use infrared wavelengths to penetrate the body. The purpose of the penetration is to create heat from the inside out. Thus, blood flow is increased significantly to the muscles, which ultimately supplies more concentrated oxygen. The energy produced through this technique provides a healing effect (Raddad, et al, 2016). 

Various factors drive chronic pain. These include accumulated toxins, inflammation, over-exercise, long-term stress, hormonal imbalances, gut imbalances, lack of sleep, and dehydration. 

Many studies have shown that patients with chronic pain, including rheumatoid arthritis, were more likely to feel noticeable pain relief after four weeks of sessions in an infrared sauna. Some results indicate that pain and stiffness were reduced by up to 40%. 

How Does This Therapy Work?

Many people run for ibuprofen to relieve various aches and pains. The truth though, this pain is a signal that something is wrong within our bodies. An infrared sauna heats our bodies from the inside to focus on the cause. Unlike conventional heated saunas, this technique utilizes infrared light to penetrate the skin barrier (about 4 centimeters). This heat causes vasodilation of the blood vessels, (vasodilation is the widening of blood vessels due to the relaxation of the blood vessel's muscular walls). This heat releases toxins and reduces inflammation to relieve pain throughout the body. Inflammation and swelling are two leading factors associated with pain.

One pain relief benefit of the infrared saunas is caused when endorphins are released by this therapy. Endorphins reduce joint stiffness and muscle spasms sometimes associated with chronic fatigue syndrome, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Infrared Sauna Therapy Benefits for Common Ailments

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia affects about 4 million US adults or about 2% of the adult population. It is a chronic condition affecting joints, muscles, and tendons with severe pain and inflammation. It eventually leads to severe fatigue. Research in Japan found that 15 minutes of infrared sauna daily, at 140° F is enough to reduce pain and stiffness in patients with fibromyalgia. It has been studied that just a single session reduces pain by 50%, (Sobczyk, et al, 2021). 

Arthritis

Infrared Saunas have proved to be beneficial for patients experiencing symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. With this autoimmune condition, joints are attacked by the immune system which tends to cause severe stiffness and pain, specifically in the wrists, ankles, fingers, and feet. Infrared saunas lower inflammation throughout the body by stimulating circulation and relieving sore muscles and stiff joints, (Sobczyk, et al, 2021). 

Infrared Saunas are also recommended in conjunction with physiotherapy, acupuncture, chiropractic, and osteopathy treatments. These treatments, along with saunas, manage pain and relieve whole-body stress.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Patients with chronic fatigue syndrome usually experience sleep disturbance, pain, fatigue, and low-grade fever, which can be managed by infrared sauna therapy. With this therapy, users need at least 15 to 25 infrared sessions at 140° F for 15 minutes. Because blood circulation is boosted, the capillaries are dilated which leads to ultimate relaxation and pain relief. 

Benefits of Infrared Sauna to Relieve Pain

Decreases Joint Stiffness

Evidence shows a 20-30 percent decrease in finger stiffness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis with regular sessions in an infrared sauna at preferably 140° F. Thickened connective tissue and stiffened joints respond well to the therapy as well, (Wessapan, et al, 2015). 

Reduce Muscle spasms

When it comes to neuropathological, joint, or skeletal conditions, infrared sauna therapy has shown positive results. Infrared sauna therapy works by heating the core of the patient from the inside to reduce muscle spasms.

Home Use

Being able to have a proven therapy that relieves pain at home is one of the best benefits. You don't have to leave the comfort of your home. Instead, you can buy a sauna online for home use. They are easy to set up and you can use them at your convenience. Dr. Candy’s recommendations for specific pain problems can be found below. 

The Bottom Line

Infrared saunas provide some of the most effective therapies at this time. They can be used to treat many physical ailments including arthritis, fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. They are far different from conventional saunas as they utilize light that penetrates the skin and goes deeper to provide therapeutic benefits. All you have to do is get it home, optimize the temperature and session times, and enjoy the rest of the benefits of an infrared sauna.