Fibromyalgia and Infrared Saunas [2021 Guide]

Heat Provides Relief

Written by Christopher Kiggins

Fibromyalgia sufferers find pain relief in infrared saunas Fibromyalgia sufferers find pain relief in infrared saunas

One of the greatest benefits from the use of infrared sauna therapy is pain relief. When you take an infrared sauna endorphins are released, which your body’s natural painkiller. The word endorphin is a combination of  “ENDO-genous”, which means ‘occurring naturally in the body’, and “mo-RPHIN-e”, (morphine) which is a pain-relieving compound. 

These beta-endorphins are natural opioids that are part of our natural painkiller system. This system is known as the “mu-opioid” system, which stops pain signals from going from the body to the brain.

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One of the more common inquires I receive is can the infrared saunas help with pain, particularly pain from Fibromyalgia. I am always so happy to answer a resounding “Yes!”

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep, memory loss and mood issues. 

Researchers believe that fibromyalgia exacerbates painful sensations by affecting the way your brain processes pain signals. Symptoms can start after a physical trauma, surgery, infection or significant psychological stress. Conversely, symptoms can also build up over time with no single triggering event. 

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Women are much more likely to develop Fibromyalgia than are men. It is also found that many people who have fibromyalgia also suffer with tension headaches, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, anxiety and depression. 

Currently there is no cure for fibromyalgia; however there are a variety of medications available to control symptoms. Exercise, relaxation and stress-reduction measures may also help. This is where many health practitioners suggest the use of Infrared Sauna Therapy.

Infrared sauna rays help fibromyalgia sufferers naturally reduce the pain and inflammation they experience. Infrared sauna heat works by penetrating joints, muscles and tissues. It increases circulation, and boosts oxygen flow to the tissues. By reducing soreness on nerve endings, infrared heat reduces muscle spasms and helps the body heal itself naturally. 

One of the mechanisms found most effective, when utilizing infrared sauna heat, is pain reduction on every level. This occurs due to an increase in endorphins and the reduction of stress. B-endorphin levels are raised and plasma ACTH levels were reduced due to the infrared heat. The bonus is these endorphins also effect mood even as they reduce symptoms resulting from an over-stressed body. Endorphins also greatly reduce the feeling of pain. 

Infrared sauna heat works by penetrating tissues, joints and muscles thereby increasing efficient blood flow allowing more efficient circulation. By reducing pain on the nerve endings, wherever that occurs, the infrared heat from a sauna will reduce pain and muscle spasms allowing your body to relax and heal naturally.

There are several studies reflecting the successful use of infrared in the treatment of Fibromyalgia. In one recent study from Internal Medicine, it is demonstrated that patients with chronic pain (Fibromyalgia) discovered their pain levels dropped by seventy percent after their first session of infrared sauna therapy! This study continues on to state that as the patients continued the therapy the scores remained low throughout the entire observation period. 

humorous infographic of fibromyalgia symptoms

A recent study aimed to investigate whether infrared sauna therapy improved pain, symptoms, and quality of life in Fibromyalgia patients. See the study below:

“Effects of Thermal Therapy Combining Sauna Therapy and Underwater Exercise in Patients with Fibromyalgia”

Forty-four female Fibromyalgia patients received a twelve week infrared therapy program comprising of sauna therapy once daily for three days a week and underwater exercise once daily for two days a week. Pain, symptoms, and quality of life were assessed using a pain visual analog scale (VAS), a fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), and a short form 36-item questionnaire, respectively.

All of the patients reported significant reductions in pain and symptoms after the twelve week thermal therapy program, which remained relatively stable during the six month follow up period (that is, the thermal therapy program improved both the short-term and the long-term VAS and FIQ scores).

I highly recommend infrared heat as we now know infrared wavelengths penetrate the body to create heat, which creates profound therapeutic benefits. These infrared rays increase blood flow to the muscles, delivering more concentrated oxygen, which creates more energy to heal and also aids in chronic pain relief.

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I am glad infrared saunas have developed the way they have, because I couldn’t imagine my life without the benefits they provide, like deep sleep, lower blood pressure, less joint pain, weight loss, and a boosted immune system. Here at SaunaCloud I sell saunas that are some of the best history has offered. My far infrared saunas use advanced ceramic-carbon combination heaters for an amazing sauna experience. For more information on how SaunaCloud’s infrared saunas work and how they can improve your health, download my book The Definitive Guide to Infrared Saunas. Just give us a call at SaunaCloud 1.800.370.0820.

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Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast

Christopher Kiggins | Sauna Enthusiast

I have been writing, learning, educating and generally pointing people in the right direction infrared sauna wise since 2012. Let me know how I can help: chris@saunacloud.com - (530) 417-1220