Does Infrared Sauna Help Fibromyalgia: How Can It Improve Your Health?

Fibromyalgia (FMS) causes extensive pain and tenderness in several body parts. Many ask, does infrared sauna help fibromyalgia? Absolutely, YES!

Studies now suggest that infrared saunas for fibromyalgia can reduce pain and upgrade overall quality of life. A 12-week “American College of Rheumatology” trial revealed that pairing infrared sauna treatment with underwater workouts greatly lowered pain and symptoms. Participants reported pain reductions of up to 77%, even 6 months after the study. 

Want to discover more about how infrared sauna can support fibromyalgia? Continue scrolling for the complete breakdown below!

The Science of Fibromyalgia: How It Affects the Body

Fibromyalgia is a long-lasting health condition that causes pain all over the body. It happens actually when the nervous system becomes too sensitive.

In general, fibromyalgia causes can include inflammation, hormone changes, and immune system issues. Additionally, stress, genetics, and the environment can have a very important role. And remember, the danger of fibromyalgia is twice as high for women than for men.

When pain lasts for three months in 6 out of 9 body areas; then doctors may diagnose fibromyalgia. Sleep problems and tiredness must also be present for at least three months.

Although there are many treatments, no one treatment works for all. Meditation, acupuncture, and antidepressants have limited evidence backing them.

However, fibromyalgia can also affect sleep, energy, mental health, pain levels, and memory. The great news is that infrared saunas can battle all of these issues. 

How Infrared Saunas Can Help with Fibromyalgia: Is It Worth It?

Infrared saunas are becoming the most popular option for people with fibromyalgia. The Infrared Room lists some common ways infrared saunas might help reduce fibromyalgia symptoms:

Pain Relief and Muscle Relaxation

Doctors have used heat for a long time to help with aches and pains. Basically, pain happens when the body is inflamed. So, reducing inflammation and boosting blood flow can lower fibromyalgia pain. Infrared light turns light into oxygen and boosts body circulation. Luckily, a regular sauna helps reduce body inflammation and decrease pain.

Stress Reduction and Emotional Comfort

Life with fibromyalgia can be stressful. Generally, the constant pain results in nervousness or even depression. Infrared saunas promote relaxation and release endorphins, which boost your mood. Thus, regular sauna use can help lower your stress levels. It can also make you feel calmer and a little stressed. With time, sauna therapy supports your physical and emotional health.

Improved Sleep Quality

Fibromyalgia can make sleep hard. Usually, pain and discomfort keep people awake at night. But infrared saunas can easily help your body relax and make you fall asleep. You may feel sleepy as your body cools off after sitting in a sauna. This natural relaxation feeling helps you sleep better than before. So, regular use of an infrared sauna improves sleep and helps create a better sleep cycle.

Elimination of Toxins

Joint stiffness is quite common in fibromyalgia. It can make movement painful and difficult. Infrared saunas support increasing blood stream to your joints. The sauna heat reduces redness and eases stiffness and discomfort. So, regular saunas support you feel more flexible. Sometimes, you notice reduced pain, and it is easier to move. Over time, infrared saunas will improve your joint health naturally.

Detoxification and Improved Circulation

Infrared saunas boost detox through sweating. Hence, sweating removes toxins and metals, which is beneficial for those with fibromyalgia. Infrared heat improves blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. This actually reduces fatigue and promotes healing. However, better circulation can reduce pain and improve overall health as well.

Infrared Sauna Tips: Boosting Fibromyalgia Relief the Right Way

When used properly, infrared saunas can help ease fibromyalgia symptoms. Now discover a few tips to get the maximum benefit:​

Frequency and Duration

First, start with short sessions of 15–20 minutes. You can slowly increase your time as your body becomes used to the heat. Nonetheless, aim for sessions 2–3 times per week for the best results. ​

Additional Practices

Remember, try gentle stretching or light exercises before or after your session to boost the sauna's benefits. Deep breathing or mindfulness during the sauna can help you relax more. And, eating healthy foods and keeping a regular sleep schedule also support overall health. ​

Safety Tips

Don't forget to drink more water before, during, and after when using the sauna to stay hydrated. Then, continue the sauna at a comfortable temperature, but not too hot. If you have any health issues, you must speak to your physician before applying to the sauna. 

If you follow these infrared sauna tips, you can maximize your fibromyalgia relief. This easy-to-follow information makes your sauna sessions even more effective.

Conclusion

So, does infrared sauna help fibromyalgia? Although the answer is yes, more research is actually needed. Currently, research shows infrared saunas ease pain, relax muscles, reduce stress, improve sleep, and help remove toxins. If you want to try something to ease fibromyalgia symptoms, infrared sauna therapy really cures.

Remember, everyone's experience with fibromyalgia is different. So, always consult your doctor before starting new treatments for safety. If you want more information, contact our team at The Infrared Room in Franklin, TN, anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does heat really make fibromyalgia better?

Depending on the person, heat can either improve or worsen symptoms of fibromyalgia and migraines. Warm weather can often cause fibromyalgia pain to get worse for some people. So, heat affects each person differently, especially those who have chronic pain. 

Is infrared sauna anti-inflammatory?

Infrared sauna therapy comforts muscles heal faster after exercise, improves blood flow, and can reduce swelling and pain. It also helps with inflammation and stress, which can truly benefit some people.

How long should my infrared sauna session last?

You should start with 15–20 minutes and gradually work up to 30–40 minutes if your body adjusts. However, always listen to your body and must avoid overdoing it.

Can infrared saunas replace other fibromyalgia treatments?

Basically, infrared sauna therapy is a complementary treatment, not a replacement for medical care. It works best when combined with other fibromyalgia management (like medication and physical therapy) tactics.