Do Infrared Saunas Help Fibromyalgia?

Infrared sauna for fibromyalgia may serve as a refuge amidst the storm of this condition. It stands as a serene and healing escape from the constant pain and fatigue. This innovative method uses the subtle, deep-reaching warmth of infrared saunas to reduce fibromyalgia's sometimes severe symptoms.

It gives those affected a chance to regain their comfort and lift their quality of life. Let’s see how this contemporary therapy can be an ally in the battle against fibromyalgia's widespread pain.

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What is Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia, also called fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body [1]. It's a silent battle with an invisible enemy: Characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms.

This chronic condition often goes misunderstood and underdiagnosed. What sets FMS apart is how it affects the nervous system—imagine a volume control for pain turned up too high, where even light touch can be excruciating, and normal aches feel overwhelming. The body's pain response is constantly on high alert due to changes in how the brain processes pain signals.

Beyond the physical pain, living with fibromyalgia can be like running a gauntlet between societal misunderstandings and psychological challenges. Those with fibromyalgia frequently face stigma due to the invisible nature of their symptoms.This invisibility can lead to isolation and a feeling of being misunderstood, not only by society at large but sometimes even by close friends, family, and healthcare providers.

The skepticism and disbelief they encounter can intensify the emotional toll, leading to anxiety, depression, and a diminished quality of life. Access to support and resources becomes another hurdle.

Treatment of Fibromyalgia

The struggle to find appropriate medical care and support adds to the challenges of fibromyalgia.

Constantly seeking validation for their condition, individuals often face an uphill battle to find effective treatment. This treatment requires a hands-on, multifaceted strategy. To dull the pain and to tackle the array of symptoms that accompany this chronic disorder.

Treatment typically involves a mix of medication and therapy, tailored to each person's unique needs: Pain relievers stand at the forefront of symptom management. They often team up with antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. These medications work together to ease pain, stabilize mood, and improve sleep.

Physical therapy plays a vital role too. It focuses on enhancing strength and flexibility, directly tackling the pain. Cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses the mental and emotional sides of FMS. It is equipped to handle stress and anxiety, and depression, common in chronic conditions.

Need for effective Pain Management

It should be clear: Pain dominates the lives of people with fibromyalgia, which affects all other symptoms of the condition. Managing it effectively is therefore crucial.

In practice, conventional treatments such as medication and physiotherapy do not always deal with this pain effectively. They often miss the full intensity and impact of fibromyalgia pain.

This gap in treatment underlines the need for alternative approaches. This is where infrared sauna therapy is an encouraging and proven solution.

Let's take a closer look into the effects of this therapy for people suffering from FMS.

Research Insights on Infrared Therapy's Role in Fibromyalgia Relief

Efficacy of Waon therapy for fibromyalgia

This study was conducted in 2008 [2]. Waon therapy involves the use of far infrared rays, similar to those in infrared saunas. Both emit far infrared rays that penetrate the skin and warm the body directly.

The therapy's principle is to gently increase the body's core temperature, inducing a kind of artificial fever. This 'fever' stimulates the body's natural healing processes, leading to pain relief and relaxation.

This study involved 13 women with fibromyalgia. The therapy consisted of two parts: 15 minutes in a dry sauna with far infrared rays at 60°C. The women were then wrapped in a blanket in a warm room for 30 minutes.

The results were significant. After just the first therapy session, patients reported around a 50% reduction in pain. This relief further improved and stabilized after 10 sessions.

Whole body hyperthermia in pain therapy

In a German study [3] from 2013 the effectiveness of mild heat therapy was evaluated for fibromyalgia patients. They used near infrared rays to directly warm the body. The concept of this near infrared therapy in this study is similar to the use of infrared saunas.

Although the specific method and setting differ, the underlying principle of using gentle infrared heat for therapeutic purposes remains the same.

The study was conducted on 67 patients in a rehabilitation center. They were divided into three groups: Two groups received mild water-filtered near infrared whole body hyperthermia treatments in addition to standard treatment — one group had the treatment once a week, and the other twice a week, over a period of three weeks. The third group received only the standard treatment.

The results were notable. The group that received the hyperthermia treatment once a week showed significant improvements. They experienced more pain reduction and a better way of coping with pain, compared to the other hyperthermia group and the control group. This group also showed a tendency towards improved fibromyalgia-related quality of life and reduced depression.

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Sauna blankets are the most affordable and easy-to-use way of home infrared sauna

Infrared Radiation in the Management of Chronic Pain

The last study is a systematic review [4] which includes the earlier mentioned research and two other studies, to create a broader perspective on the effectiveness of IR treatments in managing fibromyalgia.

The review concludes that IR, in various forms, shows substantial potential in reducing pain for fibromyalgia patients and highlighted it as a beneficial complementary therapy.

These studies underline infrared therapy's potential in fibromyalgia pain management. While home infrared saunas may not mirror study conditions exactly, they offer fibromyalgia patients a practical way to include infrared heat therapy in their pain management routine. This gentle heat therapy could help to alleviate symptoms and uplift life quality for those affected.

Beyond Pain Relief: Broader Benefits of IR Saunas for Fibromyalgia

Infrared saunas might also give relief for the other challenging fibromyalgia symptoms like fatigue, sleep disturbances, and mood fluctuations.

The soothing heat from infrared saunas can help decrease inflammation, often a central factor in fibromyalgia discomfort.
By supporting relaxation, infrared saunas might improve sleep quality, beneficial to those struggling with sleep issues.
Regular sessions in an infrared sauna can lift spirits, offering a respite from the depression and anxiety that frequently accompany chronic pain disorders.
Enhanced blood flow from the warming effects of infrared can aid in muscle recovery and overall well-being, addressing the fatigue and discomfort associated with fibromyalgia.

Discover the best infrared PEMF mats

How to Integrate Infrared Sauna Therapy in your life

Infrared sauna therapy can be a valuable addition to conventional fibromyalgia treatments. It can be scheduled alongside medication, physical therapy, or cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions - a holistic approach to manage the condition.

Before you start infrared sauna therapy, consult with your health care provider. He can give you guidance based on your specific health situation and ensure that the sauna therapy complements existing treatments without adverse interactions.

Like any other wellness practice, consistency and regularity is important to make an impact. This is easier with a home infrared sauna than in a studio. There are many options for infrared devices, from portable one-person solutions to fixed cabins. There is a suitable sauna for almost every budget and lifestyle need.

Choosing the Best Infrared Sauna for Fibromyalgia Relief

Selecting the right infrared sauna can significantly improve the management of fibromyalgia symptoms. While all infrared saunas provide beneficial heat therapy, which is known to offer relief from fibromyalgia pain, each type has specific advantages that cater to different needs and preferences.

Cabin Saunas

Their larger size makes them ideal for sharing or incorporating gentle workouts. Cabins are perfect when you have the space (indoor or outdoor) and budget for a more substantial setup.

Sauna Tents and Domes

Offering a good balance between efficacy and convenience, tents and domes are suitable for users who need more flexibility. Although not as portable as sauna blankets, they are easier to dismantle and store, making them a good option for when you have limited space.

Personal infrared sauna tents

Sauna Blankets

For fibromyalgia sufferers who travel frequently or have very limited space, sauna blankets (20lbs) are the best option. They provide the necessary infrared therapy in a highly portable form, making it easy to maintain consistent treatment routines. Not only that, they are the most affordable option to go for.

PEMF Mats

Combining infrared heat with pulsed electromagnetic fields, PEMF mats offer dual therapy. This can be particularly beneficial when having fibromyalgia, addressing pain relief and muscle relaxation more comprehensively than traditional heat therapy alone. These mats, especially the full body sizes are heavier than the sauna blankets (40lbs).

So, ideal in a permanent place, such as a sofa or even your bed. Where they can support your nighttime rest. These mats can be used for 12 hours in a row. While the heat works your body, the heat experience itself is much more subtle than any other form of sauna. Which makes it ideal when the sauna heat is too much for you.

For more detailed information on how each type of infrared sauna can benefit your health, check our our review pages. At Saunace.com we're committed to help you find the most suitable infrared sauna for your fibromyalgia management and overall wellness.

Sauna domes offer more than infrared therapy, learn more

Sauna Safety

There you are, ready to go. Some tips to start your sauna session safely:

Hydration: Drinking before and after sauna sessions is essential; as the body loses fluids through sweat. The risk of dehydration and heat exhaustion is higher when using certain medications.
Session Length: Start with shorter sessions (around 5-10 minutes) and gradually increase the duration, paying attention to how the body responds.
Monitoring Body Response: Listen to the body during sessions. Should you at any time feel dizzy, lightheaded, or uncomfortable, exit the sauna and cool down.

Fibromyalgia is a daily battle, and managing fibromyalgia can often be a tough and unpredictable journey. Infrared saunas may offer relief and a sense of balance on your way to better health and well-being.

Diane Sargent

References:

1. Kristeen Cherney et al, Everything You Need to Know About Fibromyalgia, Healthline, https://www.healthline.com/health/fibromyalgia

2. Kakushi Matsushita et al., Efficacy of Waon therapy for fibromyalgia, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18703857/

3. J Walz et al,Whole body hyperthermia in pain therapy. A controlled trial on patients with fibromyalgia, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23354314/

4. Christos Tsagkaris et al., Infrared Radiation in the Management of Musculoskeletal Conditions and Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review, PubMed, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35323210/

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