Infrared Sauna Therapy for Chronic Pain Management: What The Research Says
By Tristan Anderson, MA, CHHP and Jenna Greenfield, MD
Chronic pain affects millions of individuals worldwide, impacting quality of life and creating a constant struggle for relief. Common treatments, such as pain medications, physical therapy, and surgery, can have varying levels of success and often come with side effects. As a result, there is growing interest in proven alternative therapies, including infrared sauna therapy, for managing chronic pain. This article explores what the research says about the effectiveness of infrared sauna therapy for chronic pain relief.
The Science Behind Infrared Sauna Therapy for Chronic Pain
1. Reducing Inflammation
One of the key mechanisms behind infrared sauna therapy’s support for chronic pain is its ability to reduce inflammation. Chronic inflammation plays a major role in conditions like autoimmune arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle pain, which are common causes of long-term pain. Infrared sauna therapy was shown to relieve pain associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Ankylosing Spondylitis, two types of autoimmune arthritis (1).
A study published in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology in 2008 examined the effects of far infrared light on hemodialysis patients and found that, “FIR therapy exerts a potent antiinflammatory effect.” (2)
See more studies on saunas for reducing inflammation here.
2. Improving Circulation
Poor circulation causes pain as a result of lack of oxygen to the tissues, and can contribute to painful conditions such as neuropathy and poor wound healing. Decreased blood flow can lead to muscle stiffness, soreness, and chronic pain. Infrared sauna therapy has been shown to improve circulation by releasing nitric oxide, which increases blood flow and oxygen delivery to tissues.
Infrared sauna therapy has been shown to significantly improve peripheral circulation in patients with peripheral artery disease (3).
See more studies on saunas for improving circulation here.
3. Muscle Relaxation and Tension Relief
Infrared sauna therapy can also help with muscle relaxation, an important factor in managing pain. The heat from infrared light helps to relax tight muscles and reduce spasms. Studies have demonstrated that heat therapy can alleviate pain and improve range of motion, making infrared saunas a viable alternative or complementary therapy for muscle-related pain.
A randomized controlled trial published in Clinical Rheumatology in 2011 examined the effects of infrared therapy on individuals with chronic low back pain. Participants who used infrared saunas reported significant improvements in pain levels and increased flexibility, suggesting that the therapy could be a useful addition to pain management strategies. (4)
See more studies on saunas for reducing pain here.
4. Reducing Stress and Promoting Relaxation
Chronic pain is often accompanied by stress, which can, in turn, exacerbate pain. Infrared sauna therapy may have a secondary benefit by promoting relaxation and reducing stress. Heat exposure has been shown to stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural “feel-good” chemicals. This release of endorphins not only alleviates pain but also enhances mood and contributes to an overall sense of well-being.
A study published in PLoS One in 2023 highlighted that individuals who used saunas reported significant improvements in overall relaxation by inducing a theta brain wave state (associated with deep relaxation), potentially aiding in the management of chronic pain. (5)
See more studies on saunas for reducing stress and promoting relaxation here.
Conclusion
Infrared sauna therapy is an effective alternative or complementary treatment for managing chronic pain. Research shows that it can reduce inflammation, improve circulation, relax muscles, and promote stress relief, all of which contribute to pain alleviation.
By integrating infrared sauna therapy with other proven treatments, individuals suffering from chronic pain have a holistic approach to enhance their overall well-being and quality of life. High Tech Health Transcend® Saunas are designed for maximum effectiveness, delivering the highest proven output of far infrared light while maintaining the comprehensive lowest total EMF– so you can experience the full benefits of infrared therapy with confidence.
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References:
1. Oosterveld FG, Rasker JJ, Floors M, Landkroon R, van Rennes B, Zwijnenberg J, van de Laar MA, Koel GJ. Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. A pilot study showing good tolerance, short-term improvement of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects. Clin Rheumatol. 2009 Jan;28(1):29-34. doi: 10.1007/s10067-008-0977-y. Epub 2008 Aug 7. PMID: 18685882.
2. Lin CC, Liu XM, Peyton K, Wang H, Yang WC, Lin SJ, Durante W. Far infrared therapy inhibits vascular endothelial inflammation via the induction of heme oxygenase-1. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2008 Apr;28(4):739-45. doi: 10.1161/ATVBAHA.107.160085. Epub 2008 Jan 17. PMID: 18202320; PMCID: PMC2748062.
3. Tei C, Shinsato T, Miyata M, Kihara T, Hamasaki S. Waon therapy improves peripheral arterial disease. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2007;50(22):2169-2171.
4. Gale GD, Rothbart PJ, Li Y. Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: a randomized, controlled trial. Pain Res Manag. 2006 Autumn;11(3):193-6. doi: 10.1155/2006/876920. PMID: 16960636; PMCID: PMC2539004.
5. Chang M, Ibaraki T, Naruse Y, Imamura Y. A study on neural changes induced by sauna bathing: Neural basis of the “totonou” state. PLoS One. 2023 Nov 27;18(11):e0294137. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0294137. PMID: 38011189; PMCID: PMC10681252.
