When suffering from fibromyalgia, pain, stiffness, and fatigue are three of the most common (of the many) symptoms experienced. The condition is characterised by widespread pain, and is often accompanied by fatigue, joint stiffness, and altered mood.
Individually, infrared saunas are known to help to relieve pain, stiffness, and fatigue – but does that mean that an infrared sauna is good for fibromyalgia?
Good question! Before we delve further into answering this one, let’s start with the basics:
What is Fibromyalgia?
Fibromyalgia is a chronic disorder that affects muscles, ligaments, and tendons of the body, causing a wide variety of uncomfortable symptoms such as muscular and skeletal pain, stiffness, and overall fatigue. Further symptoms may include:
- Decreasing resistance to pain on tender points
- Burning, twitching, and tightness in muscles
- Reduced quality of sleep and insomnia
- Increased stress, anxiety, and depression
- Difficulties with concentration and memory (fibrofog)
- Migraines
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Increased menstrual cramps
While the exact cause of fibromyalgia is still unknown, there is plenty of evidence that shows many with the condition have an imbalance of hormones in the brain, such as serotonin and noradrenaline.
As these hormones are linked to the brain processing pain signals transmitted with the central nervous system, effective fibromyalgia treatment often includes different approaches to improve a person’s symptoms, such as lifestyle changes, various therapies, in some cases, medication.
With approximately 1.2 million people affected in Australia, fibromyalgia is not an uncommon condition. With around 4% of the population with fibromyalgia, it makes sense that many look for alternative methods to manage symptoms.
8 Benefits of Infrared Sauna for Fibromyalgia
As infrared sauna therapy is known to help to reduce and alleviate chronic pain, stress, and muscle spasms, you may be joining the dots and now wondering “Is infrared sauna good for fibromyalgia?”
Infrared sauna is certainly not the cure for any medical condition. However, infrared sauna is a safe, healthy, and relaxing way to enjoy a number of health benefits that may help with fibomyalgia.
Here is a list of eight benefits of infrared sauna on fibromyalgia:
Improves Circulation:
Infrared sauna light are well known to improve blood circulation. Improved circulation can help to reduce those pain and stiffness symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.
2. Increased endorphins:
Endorphins are the body’s pain and stress relievers and as well as helping someone to feel great, the release of endorphins also improve the overall sense of well-being. As an Infrared sauna is an efficient way to enhance the production rate of these natural painkillers, this can greatly benefit anyone with fibromyalgia symptoms.
3. Muscle Relaxation:
Infrared light is great for supporting muscle and joint relaxation. Dilating and loosening the muscles, an afternoon in the sauna can provide the relaxation needed to help a person with the pain symptoms that accompany fibromyalgia.
4. Increasing Range of Motion:
Infrared sauna therapy will increase mobility and range of motion, helping to relieve joint and muscular stiffness.
5. Improved Quality of Sleep:
Regular infrared sauna use is known to improve the overall quality of sleep. Those who use infrared saunas in their overall routine find themselves falling asleep faster, and sleeping through the night – which can both help significantly with the symptoms of pain, fatigue, and mood changes.
6. Reduces Stress Symptoms:
Each of the different symptoms of fibromyalgia often lead to stress and restlessness. An infrared sauna can go a long way in reducing overall stress, particularly as it means taking time out of your day or routine to practice self-care.
7. Improved Mental Clarity:
Many individuals with fibromyalgia often experience fibrofog. This describes forgetfulness, problems remembering new information, and difficulties concentrating.
It may seem like a bit of a stretch – but infrared sauna sessions can reduce stress and anxiety, reducing the impacts of fibrofog and improving overall mental clarity.
8. Improved Immune System and Detoxification:
Infrared therapy has been shown to boost the immune system and promote detoxification. While these benefits are not directly linked to fibromyalgia, they are great for improving overall health and wellbeing, which can in turn reduce the symptoms, pain, or discomfort experienced.
So, Is Infrared Sauna Good for Fibromyalgia?
In short: Yes, it is evident from the benefits of infrared, that an infrared sauna is good for fibromyalgia. Regularly visiting an infrared sauna can help a person ease many symptoms associated with fibromyalgia. However, as with any medical conditions, we recommend speaking to your doctor before going to your first session.
A 12-week American College of Rheumatology study tested infrared saunas on participants who have fibromyalgia. The result: pain reductions of up to 78% after regular visits to an infrared sauna.
Why infrared sauna? you may be wondering. The answer is quite simple: An infrared sauna relies on heating the body, and can do so without reaching extreme or harsh temperatures, which is ideal for anyone who has a medical condition or illness.
Infrared saunas do not operate with the same high temperatures of a traditional sauna experience. Therefore, an infrared sauna is less aggressive on the central nervous system.
If you are looking for further information on the benefits of an infrared sauna on fibromyalgia, get in touch with our friendly team at Rimba Sweat today. Across our Manly and Neutral Bay studios, we’ll be more than happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.