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Does Infrared Sauna use help with Arthritis? (Study attached)
- February 8, 2023
- Posted by: roman
- Category: Health Benefits Sauna blog
TL;DR: YES. Infrared treatment has statistically significant short-term beneficial effects and clinically relevant period effects during treatment in RA and AS patients without enhancing disease activity. IR has good tolerability and no adverse effects.
Chronic inflammation in the joints brought on by arthritis results in pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility. Millions of people around the world are impacted by it, and there is still a need for effective therapies.
Infrared sauna therapy is one potential treatment that has grown in popularity recently. This therapy’s proponents assert that it can reduce arthritic symptoms including pain and stiffness while also enhancing the general quality of life.
Some, on the other hand, are sceptics and want additional research before accepting this course of treatment. This article will examine the most recent infrared sauna therapy research and its potential advantages for arthritis sufferers.
We shall investigate the operation of this therapy, the proof of its efficacy, and any possible hazards or negative effects. By the end of this article, readers will have a better understanding of whether infrared sauna therapy could be a useful addition to their arthritis treatment plan, read on to learn more about this horrible sickness and how Infrared Saunas may treat it.
What is Arthritis?
Inflammation, discomfort, stiffness, and decreased mobility are all symptoms of the widespread and chronic disorder known as arthritis, which affects the joints. The two most prevalent kinds of arthritis are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, while there are many more.
The deterioration of the joints over time leads to osteoarthritis. The cartilage that cushions our joints can start to deteriorate as we get older, which can cause pain, stiffness, and restricted movement. Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, although it most frequently affects the hands, hips, knees, and spine.
On the other hand, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system assaults the lining of the joints, resulting in swelling and discomfort. This can cause deformities and joint degeneration over time. The lungs, heart, and eyes are just a few of the body organs that rheumatoid arthritis can impact.
Psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout are a few examples of other types of arthritis.
A person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks, work, and engage in hobbies or social activities can all be significantly impacted by arthritis. Physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes like stress reduction, exercise, and weight control are frequently used in the treatment of arthritis.
So.., let’s learn how this disability could potentially be tackled by the use of Infrared Saunas!
How Infrared Saunas can help with Arthritis?
In this section we will talk about some ways an Infrared Saunas may help with the pain of Arthritis and all it’s struggles, we will also review a study on the matter to solidify our claims! Let’s dive into it…..!
Improved blood circulation
By promoting circulation, infrared sauna therapy may benefit people with arthritis. Blood arteries dilate as a result of infrared heat, increasing blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can support the delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the joints, supporting joint regeneration and healing. Also, the increased blood flow may aid in the removal of waste materials from the joints that contribute to pain and inflammation.
Lowering Inflammation
In addition to improving circulation, Infrared Sauna therapy can aid in lowering inflammation in the body. Reducing inflammation helps ease pain and stiffness because it plays a significant role in the symptoms of arthritis. It has been demonstrated that infrared heat activates heat shock proteins, which aid in protecting cells from stress and harm. By controlling the activity of immune cells, heat shock proteins can also aid in the reduction of inflammation in the body.
Easing joint pain
By lessening joint pain and stiffness, infrared sauna therapy may also aid in the treatment of arthritis. Muscles relax as a result of the sauna’s heat, resulting in improved flexibility and decreased stress. This can assist in relieving joint pressure, which can lessen pain and enhance range of motion. Endorphins are natural painkillers that can aid in reducing pain perception, and infrared heat has been proven to boost their production. We found 1 study conducted on whether the use of saunas may have an effect on arthritis patients.
Study 1
Infrared sauna in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis.
Here’s the content
To study the effects of infrared (IR) Sauna, a form of total-body hyperthermia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients were treated for a 4-week period with a series of eight IR treatments. Seventeen RA patients and 17 AS patients were studied. IR was well tolerated, and no adverse effects were reported, with no exacerbation of the disease.
- Pain and stiffness decreased clinically, and improvements were statistically significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001 in RA and AS patients, respectively) during an IR session. Fatigue also decreased.
- Both RA and AS patients felt comfortable on average during and especially after treatment. In the RA and AS patients, pain, stiffness, and fatigue also showed clinical improvements during the 4-week treatment period, but these did not reach statistical significance.
- No relevant changes in disease activity scores were found, indicating no exacerbation of disease activity.
In conclusion, infrared treatment has statistically significant short-term beneficial effects and clinically relevant period effects during treatment in RA and AS patients without enhancing disease activity. IR has good tolerability and no adverse effects.
Results
As you can see from this study, the use of saunas over 4 weeks drastically helped with pain and stiffness. Fatigue was also another thing that was improved fromĀ the use of the Infrared Sauna.
This study proves that regular use of an Infrared Sauna will work wonders for your pain and stiffness!!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the data indicate that infrared sauna therapy may be a good therapeutic choice for persons with arthritis, even if further research is required to completely understand the mechanisms of action and long-term safety of the therapy. For people with arthritis, infrared saunas have the potential to reduce inflammation, ease pain and stiffness, and enhance the general quality of life.
It’s vital to remember that infrared sauna therapy should be used as a complementary therapy to improve the effects of other therapies, such as medication and physical therapy, rather than as a replacement for them. Also, it’s crucial to see a medical expert before starting any new treatment plan, including infrared sauna therapy, to make sure that it is secure and suitable for your unique requirements and medical background.
Overall, the potential advantages of infrared sauna therapy for arthritis are encouraging, and it may be worthwhile to include this modality in a whole treatment program for people who suffer from this long-term ailment.