Can an infrared sauna help with arthritis?
For those living with arthritis, lasting pain relief is a dream which they hope to achieve one day. Since many (pain-relieving) drugs can put a great strain on the liver and kidneys, many people look for an alternative method of pain relief.
Fortunately, heat therapy through an infrared cabin/infrared sauna for temporary pain relief and increased mobility can help. Besides pain relief, the infrared cabin can also help with detoxifying the body. This is especially important if the ir cabin user takes a lot of medications.
To be clear, an infrared sauna will not cure arthritis. But it can provide beneficial effects on muscle and joint pains for improved mobility.
With both a reduction in pain and increased mobility, a person may be more inclined towards an active lifestyle and better quality of life. As a result, the infrared cabin may (indirectly) also be able to positively influence mental mood.
What scientists say about infrared cabin and arthritis
Studies by Japanese scientist Dr H. Isomäki date back as far as 1988. Dr H. Isomäki can conclude that infrared heat can help with temporary pain relief and improved mobility. In later (2008) study by rheumatologist Dr Rasker and F.G.J. Oosterveld one can reach similar conclusion:
‘A pilot study showing good tolerance, short-term improvements of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects.’
Dr H. Isomäki's study also observed a trend towards medium- and long-term positive effects in some subjects. In the study, pain was attributed to a temporary increase in the release of noradrenaline, adrenaline and growth hormones (anti-inflammatory), and increased strain on the body releasing endorphins. Of those studied, temporary pain relief and improved mobility were observed in more than 50% of participants.
Another study conducted by researcher Dr Masao Nakamura affiliated with P&O Medical Clinic in Japan showed, that persons treated with infrared had reduced stiffness and felt demonstrably less pain.
The infrared radiation from the infrared cabin can penetrate deep into the body. This makes infrared treatment a very good therapy for people suffering from arthritis. Since the body responds to the heat by increasing accelerated metabolism and better blood flow. Treating the whole body with infrared rays is also a good workout for the body. Especially for people with arthritis who are often less able to perform a workout or sport.
An infrared sauna user says: ‘I am now 84 years old and have been taking an infrared sauna session every morning. I use it to loosen up my stiff joints before starting my day. Infrared saunas have drastically improved my quality of life and have allowed me to stay active and do much more than without my daily infrared sauna session. ’
Using infrared cabin for arthritis
If you suffer from arthritis, first consult your doctor about taking an infrared sauna. The infrared sauna in combination with diet, exercise and medication, can help a more active, pain-free lifestyle in which you wake up refreshed in the morning. When treating arthritis with infrared radiation, we recommend taking the infrared sauna in the morning . It is important to build up the infrared sessions gradually:
- First week: about 2 - 3 times a week
- Second week: about 3 -4 times a week
- After second week: May be used daily.
A 30-minute session is recommended. In addition, it is advisable to use a therapeutic infrared cabin that is equipped with infrared emitters in the back wall and infrared plate/carbon emitters on the side. Optionally, the infrared cabin can be equipped with short-wave infrared in the form of a full-spectrum radiator for an extra intense in-depth effect. Before sitting in the cabin, it is advisable to preheat it for about 5 minutes.
About SuperSauna, specialist in therapeutic infrared saunas
SuperSauna has specialised in selling infrared saunas and infrared cabins with a therapeutic effect for many years. Many customers suffer from a form of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and experience the pain-relieving effect of the infrared heat of our infrared saunas. We are also one of the few infrared sauna suppliers who can combine three different types of infrared heaters in one infrared cabin. Every person is different, so we can adapt the infrared cabin to your wishes. You are welcome to visit one of our shops in the Netherlands or Belgium.