Infrared sauna is becoming more and more popular, and with good reason: it can draw on many studies documenting health-promoting effects. Infrared heat penetrates deep into the body, yet it is gentle and well tolerated by most people. As well as warming the tissue from within and stimulating detoxification through sweating, infrared heat offers a range of benefits, including strong pain relief. Below, we take a closer look at several studies.
Fibromyalgia: pain reduced by up to 78%
Study design and findings
Infrared heat therapy has been shown to reduce muscle pain in fibromyalgia patients by as much as 78%. 13 women at Kagoshima University Hospital sat in a 60 °C infrared sauna for 15 minutes, 2–5 times per week. They were then wrapped in blankets for 30 minutes to keep warm. Pain scores were halved after a single session, and the overall reduction was 20–78% after 10 sessions. In a follow-up study (44 patients), 3 months of sauna therapy combined with water exercises gave a 33–77% pain reduction; after 6 months the reduction was still 28–68%.
Try it at home
For steady, gentle heat, you can use the IR SaunaPod Sensitive or the IR Sauna Blanket Breeze for afterglow warmth and relaxation.
Narrowed blood vessels (PAD): 70% less pain
Study design and findings
In peripheral arterial disease (PAD), infrared sauna can reduce pain and increase walking distance. 21 patients received standard treatment; the test group also took 15 minutes of infrared sauna daily and rested wrapped up warm afterwards. After 6 weeks, pain was reduced by 70% in the sauna group (from 8.1 to 2.8 on the scale), while the control group did not change.
Try it at home
Sessions in the IR SaunaPod Active Maxi can be combined with calm rest afterwards in the IR Sauna Blanket Breeze Maxi.
Increased pain-free walking distance
Result from the same PAD study
After 6 weeks of regular infrared sauna, the patients in the sauna group were able to walk roughly twice as far without pain. No change in the control group.
Rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis: less pain and stiffness
Short-term 4-week study
In a 4-week study (34 patients), 30 minutes of infrared sauna at 55 °C gave a statistically significant temporary reduction in pain and stiffness. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported lasting improvement at the end of the study (not statistically significant – a longer duration may be needed).
Try it at home
Gentle sessions in the IR SaunaPod Active may support mobility; for daily relaxation between sessions, the IR Therapy Mat may help calm the nervous system.
Chronic pain: less pain and back to work
Multimodal treatment with and without IR sauna
In a study of 46 chronic pain patients, both groups received cognitive therapy, rehabilitation and exercise; only one group also received infrared sauna 5 times a week for 4 weeks. Both groups had less pain, but the sauna group showed significantly greater improvement and lower anger/aggression. After 2 years, 77% of the sauna group were back at work, compared with 50% in the control group.
Try it at home
Combine regular sessions in the IR SaunaPod LumaRed with calm recovery on the IR Therapy Mat for continuous, gentle heat.
What happens in the body during infrared heat therapy?
Blood circulation, oxygen and pain mechanisms
Heat widens blood vessels and increases flow to tissue and capillaries. With increased blood supply, oxygenation rises in areas with inflammation or injury, which may contribute to pain relief and faster tissue repair. Heat may also "flush out" pain-producing metabolites through increased circulation, and affect the experience of pain in a similar way to some painkillers.
Infrared sauna is therefore a relevant tool for poor blood circulation and various pain conditions such as osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia and back problems. For flexibility in everyday life, you can alternate between a SaunaPod and a blanket/therapy mat:
- IR SaunaPod Active: a compact SaunaPod for regular sessions at home.
- IR Sauna Blanket Breeze: easy full-body heat and afterglow warmth.
- IR Therapy Mat: targeted, gentle heat for daily relaxation.
Read about more health benefits of infrared sauna here.
Disclaimer: The content of this article is intended as general information only. Research on infrared heat and red light therapy is still developing, and individual results may vary. Our products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. Contact a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional if you have questions about your own health, diagnosis or treatment.
