Osteoarthritis, joint pain, and inflammation have become increasingly common in the United States. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that more than 54 million Americans are struggling with arthritis and other forms of joint pain. That total is nearly a quarter of the adult population.
These pain issues have become dramatic enough to where people are resorting to prescription medications to keep their pains under control. But these pills aren’t going to correct the underlying issues causing the pain. You can use an infrared sauna to keep your joint pain or arthritis under control instead.
An infrared sauna is an alternative that provides a short-term improvement in pain and stiffness and long-term benefits in restoring joint function. This option for relieving joint pain is easier to manage than taking pills each day. Here’s a closer look at the many positive effects of an infrared sauna and what you can expect from how it works.
Release Tension In Muscles
The first reason why infrared sauna use is great for joint pain and arthritis involves how infrared heat waves can move well into your body and release tension. Infrared waves can penetrate up to three inches of tissue in your body.
The relaxation response triggered by infrared waves will allow muscle tendons to release their tension, reducing the stress they feel. The lack of tension also improves how well blood and oxygen can flow in the area, triggering your body’s natural healing response.
Boost White Blood Cell Production
One exciting benefit of an infrared sauna comes from its ability to improve white blood cell production. White blood cells are necessary for boosting your body’s immune system response.
Infrared heat will increase your body’s temperate, triggering a false fever response. The immune system is pressed into creating the white blood cells necessary for supporting your immunity.
Your body’s improved response will help heal your tissues and reduce inflammation. It becomes easier for your body to feel healthier as you continue using an infrared sauna.
More Effective Than Pain Medications
Many people with joint pain or arthritis use NSAIDs and other medications to relieve those pains. Some people go further and use prescription-strength opioids. These medications can block pain signals and stop muscle spasms, but they can also become addictive and expensive.
An infrared sauna targets the source of your joint pain and inflammation, reducing the intensity of those issues. The sauna’s heat is easier to handle than medications, and the risk of harmful side effects will be minimal.
Easy to Use
It’s also easy for you to use your infrared sauna. You can spend about 15 to 45 minutes in your sauna one to three times a week to help restore your joints and reduce inflammation. The timing is enough to keep you comfortable without making you feel too hot or intense.
You’ll still need to prepare for your sauna sessions beforehand. You’ll need at least three glasses of water before entering the sauna, as hydration is critical when you get in a sauna. Sweating is critical when in the sauna, as you’ll need to know when you are wearing out and need to exit the sauna.
A Concluding Word
Be sure you look at how well an infrared sauna can work for your joint pain or arthritis issues. An infrared sauna provides relaxing warmth that penetrates the body well without feeling rough.
You’ll find an infrared sauna to be more effective than if you used medications or other outside measures for your joint pain. Infrared heat relaxes your body and improves how well blood flows while also producing white blood cells. These features will help your body recover well while feeling your best.
FAQs
How common is arthritis and joint pain in adults?
About one in four American adults report joint pain or arthritis. These pains can occur anywhere in the body, but joints that are used more often are more likely to struggle with pain and arthritis. These issues also become more prominent as the body ages and become less flexible and capable of recovering well enough.
Is an infrared sauna good for your arthritis and joint pain?
An infrared sauna can help, as the heat waves from the sauna can enter the joint and loosen tendons to reduce stress. The heat also dilates blood vessels in the area, allowing oxygen and nutrients to flow through.
How does an infrared sauna reduce arthritis and joint pain?
The infrared heat from the sauna will penetrate the body as heat energy. The energy encourages improved blood flow and circulation in the area, supporting the body’s natural recovery.
Can an infrared sauna reduce inflammation?
An infrared sauna reduces oxidative stress in the body, preventing inflammation from becoming worse.