Before reading this article, please note that this information should not be seen as medical advice and that you should talk to your healthcare practitioners prior to lifestyle changes.

Joint pain can be a significant hindrance to daily life, affecting mobility and overall quality of life. As Australia’s pioneers in hormetic technology, we have witnessed firsthand the transformative effects of infrared saunas on joint pain. This article aims to provide insight into natural remedies for joint discomfort, with a focus on the role of infrared saunas in alleviating these pains.

Natural Ways to Alleviate Joint Pain

Before delving into the specific benefits of infrared saunas, let’s explore some natural methods to manage joint pain:

• Regular Gentle Exercises: Incorporating daily stretches and exercises can significantly improve joint mobility and strength, aiding in pain reduction.
• Balanced Activity and Rest: It’s essential to listen to your body and balance physical activity with adequate rest.
• Weight Management: Maintaining a healthy weight reduces pressure on joints, thus alleviating pain.
• Mindfulness and Meditation: Engaging in mindfulness practices can help manage the mental and emotional aspects of dealing with chronic pain.
• Quality Sleep: Adequate sleep is crucial for the body’s healing process and managing pain.
• Therapeutic Massage: Regular massages can provide relief and aid in relaxation.

Infrared Saunas: A Natural Solution for Joint Pain

Infrared saunas have emerged as a powerful tool for managing muscle and joint pain naturally. Here’s how:

• Reduced Inflammation: Regular use of infrared saunas can lower inflammatory markers in the body.
• Enhanced Circulation: The heat from the sauna improves blood flow, aiding in pain relief and muscle relaxation.
• Weight Management Support: The cardiovascular workout induced by sauna heat aids in weight management, a key factor in joint pain relief.
• Stress Reduction: The relaxing environment of the sauna helps alleviate stress, further aiding in pain management.

Infrared sauna use has been shown to have a positive impact on our endocrine systems too. When our bodies are heated the endocrine system responds by increasing the production of Beta-endorphins (responsible for the “pleasure” and “analgesic” effects of a sauna), Norepinephrine (associated with improved mood, focused attention and raised heart rate) and Growth hormone (this hormone progressively declines with age and may contribute to sarcopenic obesity and frailty).

Does Sauna Help Joint Pain?

Yes, infrared saunas can be particularly beneficial in managing joint pain. A pilot study showed short-term improvement of pain and stiffness, and a trend towards long-term beneficial effects. This is especially true for conditions like knee pain, where inflammation plays a significant role.

Is Sauna Good for Back Pain?

Infrared saunas are also beneficial for back pain. The heat helps to dilate blood vessels, improving circulation and aiding in muscle relaxation. This can be particularly effective for chronic back pain, which is often exacerbated by poor circulation and muscle tension.

Tailoring Sauna Sessions for Maximum Relief

We recommend specific sauna sessions for those dealing with joint pain. Here are a few tailored approaches:

Ultimate Detox Session

The Ultimate Detox is the main session we recommend for all first-time users, although it’s also great for those with chronic inflammation on an ongoing basis. Set your sauna between 44 and 55 degrees. Before your session, enjoy a nice, hot chamomile tea. Chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and the hot tea will promote a quicker sweat. Enjoy a session for 30 – 45 minutes. Ensure you drink 1.5 – 2L whilst in your sauna, hop out, have a cool shower and enjoy the glow. Simple!

Inflammation Killer Session

Set the temperature 5 degrees hotter than you normally would. So if you like the temperature at 55, have the sauna at 60. Only this time, hop in for only half the time you normally use the sauna. Once time is up, jump straight out of and into a cold shower for 1 minute. Feel free to jump around and scream when you’re in the shower! It must be cold, not lukewarm. Repeat the process 2 times.

Hot-to-cold treatment has been used for centuries, especially in the birthplace of saunas, Finland and Sweden. Hot to cold treatment acts as a healthy shock to the system, and helps in greatly reducing the inflammation in the body. This is why pro athletes now hop into cold baths after they play sports. This session is best if your sauna is near a pool or a shower. If your sauna isn’t near the bathroom, you’ll just have to run through the house to get there!

Drinking the correct amount of water is vital for this kind of session; we recommend nothing less than 2 L. And use the orange colour therapy light to get the ‘hot’ feeling in the sauna.

Morning Warm-Up Session

The morning warm-up is great if you wake up stiff in the morning after a night’s rest (or a night’s discomfort for some). Pre-set your sauna to turn on 30 minutes before you get out of bed. Once awake, hop straight in. This time, use the movable heaters to target any particularly sore areas and enjoy the comforting warmth for 15 – 20 minutes. This will heat the body, get the circulatory system working, and may bring some relief and allow you to go about your morning without having a full sweat session.

Embracing a Healthier Lifestyle with Infrared Saunas

We understand that each individual’s pain and wellness journey is unique. That’s why we offer customised advice tailored to meet specific needs. Whether it’s adjusting the temperature, session duration, or incorporating colour therapy, our goal is to provide a personalised wellness plan that maximises benefits.

Joining the Found—Space family means more than just purchasing hormetic technology. It means becoming part of a community that values health and well-being. We provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure our clients make the most out of their infrared sauna experience. Enquire online to start your journey today.