Some chronic pain patients are in so much pain that they can barely move. Although exercise has been shown to reduce pain levels in patients, not all chronic pain sufferers can actually complete exercise. For those that cannot physically participate in an exercise program, a sauna can help get their heart rate up without having to move.
Subsequently, for athletes who are at-home recovering from an injury that is preventing them from working out or playing their sport, saunas can keep them in-shape and engage their heart rate in the same way while they rehab.
People who have used saunas at home report all kinds of benefits including lower blood pressure, increased circulation, better heart health, and more glowing skin. A lot of these advantages are attributed not only to a sauna’s ability to get the heart rate up but also, in how it initiates one’s sweating.
When we sweat, it’s our body’s mechanisms trying to cool ourselves off in moments where we’re overheating. Sweating also helps the body to clear out skin, prevent infection, and detoxify. Although there’s nothing that beats when the body’s engaged in a physical workout, anyone who’s restricted in what they can do, starting out with a sauna is a great idea.
When you walk into a sauna, someone suffering from chronic pain or an athlete with an injury should see immediate muscle and joint pain relief. Although this isn’t a guarantee for every user, numerous people report positive results when it comes to temporary pain relief. Beyond that, a sauna can also cause significant reductions in inflammation and pain related to conditions like fibromyalgia and arthritis.
Something else to consider is how it’s impacted athletic performance. Analyzing runners’ use of saunas, a study found male distance runners were able to decrease their 5K times by 2 percent after only three weeks of using a sauna post-training for 30 minutes four times a week. Athletes will also love to know that studies have shown saunas to be just as restorative as ice baths, foam rollers, and similar injury recovery methods.
A sauna is not about replacing existing workouts for people who do exercise regularly. If you’re able to work out, sauna sessions are supplementary. Consider using it as a cool-down session 10 minutes once or twice a week post-exercise. See how you feel during and after. Always hydrate well! If things go decent, continued use is a smart move. And, installing a sauna in your home can help take things to the next level in your fitness performance.
As luxurious a sauna can sound to people seeking to install them at home for injury recovery or chronic pain, remember, this is about healing. Sauna use is not about taking a vacation. It’s strategic. As enjoyable as the relaxation aspect of a sauna can be, regular use is required to achieve full health benefits.
If you’re looking to install a sauna at home, we can help. Steam Sauna are one of North America’s biggest steam room and sauna suppliers to homes and businesses. Customize your sauna according to who’s using it and your personal preferences. Safe, easy to use, and small enough to fit almost anywhere in the home, install your sauna in the corner of a guest room, in your bathroom, or even outdoors. Set your exercise and sauna schedule, and stick to it!