Fibromyalgia sufferers deal with agonizing chronic aches, pains and stiffness. Insomnia, fatigue, headaches and emotional problems are all part and parcel of this condition as well. The search from relief from pain is constant.

The pain of fibromyalgia generally occurs in the neck, back, shoulders and hands and sometimes even in the hips, knees and ribs. A diagnosis of fibromyalgia requires a patient to have experienced widespread pain for a minimum of three months in 11 of 18 tender muscle sites.

It is estimated that fibromyalgia affects as many as 6 million Americans with most sufferers being women. There is no consensus on what causes fibromyalgia, but most doctors agree that patients with fibromyalgia can benefit from a combination of mild exercise, heat therapy, and relaxation. One of the most popular alternatives to medicine for the chronic pain, swelling and discomfort that comes with fibromyalgia is regular infrared sauna use.

Pain Relief

A recent Japanese study published in the journal Internal Medicine showed that chronic pain patients experienced a significant reduction in pain levels (nearly 70%) after the first session of infrared sauna therapy. Pain scores also decreased significantly and remained low throughout the observation period. Researchers concluded that infrared heat therapy is effective for chronic pain treatment.

Additionally, a NASA study done with near-infrared heat determined that LED technology allows for deep penetration of tissue and increased cell growth from the inside.

Finally, a 2003 study conducted by the Department of Dermatology and Institute of Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro, showed that use of near-infrared heat therapy helped the production of white blood cells to alleviate inflammation and reduce swelling, two key factors in easing bodily pain.

The infrared sauna at ºdegree Wellness is one of the only infrared saunas available in Jacksonville that offers LED-based near infrared heat at this proven level.