5 Game-Changing Benefits of Infrared Sauna Therapy for Athletes

Pua Manu MedSpa combines ancient practices, wisdom, and modern medicine to enhance wellness and ensure a comfortable experience at our office in Kapolei, Hawaii. Infrared sauna therapy combines the best of both worlds. This technology, which uses infrared lamps and electromagnetism instead of steam or flame-stoked heat, has many wellness-oriented applications; however, it is particularly helpful for athletes at all levels and the many other active types who seek out our services. We have highlighted five of those benefits below.

1 – Accelerate recovery

As an athlete, you understand the importance of the recovery process or downtime between training. During this time, your energy is replenished and your body’s injured tissues start to heal. A study published in the Journal of Athletic Enhancement, reports that infrared-derived heat was associated with improvements in neuromuscular performance during an intensive, 5-day training period. These improvements support more challenging training and accelerated athletic development. Researchers contend that therapy is a helpful tool and a complement to other recovery supports (massage, nutrition, quality sleep, and so on).

2 – Rebuild muscles

The ability to rebuild muscles during intense training is essential to increase strength, boost metabolism, minimize the risk of injuries, and improve bone density and health. Leading infrared researcher Michael R. Hamblin reports that the use of red light and near-infrared light (NIR) can increase muscle mass while reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. This process of tissue stimulation, healing, and regeneration is known as photobiomodulation. When applied to the muscles as preconditioning before exercise, the light was associated with enhanced cellular activity, reduced systemic inflammation, the formation of new muscle fibers, and reduced post-exercise strength losses and muscle fatigue.

3 – Boost flexibility

In a study conducted at Auburn University at Montgomery, researchers found that stretches in the Sunlighten® infrared sauna elicited higher, greater, and more pronounced changes in acute flexibility in the hips, hamstrings, and low back than stretches performed in a “conventional” environment. Researchers note that this increased range of motion is associated with enhanced joint mobility, less joint friction, improved joint function, and diminished stiffness.

4 – Powerful detoxification

While not just of interest to athletes, the detoxifying effect of intense, sauna-induced sweating is particularly helpful for athletes. Rigorous exercise and training can result in an accumulation of toxins and metabolic waste products. This process can be offset with infrared sauna therapy, as sessions help to rid the body of these harmful substances. The heat also promotes improved circulation, which is vital for both recovery and performance, as well as your overall heart health.

5 – Mind over matter

The benefits of infrared sauna therapy for athletes go beyond the physical. As an accomplished athlete, you know that focus, concentration, and resiliency can either make or break your performance on the field, track, rink, or court. Our sauna services at Pua Manu MedSpa support the mental stamina essential to your physical stamina/sports performance. By creating a relaxing environment that envelops you in warmth, sauna therapy calms the nervous system and aids in managing stress and your ability to not crack under pressure. With regular use, infrared sauna therapy also encourages better, healthier sleep – critical to optimal sports performance and recovery.

Take your game to the next level. Call (808) 900-4351 to speak with a member of our team in Kapolei, HI, today to learn more about infrared sauna therapy and to schedule your visit.

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