Lady Gaga’s energetic stages have always brought fans to their feet – and just as with any form of high-octane showmanship, the need to sustain output during performances can be incredibly demanding. So, in 2016, it wasn’t too surprising when the pop star disclosed that she had been suffering from chronic pain for the past five years. And in her exploration of alternative treatments and physical therapies, the use of the home infrared sauna stood tall. We explore the science behind this treatment, and how Lady Gaga uses it to manage her chronic pain with the team at Sun Stream Saunas AUS.
The Science Behind Home Infrared Saunas
Home infrared saunas use invisible infrared light, which penetrates the skin to gently elevate the body’s core temperature. Even with lower temperatures than traditional saunas, this heat therapy still has the potential to induce an intense sweat, providing a host of research-backed health benefits. This includes improving athletic performance, pain relief, cardiovascular health, muscle recovery, skin anti-ageing, better sleep, and more. For people who suffer from chronic pain like Lady Gaga, these benefits can be critical in managing their pain and allowing them to live a better quality of life.
Lady Gaga’s Home Infrared Sauna Routine
In her Instagram post, Lady Gaga revealed that home infrared sauna therapy has become a key factor in mitigating her chronic pain. She mentioned that the treatment is especially helpful in soothing spasms brought about by the condition. The singer-songwriter combines this with the use of Marley silver emergency blankets, which trap the heat emanating from her body.
She highlighted, however, that she takes care not to overheat herself in her saunas, following it up with an ice bath or applying cold packs in areas experiencing pain. This practice is consistent with current contrast therapy research that supports the combination of heat and cold therapy for pain management.
How Home Infrared Saunas Help Manage Chronic Pain
Numerous studies have proven that infrared saunas help provide immediate relief to chronic pain without negative impacts. Some have even reported that the consistent use of this treatment reduced patient’s dependence on pain medication. This can be attributed to the following functions of infrared saunas.
Improved Circulation
Infrared saunas stimulate vasodilation or the dilation of blood vessels, improving overall circulation. The enhanced blood flow efficiently delivers critical nutrients to the muscles and ligaments, facilitating faster recovery and the removal of waste material from the cells.
Reduced Inflammation
Short term use of infrared saunas may actually increase the production of some inflammatory biomarkers. However, using it consistently for longer periods of time provides the opposite effect. In a 2017 study conducted on its medical applications, researchers found that more frequent sauna sessions lowered levels of C-reactive proteins, the most important biomarker for inflammation, which can consequently lower overall inflammation by a whopping 33%. For chronic pain patients, this sole function can help them achieve long-term pain relief.
Increased Beta-Endorphin Levels
Heat therapy, as experienced in infrared saunas, stimulates the release of beta-endorphins like dopamine and serotonin. These are the body’s opioid-like natural painkillers that have been proven effective in lessening feelings of severe pain. This release of endorphins also promotes the feeling of relaxation, shifting the focus away from the pain.
Key Takeaway
More than just a wellness trend, infrared saunas have proven to be effective complementary treatments to a wide variety of health issues, including chronic pain. Lady Gaga’s incorporation of infrared saunas into her wellness routine demonstrates how it can be helpful in mitigating pain and allowing her to enjoy normal day-to-day functions.
For those interested in starting their own infrared sauna journey to help manage their chronic pain, it’s best to first and foremost consult with a healthcare professional. They can tailor the treatment to your needs for optimal results.
At Sun Stream, we provide high-quality home infrared saunas to help you meet your health and wellness goals. Explore how our products can help you now! Contact us for more questions or inquiries.