Feel Like Your Body Needs More Than a Massage? Meet Infrared Therapy
Ever feel like stretching, massages, or even rest just aren’t enough to shake off muscle pain and stiffness? Whether it’s sore muscles from a tough workout, joint discomfort from arthritis, or lingering aches that just won’t quit, your body might need something more.
That’s where infrared therapy comes in. This gentle yet powerful treatment goes beyond the surface, working deep within your body to promote faster recovery and lasting relief. At Body Lab Studio, we use infrared therapy to help our clients feel better, move easier, and heal naturally. But what exactly is infrared therapy, and how does it work? Let’s break it down.
What Is Infrared Therapy?
Think of infrared therapy as a warm, healing light that works beneath the surface to help your body heal itself. Unlike traditional heat treatments that warm only the skin, infrared light penetrates deep into your muscles, joints, and tissues, delivering soothing relief from within. Here’s how it helps:
✔ Boosts circulation – More oxygen-rich blood flows to sore areas, speeding up recovery.
✔ Reduces inflammation – Helps calm down swollen joints and muscles.
✔ Eases pain naturally – No meds needed—just deep, penetrating warmth that soothes discomfort.
Infrared light is invisible to the naked eye, but its benefits are undeniable. Whether you’re dealing with everyday aches or chronic conditions like arthritis, this therapy helps you recover faster and feel better—naturally.
Key Benefits of Infrared
Therapy Infrared therapy isn’t just about relaxation—it’s a powerhouse treatment that helps your body recharge, heal, and move with ease. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, stiff joints, or lingering muscle soreness, this non-invasive therapycan make a real difference.
1. Chronic Pain Relief
Struggling with nagging back pain that won’t go away? Or waking up with stiff, aching joints? Research by Gale et al. (2006) found that infrared therapy significantly reduces chronic low back pain, with patients reporting noticeable relief after treatment. By increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation, infrared therapy provides deep, lasting relief for conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and muscle tension.
2. Muscle & Joint Recovery
Ever feel like your muscles take forever to bounce back after a workout? Infrared therapy boosts circulation, delivering oxygen and nutrients to sore areas, speeding up recovery and reducing that sluggish, heavy feeling. A systematic review (Tsagkaris et al., 2022) found that infrared therapy helps relieve pain from osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and other musculoskeletal conditions, making movement easier and discomfort less intense.
3. Joint Health & Flexibility
Stiff, achy knees? Lingering discomfort from an old injury? Infrared therapy has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation in osteoarthritis patients (Barry et al., 2022), helping keep your joints flexible and mobile. By promoting better circulation and cellular repair, this therapy supports long-term joint health and helps prevent stiffness from slowing you down.
The Power of Different Infrared Wavelengths
Not all infrared therapy is the same. Different wavelengths penetrate the body in unique ways, and understanding the difference can help you choose the best option:
- Near-Infrared (NIR, 700-1400 nm): Best for cellular regeneration and skin healing. It stimulates collagen production, making it great for post-workout recovery and anti-aging benefits (Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and increasing collagen density. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100.).
- Far-Infrared (FIR, 3000-100,000 nm): The deepest penetrating, FIR may support detoxification through increased circulation and sweating but is primarily recognized for its role in muscle relaxation and pain relief., deep muscle relaxation, and reducing systemic inflammation (Shui, S., et al. (2015). Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems: A systematic review. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 240(10), 1257–1265.).
Most infrared therapy devices use a combination of wavelengths to maximize benefits.
Who Can Benefit from Infrared Therapy?
Infrared therapy is especially beneficial for those suffering from chronic inflammation-related conditions, such as:
- Arthritis (Osteoarthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis): Helps reduce stiffness and swelling, improving joint mobility (Brosseau, L., et al. (2000). Low-level laser therapy (Classes I, II and III) for treating osteoarthritis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD002046.).
- Fibromyalgia: Alleviates widespread pain and enhances overall energy levels (Matsushita et al., 2008).
- Tendonitis & Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Speeds up tissue healing and reduces nerve compression (Naeser & Hamblin, 2011).
- Lower Back Pain & Sciatica: Penetrates deep into muscles and nerves to relieve tension (George, J., et al. (2006). Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial. Pain Research & Management, 11(3), 193–196.).
- Sports Injuries & Muscle Recovery: Enhances circulation and reduces soreness after workouts (Leal-Junior, E. C. P., et al. (2010). Photobiomodulation therapy improves performance and accelerates recovery of skeletal muscle fatigue induced by electrical stimulation in rats. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 42(2), 120–126.).
Some studies suggest that far-infrared therapy may contribute to significant pain reduction in some individuals with consistent use.
Is Infrared Therapy Right for You?
While infrared therapy is safe for most people, there are some cases where caution is advised:
- Pregnancy Precautions: While generally safe, it is recommended to consult a doctor before using infrared therapy during pregnancy due to increased heat absorption (Wunsch et al., 2019).
- Photosensitive Medications: Certain drugs (like antibiotics or chemotherapy drugs) may increase sensitivity to infrared light (Barolet & Boucher, 2014).
- Cardiovascular Conditions & Circulatory Issues: Since infrared therapy increases circulation, those with uncontrolled blood pressure or heart conditions should consult a doctor first (Beever, R. (2009). Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: Summary of published evidence. Canadian Family Physician, 55(7), 691–696.).
- Skin Conditions or Recent Surgeries: If you have open wounds, severe burns, or recent surgical implants, check with a healthcare professional before starting treatment (Schroeder et al., 2008).
Why Infrared Therapy is a Promising Approach for Inflammation
What Our Clients Say:
FAQs: What You Need to Know
How many sessions do I need to see results?
While some individuals report feeling relief after a few sessions, long-term benefits depend on consistent treatments and individual response. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized recommendations.
Does infrared therapy feel hot?
No, it’s a gentle, soothing warmth—not like a sauna or intense heat. You’ll feel relaxed, not overheated.
Can I combine infrared therapy with other treatments?
Yes! Many people pair infrared therapy with massage, physical therapy, or chiropractic care for enhanced results.
Ready to Experience the Benefits?
You don’t have to live with pain and inflammation. Infrared therapy offers a natural, drug-free solution to help you feel better, move easier, and enjoy life again.
REFERENCE
- Beever, R. (2009). Far-infrared saunas for treatment of cardiovascular risk factors: Summary of published evidence. Canadian Family Physician, 55(7), 691–696.https://www.cfp.ca/content/55/7/691
- Chow, R. T., et al. (2009). Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the management of neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo or active-treatment controlled trials. The Lancet, 374(9705), 1897–1908.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(09)61522-1/abstract
- George, J., et al. (2006). Infrared therapy for chronic low back pain: A randomized, controlled trial. Pain Research & Management, 11(3), 193–196.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1155/2006/876920
- Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. APL Bioengineering, 1(1), 011002. https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jcp/article-abstract/146/10/104701/195122/Spontaneous-polarization-of-vapor-deposited-1?redirectedFrom=fulltext
- Karu, T. I. (2008). Mitochondrial signaling in mammalian cells activated by red and near-IR radiation. Photochemistry and Photobiology, 84(5), 1091–1099.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1751-1097.2008.00394.x
- Leal-Junior, E. C. P., et al. (2010). Photobiomodulation therapy improves performance and accelerates recovery of skeletal muscle fatigue induced by electrical stimulation in rats. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 42(2), 120–126. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/lsm.20925
- Leal-Junior, E. C. P., et al. (2015). Effect of photobiomodulation therapy on exercise performance and postexercise recovery: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers in Medical Science, 30(2), 925–939.https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10103-013-1465-4
- Shui, S., et al. (2015). Far-infrared therapy for cardiovascular, autoimmune, and other chronic health problems:A systematic review. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 240(10), 1257–1265.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1535370215584932
- Wunsch, A., & Matuschka, K. (2014). A controlled trial to determine the efficacy of red and near-infrared light treatment in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, skin roughness, and increasing collagen density. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 32(2), 93–100.https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/pho.2013.3616
- Brosseau, L., et al. (2000). Low-level laser therapy (Classes I, II and III) for treating osteoarthritis.Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (4), CD002046 https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/ 14651858.CD002046/full
