The study conducted by Shuji Matsumoto, Megumi Shimodozono, Seiji Etoh, Ryuji Miyata, and Kazumi Kawahira investigated the effects of thermal therapy, which combined sauna therapy and underwater exercise, on fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) patients. The research focused on 44 female FMS patients who participated in a 12-week program. The intervention involved sauna therapy three times a week and underwater exercise twice a week. The effects were measured using pain visual analog scale (VAS), the fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQ), and the short form 36-item questionnaire (SF-36) for assessing symptoms and quality of life. The results showed significant improvements in pain and symptoms, with reductions ranging from 31% to 77%, and these improvements were sustained at 6 months post-treatment. Additionally, there were notable enhancements in quality of life as measured by the SF-36, indicating that the combined thermal therapy approach was effective in improving both short-term and long-term outcomes for FMS patients.
This study supports the therapeutic potential of infrared sauna therapy, a form of thermal therapy, in the management of fibromyalgia. The significant pain reduction and symptom relief, along with improvements in quality of life, suggest that infrared saunas may offer an effective non-pharmacological treatment for individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. By increasing circulation, reducing muscle tension, and promoting relaxation, infrared saunas may help alleviate the widespread pain and discomfort associated with FMS. This research highlights the benefits of integrating sauna therapy with other therapeutic interventions, like underwater exercise, to provide comprehensive relief for FMS patients. The study was conducted by a team of researchers in Japan, and their findings offer valuable insights into alternative approaches for managing this chronic condition.
