Infrared Blanket For Pain – Does It Really Work?

When you are suffering from an injury, impairment, or medical condition, many people will often seek out any options they can to stop their body from hurting.

This can be the case for those dealing with everything from mild discomfort to chronic pain.

However, with so many different options on the market, knowing which one to choose can be quite the conundrum.

While many options will only help with a specific type of pain, others will do nothing at all, preying on peoples suffering to con them out of their hard earned money.

It is therefore important to know exactly what you are buying, what it does, and if it will actually work.

One option that has been proven to offer a range of benefits is an infrared blanket. The question is, when using an infrared blanket for pain – does it really work?

Well, that’s exactly what we are going to be looking at today.

So, if you are considering purchasing an infrared blanket to help make your life a little more comfortable but aren’t quite sure enough to take the plunge yet, this is the article for you.

How Do Infrared Blankets Work For Pain?

Infrared blankets work by using an internal electrical heating system, powered by either batteries of being connected directly to the mains.

This allows you the choice of covering yourself for full body heat therapy or heating individual parts of your body to help treat specific ailments.

Heat therapy is well known to be an effective method for reducing levels of pain within the human body. However, it is important to understand how heat therapy works and the sort of pain that it can be used to treat.

As the body’s temperature increases while using the blanket, your blood vessels will start to dilate more effectively. This includes blood vessels in the tissue of the muscles, as well as any areas where the user experiences pain. 

This dilation helps to increase the amount of oxygen and nutrients that are able to reach the muscle tissue.

As a result, the rate at which the body can repair injured and damaged tissue is enhanced. It can also help to reduce stiffness in the affected areas, which further contributes to the pain reducing effects. 

The sensory receptors that are found on the skin are also stimulated during exposure to a heat source.

This can help to reduce the signalling of nerves, reducing the perception of pain and allowing you to remain more comfortable while your body heals the damage. 

Efficacy Of Infrared Blankets For Pain Relief

Over the years there have been multiple studies into the affect infrared sauna technology can have on pain in the human body.

The results have generally demonstrated that infrared blankets and heat therapy as a whole can have an extremely positive effect when it comes to providing pain relief.

One such study examined patients with conditions like ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis.

The results showed not only a significant improvement in the short term pain symptoms of the subjects but also a dramatic reduction in their level of stiffness.

A 2^nd study observed the effect of repeated sessions of thermal therapy on individuals with chronic pain.

It used a visual analog pain score system to provide an accurate view on the findings and saw the symptoms of those who underwent the thermal therapy improved across the board. 

Despite the compact size of an infrared sauna blanket, all of the evidence suggests that they can provide many, if not all, of the benefits of a traditional in-home sauna, while taking up just a fraction of the space.

How To Use Infrared Blanket For Pain

Exactly how you use an infrared blanket to achieve best results depends on both where the pain is located, as well as the design of the blanket itself.

In most cases, the user will lie on a comfortable surface, such as a sofa or their bed.

They will then either place the blanket over their body, wrap it around them, or climb inside it and turn it on.

While some will need the temperature to be set at the start, more expensive models will feature a remote to conveniently control the temperature throughout your session.

Those with pain in a single area can also wrap the blanket solely around the afflicted area, which will add a level of compression that can further aid pain reduction and healing in certain circumstances.

How Often Should You Use An Infrared Sauna Blanket For Pain Relief?

When you first begin using an infrared sauna blanket, daily sessions are not recommended, as you need to give your body time to adjust to the treatment.

The majority people find that these blankets are most effective if used about three to four times every week when starting out.

As your body then becomes more acclimatised to heat therapy, you can gradually begin to increase the frequency of your session, in order to maintain the same level of efficacy.

That said, in cases of more severe or chronic pain, the person may consider daily sessions with the sauna blanket from the outset, or as soon as their body begins to get used to the device. 

Best Temperature For Lower Back Pain Relief

There is no perfect temperature for treating lower back pain, as a number of different factors come into play. This can include the type and location of the pain you are using the blanket to treat, as well as the individual tolerance the user has to heat.

The user should ideally start out using the lowest setting, especially when they are new to the sauna blanket. They can then gradually adjust the settings until they find a temperature suitable for relieving their pain.

Experimenting with different settings until you find the most suitable option for your needs ensures you achieve the best results possible, without running into any unnecessary complications. 

Best Infrared Blanket For Pain Relief

While infrared sauna blankets all do a similar job, they achieve differing results based on things such as the quality and style of the blanket. We will now look at two options that are incredibly well thought of and which should be suitable for any needs you may have from this type of product.

The two options in question are the Mihigh Sauna Blanket and the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket. I will provide a summary of each option, to give you all the basic info. Meanwhile, we also have comprehensive reviews of each product for anyone who wants to get into the real nitty gritty.

Mihigh Sauna Blanket

The Mihigh Sauna Blanket was designed to provide a full-body sauna experience at home, in the most convenient manner possible.

It is made from top quality, non-toxic, water resistant materials, in order to provide the best experience possible.

The Mihigh Sauna Blanket measures 71 inches (180 centimetres) long and is suitable for users up to 6 foot 5 inches (196 centimetres) tall. It also has a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds (150 kg).

The blanket features a pocket-like structure, with the user climbing into the “pocket” before turning the device on. You then adjust the variable temperature settings to achieve maximum control over the amount of heat produced by the sauna. 

The addition of far-infrared heating elements in the blanket helps to detoxify the body, claiming to be seven times more detoxifying than regular heat.

It further assists in the pain reduction properties by relaxing and rejuvenating the muscles, while also taking care of inflammatory symptoms. 

The blanket is also able to help you burn calories, with the manufacturer claiming a single 30 minute session can burn as many as 600 calories.

When the individual is overweight, this number may be even higher and reducing body fat content can also help to further reduce pain in the long term. 

The Mihigh sauna blanket is available in both a single payment of $499 or four monthly instalments of $124.75. The company does not charge any extra interest on the instalments, while they also include a 30 day money back guarantee, so you can try it for yourself without any risk.

HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3

The HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 is an updated and enhanced edition of one of the most popular and effective sauna blankets on the market.

A number of new features set it apart from its rivals and allow it to provide one of the best and most convenient experiences you will find.

Among the new additions is a timer switch, which lets you pre-set the duration of your session.

This not only ensures you don’t run over your planned time, but it also allows you to use it when going to sleep, as you know it will shut off once your session is complete.

Another popular addition is a handheld remote control. This allows you to easily adjust the settings to any of the 10 different options, without getting out of the blanket, ensuring an optimal level of comfort and convenience throughout its use.

The infrared technology of the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 is detoxifying and helps to relax and rejuvenate the body.

At 71 square inches (180 square cm), it has a maximum interior circumference of 65 inches (165 cm) when in use, which ensures it is suitable for users of most sizes.

It is also available in two different colours, purple and red or black and green, allowing it to appeal to people of differing tastes.

One of the more luxury options available in terms of infrared sauna blankets, the HigherDose Infrared Sauna Blanket V3 is also slightly more expensive at $632. However, it is available in interest free instalments, which start as low as $40 per month.

However you purchase it, you will also receive a 1 year warranty, so there isn’t any risk if anything breaks during the course of normal use.

What To Consider When Buying An Infrared Blanket For Pain

When buying an infrared blanket for pain, the design is one of the most important elements you need to consider.

This includes everything from the size, structure, durability, and material of the blanket to the number of settings and additional features it offers.

You need to ensure the infrared sauna blanket you select is big enough to cover your entire body, while also checking the temperature settings meet your own needs.

This will guarantee you can achieve the necessary temperature on any body part you choose.

You then need to check the blanket is made from high quality materials, both in terms of the blanket itself, as well as its mechanical components.

This will help you to find a more effective system that will last longer, even with frequent use. 

The final major consideration is the technology included in your blanket. For example, if you select one with a remote control or timer you will have maximum control over the temperature and duration of your sessions. 

The type of heating system it utilises is equally important, as far infrared technology reaches deeper than traditional options, which could yield more benefits. 

Are There Any Side-Effects To An Infrared Blanket?

One of the best things about infrared sauna blankets is that they are a way to relieve pain without putting any chemicals into your body and placing yourself at risk of experiencing any unpleasant complications.

While some people have reported experiencing adverse effects, this usually only occurs if the user remains in the sauna blanket for too long, sets it to temperatures their body is not yet ready for, or uses it more frequently than is recommended. 

The most common complaints experienced in these rare instances have included dehydration, exhaustion, and heat stroke.

As infrared sauna blankets can cause dehydration, it is also important to ensure you are properly hydrated before and while using one.

Anyone suffering from poor levels of hydration should avoid using a sauna blanket until they rectify the problem, while drinking alcohol should be avoided before or during your sessions in the blanket.

Another instance where it is advised to avoid using a sauna blanket is when the user is currently ill.

There are also certain medical conditions that are considered inappropriate to use a sauna blanket while suffering from.

This includes people with low blood pressure, as well as those who suffer from certain cardiovascular diseases. 

Conclusion

An infrared sauna blanket is a fabulous way to combat pain, no matter how severe, without opening yourself up to any dangerous chemicals and their unpleasant side effects.

While it is important to be sensible and follow the guidelines while using one, most people will experience effective pain relief, without any complications.

There are options available to suit all budgets, needs, and styles, plus they can be easily stored away after use. This makes them a great option no matter how much space you have available.

If you make sure to select your infrared blanket carefully, you will be able to find one with all of the technology and features you want or require.

Now that you have a better understanding of the benefits this sort of product can offer, as well as the different options that are available, you should have everything you need to select the best sauna blanket for your own personal needs.

That means all that’s left is to go and purchase your chosen option, so that you can start reaping all of the pain relieving benefits as soon as possible.