Athletes, Sports Medicine and Far Infrared

Sports medicine professionals are using far infrared to help athletes perform better and speed healing/recovery. 

Far infrared therapy for athletes
Far infrared is valuable for athletes for numerous reasons. Far infrared therapy can improve circulation and loosen muscles. Here are some of the ways athletes are using far infrared:

• using before activity to loosen up tendons and muscles and aid in preventing injury. 
• increase circulation to injured joints and muscles - speeding recovery
• release nitric oxide in muscles to increase energy 

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Speeds recovery and recovery
"a 2015 study from the Journal of Athletic Enhancement, which sought to test the effectiveness of far infrared therapy with a group of 10 male athletes from track and field, gymnastics and baseball, found that the use of FIR heat for 40 minutes improves muscle recovery after intense training as compared to passive recovery methods." (S)
"FIR therapy has been shown to accelerate recovery of maximal strength, improve well-being and reduce pain more than passive recovery intervention."(S)

Speeds healing of injuries
"The heat from the infrared rays is able to go deep into the joints of an ailing athlete. As the heat relaxes the muscles around the joint less strain and pressure is placed on the region. This helps overcome the issue of low d circulation that exists in the body's joints and in-turn improves their ability to repair and heal.
Athletes with serious injuries such as sprains should follow the normal process of cold/compression after immediate injury. After the normal treatments have been administered the deep penetrating infrared heat will speed and ease the pain of recovery." (S)

Increases Nitric Oxide
Nitric oxide expands the blood vessels, increasing blood flow and decreasing plaque growth and blood clotting.(S)
Studies show that far infrared therapy increases nitric oxide production(S) Another study.

Burns calories
An average sauna session causes the release of half a liter of sweat and burns over 500 calories!

​Builds anaerobic capacity
 Far infrared sauna use increases the body's capacity for aerobic respiration which increases stamina. (S)

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