In this study, conducted by Akinori Masuda and colleagues, the effects of repeated thermal therapy were examined in patients with chronic pain. The research aimed to determine whether systemic warming, such as that provided by far-infrared ray (FIR) dry sauna therapy, could reduce pain and improve functional outcomes. The study included 46 patients with chronic pain, divided into two groups. Group A received a standard multidisciplinary treatment involving cognitive behavioral therapy, rehabilitation, and exercise, while Group B received the same treatment in combination with daily FIR sauna sessions for 4 weeks. The study assessed improvements in pain levels, pain behaviors, depression, and anger both immediately after treatment and two years later.
The results showed that both groups experienced a significant reduction in pain, pain behaviors, depression, and anger following treatment. However, Group B, which received the additional thermal therapy, showed slightly greater improvements, with a notable reduction in anger and a higher percentage of patients returning to work after two years (77% in Group B vs. 50% in Group A). These findings suggest that incorporating thermal therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan for chronic pain may offer enhanced benefits, particularly in terms of long-term functional recovery and emotional well-being. The study highlights the potential of infrared sauna therapy as a promising adjunct to traditional pain management approaches.
